Across the Atlantic, it’s already winter for real—Feng just called and told me it’s been snowing all day, with more on the way.
I’m not going to claim it’s T-shirt weather in France—unless you’re Canadian—but it’s still fall, not winter, and I’m not cold yet except at night because my mum’s apartment isn’t heated.
In both France and Canada, it’s November, and November isn’t a particularly cheery month. It’s dark and dull, grey and gloomy, one of those months we just have to get through.
In Nantes, city staff have been busy decking out pedestrian streets to create seasonal magic with wonderful illuminations. A giant Christmas market will eventually turn the downtown core into a festive wonderland, but for now, the red and white cabins are being assembled, and it looks like a giant mess—picture an IKEA nightmare, times fifty. I feel sorry for the employees.
Warm nights are behind us, Christmas is still a work in progress.
Is there no magic at all in November?
Well, I got my shot completely accidentally.
It started when I went out looking for our nightly dinner baguette—yes, this is a very French story, I know. I was walking briskly and purposefully because securing a fresh baguette towards the end of the day is a competitive sport considering we all need one.
Suddenly, I noticed that everyone was looking up.
Alien invasion?
No, just a giant rainbow.
We all stopped walking, pulling out phones to snap a picture. “Look, a rainbow!” “Did you see this rainbow?” “There’s a rainbow over there!”
The rainbow was apparently quite happy to be the focus of attention. Instead of disappearing, it just glowed stronger. You just couldn’t miss it—it seemed to be arching over every street around.
Yes, I found my baguette, thank you for asking. I told the employee about the rainbow outside, and they went out to check it out—it was still there, getting brighter and brighter.
My second November magical moment was just as unexpected. Yesterday, I went for a walk along the Erdre River, and not only was it warm, but the colours were absolutely stunning.
So much for cold and grey November! So far, it’s been pretty lovely, and it makes me happy.
