Where the last leg of our adventure in the “before-times” began, the first leg of our 73 day adventure in the “after-times” begins! All checked into the Southern Sun, we have a lovely room on the 10th floor overlooking the “other Southern Sun” hotel (obviously something else before being converted), the courtyard and pool – which is blessedly quiet as we will have the windows open for the fresh breeze during our stay.

Bags and stuff quickly stowed, we march out into the beautiful, but chilly sunshine to walk off those really, really long flights and to stock up on beverages and supplies for our 5 day stay here. We end up going back to the Spar grocery store we visited when here in 2020. It’s only a 5 minute walk and we know they have what we will need – including a Tops liquor store for beer.

Even though we are in a new location (for us) it is easy to get our bearings, and we enjoy walking the streets – even though the homeless problem here is just as large (if not larger) than in Asheville. There are tons of people out on the street begging. Our driver had mentioned this on the way from the airport – how the economy has been so bad, it has hurt so many people in this way. Such a sad, sad shame.

Nevertheless, we make it to the store, grab some excellent wine for the equivalent of $2.40 US, beer and snacks, then head back to the room to freshen up and relax a bit before dinner.

We are on our own tonight and tomorrow, all day, before the tour, so we have scoped out a couple of places we want to eat (is anyone surprised? No, didn’t think so.). Tonight it is Bouchon – not at all like our Bouchon at home. This Bouchon is a small plates restaurant, more reminiscent of tapas than French, with an excellent selection of dishes. We had booked a reservation – thankfully – because the place ends up being jam packed fully booked! We can see why – it is totally worth it!

Even though they were small plates, there was so much food! Crispy squid, tuna carpaccio, lamb meatballs, Boa buns with teriyaki beef, pulled lamb and feta spring rolls and pork rillete- which was way too much for me – I barely ate that terrine at all! Totally scrumptious and we are full, full, full and happy to have at least a little bit of a distance back to the hotel to walk off all this great food.

Day one has successfully come to an end….looking forward to our “museum” day tomorrow.