Not so nice, Nimes

Yesterday, I spent my day in Nimes, after doing Son's duty of dropping off Mother and Sister at the local airport.

The morning went by well. I wandered the narrow streets, sipped on an espresso, and sketched some strange locals.

This guy left before I could finish his face.

I caught this guys eye. He knew I was drawing him. It was obvious. Yet he appeared to be holding the same pose and continuously chain smoking for 20 some minutes. I considered giving him the copy. But then I thought that would be weird. Best to keep life as a mystery. Plus in my personal experience, it is more flattering to be drawn than the actual end result!

It was just before lunch, when I was ready to return home, when I had a bit of drama.

I was walking past the admirable Roman coliseum,  when a young man of Roman decent (the gypsy type not  an italien) approached me pointing towards a form that he had held in his hand. I did not say a word but smiled amiably. He showed me the form. I read 'petition for the deaf and muted'. I immediately took pity on him for he was obviously deaf and so I agreed to sign the petition! And such, he was overjoyed! So much so he even hugged me. I gladly returned the hug as it is in my nature to do so... more hugs the merrier. Yay!

Except, as I began to write my details, I read on to the column DONATION. Ah... Now it makes more sense. My consciousness regained control. Dammit this guys after money not my signature. Ahwell, I still pity him so I'll pass him 1 euro. But when I gave him 1 euro, he wanted more!!
  "Go to the cash machine" he signaled with his hands.
  "Ah forget it!" I gestured and walked off.

Then I realised, Holy Crap did he just pickpocket me!? 

I checked my pockets. My heart rate rose. No. Phew, everything's here. Yet he had stired something in me. I was bitter. That was a one sincere hug! No. I felt like I had been slashed in the heart by the sword of stupidity. I had been ignorant, unaware, I had been a target... a tourist!!

Normally I'm on high alert. In France, I feel at home. That day I let my guard down. I settled my emotions by sitting down to draw the Colosseum. Ah nothing like some rigid and methodical Roman architecture to cool yourself down. I was ready to call it a day and head home.




Only then, in my returned state of calmness, I was attacked by whilst driving by another car driven by an angry French Algerian (probably), for driving below the speed limit! Godammit, my heart rate went up again as he overtook me whilst honking his horn. Unsurprisingly he sat still in traffic ahead of me and as a casually rolled up behind him, he could not resist the temptation to gaze back at me in an angry, menacing manner.

I didnt want to drive home feeling blue, white or red emotion. Instead I stopped for a sandwich and admired another Roman relic. What if Marine LePen had made it to the second round? The thought stayed in my head. I felt as though I had had a glimpse of France's immigration issues and frustrations. Whats the solution? Who knows, but the Romans did not belong here and look what they left us behind.