Something about these reptilian tiles tells me they are not as old as our church (built here in La Ciotat in 1603. The cement tiles, it turns out, were set down 8 months ago, during a partial renovation). I do like them, though, and you? Some say the salamander is symbolic. Of what, I wonder? My friends from North Dakota and I had hurried into the 400 year-old église to escape the deluge outside. More, in today's column, below.
Today's word: dégouliner
: to drip, trickle, bleed
Example Sentence and Audio File, text read by Jean-Marc:
Click here to listen to the sound file
Couler lentement, goutte à goutte ou en filet. La sueur lui dégoulinait dans le dos. Peinture qui dégouline du pinceau. -les-synonyms
To slowly pour, drop by drop, or in a stream. Sweat trickled down his back. Paint that drips from the brush.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
Il y a des jours comme ça! Grrr! I've lost the previous version of this post–poof, just like that! At times like this I am tempted to jeter l'éponge, or throw in the towel. Speaking of sponges and serviettes (oh, the power of French words to get us back on our feet again!), we could have used those last week, during le déluge. Instead, my friends from North Dakota and I ventured out into la pluie–unwilling to let a few too many raindrops gâcher notre vie!
First stop: home! Brian, Miranda, and Erin stopped by our (still-under-renovation) house, to pet Smokey. Wearing K-ways with built-in capuches they were ready to face the upcoming cloudburst, or rafale de pluie.
Beautiful carved wooden door and anciennes tomettes carrées. Looking out to the Vieux-Port from inside Notre Dame de L'Assomption
How would you like to live behind a briocherie? Would you be tempted to stop there each morning? I hope you are reading closely, because this is a first hint about some news we have to share with you. Here's hint number two: the next time someone asks me the following question, I may be able to say "Oui!"…
"Kristi, do you know of a place I can rent in La Ciotat? A darling little place overlooking the port? One where I won't mind climbing 3 flights of stairs to get to that magnificent view?"
Enough hints. On to the next pictures (all taken by Erin) which have nothing to do with the upcoming news (except that they are near the historic old port of La Ciotat–just like that neat short-term rental unit!)
Standing with Miranda and Brian in La Place Sadi Carnot. This little square is usual alive with bistro tables and people enjoying the sun, but, as stated earlier, pas de soleil today! A note about Place Sadi Carnot–it was part of the ancient cemetery, surrounding the church, in Roman times.
The scent of roasted chicken drew me and Miranda (still wearing her trusty capuche) right into this Boucherie Orientale.
Voilà, those were just a few more photos from my friends visit. You can see part one (Cassis) here. And Miranda has written more over at her blog. If you click on the smaller photo near the end of this blog, it'll start the seconds-long video of the stormy sea. What a contrast to those beautiful and peaceful tree blossoms in the foreground!
FRENCH VOCABULARY REVIEW
dégouliner = to trickle (rain), drip (paintbrush), run (make-up)
gâcher la vie = to ruin one's life
une église = church
une éponge = sponge
le déluge = downpour, torrential rain, The Flood
la serviette = towel
K-way = windbreaker or raincoat
la capuche = hood
les anciennes tomettes carrées = old square terracotta tiles
la rafale de pluie = cloudburst, blowing rain, rain squall
Merde!: The Real French You Were Never Taught at School (Sexy Slang Series)
Paris-themed mini umbrella
T-Shirt "I Don't Need Therapy I Just Need to Go to France."
La Roche-Posay sunscreen - rated top by Consumer Reports
Nothing says "summer in the south of France" like these wonderful quick-drying towel used in Mediterranean countries
Autumn excursion in France, especially for women – "Women in Burgundy: Life, Laughter, and the French Paradox” October 18 to 27, 2018 – includes two nights in Paris. Click HERE for details.
"Cercis siliquastrum." These beautiful arbres de Judée, or Judas trees, are blossoming all over town! You can just see the raindrop on the edge of that lower branch of this "redbud tree"… the drop about to dégouliner or trickle down to the ground. I hope you enjoyed today's périple, or trek through La Ciotat. See you in a few days.
