There is one thing here that I have decided is possibly the greatest invention of all time; the magic of French outdoor cafés.
More specifically, outdoor cafés that allow dogs. I have decided to save the best for last the place I get to go and watch people eat. Usually this happens after I am already fed. I know her technique. Mom says we are “going for a walk,” which sounds innocent enough, but somehow we always end up wandering down little cobblestone streets filled with smells so interesting I almost forget where I am going.
Almost.
Mom lets me stop often so I can sniff the latest updates along the route. She does not seem to understand that this is basically the dog version of reading the news online. Who was here? who had chicken? It’s all important information.
This time, however, she is walking faster than usual, focused and more purposeful. Then, I smell it.
Bread.
Butter.
Meat.
Something with cheese.
The Magic of French Outdoor Cafés
As we get closer, I realize with complete joy that we are actually going there. There are other dogs everywhere sitting beside their people with the same expression, hopeful. We sit at a small outdoor table along a narrow little street where people stroll past slowly as if nobody in France has ever been in a hurry a day in their life.
Before I can even settle near Mom’s feet, a server arrives with a large bowl of water just for me. Life is good.
Then it happens.
A beautiful piece of bread appears near my paw like a gift from the universe itself. I have to swallow it quickly because Mom has an unbelievable knack of noticing the exact moment I find something wonderful. Somehow every exciting thing on the ground is immediately called “No!.” Honestly, I do not know how she sees half the things she sees.
Slow Living
As I sit and people watch I see people waving their hands without any commands, I see others talking while a perfectly good pastry is just sitting on a plate. Or, I see a human order a tiny cup of coffee and stay for hours, I admire that level of commitment.
Still, I like these outings better outside than being inside. There is more to watch, both people and dogs, all sorts of mouthwatering smells while life is busy happening all around us.
In the end, the food always smells incredible, of course. But the best part is really the walk there, sitting beside her, and seeing so many of my kind simply included in everyday life. That is the magic of French cafés
Thanks for being here,
-Soraya & Lucy
Traveling Through France With a Dog: Lucy’s Guide to Pet-Friendly Travel
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