Shops

Yesterday* we drove to the beach. The ironing had worked its magic and the sun remained out stretching its golden fingers to caress the surrounding countryside. We packed the car with beach type essentials: spade, surf boards, towels, mats etc., and set off. I watched the scenery fly by as we cruised along dual carriageways. It consisted of wide open spaces with occasional clusters of shops. Shops in other countries are always more interesting than those at home, especially given the mystery of an unknown tongue. I should know how to speak French better than I do. But I was a naughty girl at school and did not pay attention. So now I believe that there is a wedding supermarket in this corner of France. As we drive past Point Marriage I admire the manikin brides and wonder if there is a drive through facility:

‘We’ll take the express service with three bridesmaids in lavender and fries on the side.’

‘You wanna supersize that?’

It could catch on.

Later I see numerous signs for Housses Auto and I have visions of a home where everything is done automatically. The beds, the dishwasher, the laundry. I would pay for one of those. I would kill for one of those. But I suspect that this is not what is for sale. I suspect that it could be a bungalow on wheels. Or even a campervan. I prefer my vision.

The last shop to set me giggling is Bazaarland. Its sign is purple with gold lettering interwoven with golden stars and planets. It looks like a bargain basement type of shop where everything is one pound, lasting just until you get the packaging off. If you are lucky. But I want to go in. I want it to sell Aladdin lamps and magic carpets. I want the air to be thick with smoke from hookah pipes and to find turbaned gentlemen dripping gold jewellery, their feet squeezed into sparkling curly pointed shoes. The only place I have found selling carpets was a market. I tried one out. I sat cross legged in the middle and commanded it to fly. It did not. I will not pay good euros for one that does not work. The Captain has refused to take me to Bazaarland. I am sure I could get one there. And maybe even a proper Aladdin lamp complete with genie.

* When I say 'yesterday' ... are you beginning to spot a theme here?