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Google says that the salamander is a symbol of immortality, rebirth, passion, and the ability to withstand flames. I love the tiles you showed us. Thank you for sharing your life with us, Kristin!
Hi Kristi. Enjoyed your post. La Ciotat is beautiful and I look forward to visiting the town again.
Thank you for all the wonderful pictures. Love the floor in your reno – looking like getting close to finish? With everyone inside you can really see the city streets etc. Happy Tuesday!
Beautiful photos, all of them. What a treat to meet in person years after meeting by phone and mail. And such travellers are your friends! Your ow ln home is shaping up to look better than its first construction, I think.
*that is to say, your own home
Thanks for posting all the photos of La Ciotat, Kristi! I love following your blog but now that you are in La Ciotat, it has a special interest. My father-in-law spent an extended period of time in La Ciotat back in the 1930s. He was visiting his Uncle Sam, who lived there. He had fond memories of La Ciotat and would tell us about his time there and the places he went. One of them was the Hôtel de l’Universe, up on a hill, which, I’m sure is no longer there! Our next trip to France will include La Ciotat to retrace his steps as a young man in the town where he learned to speak French!!!
The Salamander was the symbol of Francois Ier, king of France. One can see it in many of the chateaux associated with this king.As Diane has noted above, the Salamander is powerful as was this king.
Beautiful photos of Ciotat and the raging sea!
Good morning, Kristin. Your question regarding the salamander took me back to paintings of Francois I and buildings of his day where the salamander is always featured as the king’s emblem. Like Diane I checked out the Internet which led me to agree with her comments. One of the articles also mentioned the salamander was used as a symbol on firemen’s coats and trucks so I checked with my cousin’s son-in-law, le pompier, and he said, “Well in the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury the firefighters do have salamanders on their coats and trucks. Firefighters in this book also burn down houses as well as books. It’s not a symbol that’s widely used in the fire service.” Good to know. I’m going to the library this morning to check out the book. Mainly what your question did was put me in touch with a young man whom I admire very much. Merci bien.
AHh the Salamander was associated with “le roi” In fact will have to try and find the story behind this church as it was the church both my brother and cousin were baptisted in the early 70’s. Thank you for sharing. I am also tickled to here that you will be renting out an apt. YAY .. Please let me know as I am excited for my husband and I to make a return trip.
Other memories also include: the visit’s of Jacques Costeau au vieux port !!!1 will have to share some memories and pictures !
Ahh le memoire
Brigitte Nicole
Great post today. Is that a redbud tree (arbre de Judee)? Loaded with blossoms.
A gecko for good luck! They’re not salamanders on the tiles, but our own provençal geckos, a type of lizard, with those lovely feet with suction cups. You also often see them on Mexican tiles.
Exciting news about the rental apartment. Good idea! Ideal to do that in your own town. I’m sure it’ll be booked all the time.
Bises,
Sophia
Kristi,
Lovely photos and the video of the stormy sea is playing while I write. Do keep us posted regarding the little rental. We would love to consider it for our next visit over your way.
Bises.
Our dear Kristi,
After reading another one of your (always!) wonderful posts today,once again I am certain that God led you and your dear family to this beautiful place to enjoy the next stages of your lives,in happiness and blessings.The beautiful pictures fill us with a quiet sense of peace and magic.
Thank you for sharing this with us!
Love
Natalia. Xo
PS Next to a briocherie,with one warm from the oven each morning??
MAIS OUI!! YUM!!!
Can’t wait for your news!
Kristi,
Tell us more about the rental. As you know we have rented twice in La Ciotat and would again.
Kathleen
It ALL sounds lovely; friends; rain drops; and a vacation rental to come!! I also thought of King Francois 1st and his salamander symbols everywhere-but maybe the little critters are geckos-seen in Mexico and Hawaii! 🙂
The salamander was a symbol of François 1er, I think
Hi Kristi,
Enjoyed your post and the previous! The weather sure looks blustery….same here. Seems like winter does not want to let go!
I didn’t know that the redbud was also known as the Judas tree. One of my sister, Margaret’s, favorite. It’s a harbinger of spring. Have you and JM bought an apartment that you will be renting out?