Whilst bathing in my privilege of travel, there are, of course, creature comforts that only exist at home. We started taking, Marion and I, about the small pleasures that we miss from Paris. So I thought whilst waiting for my next flight in Kochi airport that I’d write a few of them down.
When I get home I want to:
Make two cups of tea with full fat milk and take them to bed, drinking the first with haste, stinging my tongue with the heat so that the second isn’t too cold. I could make a pot but I like this method. The ritual of making two cups feels generous, as if one is for someone else, maybe sometimes it is, but for now I’m happy to drink both myself.
Get half dressed (a coat over pyjamas and maybe some jeans) to go downstairs to the boulangerie. I will buy a pain au chocolat, a croissant in case I change my mind whilst walking the twelve metres back to my front door, half a tradition for my lunch later and some orange juice. This flaky breakfast will be eaten across my messy round table, a space will be cleared next to 5 months worth of post, my open handbag, a burnt out candle. If the window is open, the crumbs will infiltrate all of these objects.
Take my bike (first must buy a new bike) and cycle to meet Dawnie. We will meet on Rue Amelot and get a coffee from Dreamin Man. A latte with cow’s milk and just one shot of coffee. The coffee will last until we are hungry enough to cycle to the 10e to buy a lahmacun from Urfa Durum and, of course, un sandwich au poulet.
To feel thirsty and drink water straight from the tap from the pint glass that Basile accidentally stole from La Bella Citta at Mia’s birthday the night when England lost to France in the World Cup. Refilling the glass greedily a downing a pint of clean and crisp water in a frantic rush.
I’ll be home in three weeks and these small things will feel immediately joyous but soon after I’m sure I’ll regret wishing for banality during this spice voyage that we’re on. So for now, on arrival in Sri Lanka I will continue to make the most of every delight that comes my way. Starting with this gluttonous breakfast spread from our homestay in Kandy.
Sent from my iPhone so please forgive any or many formatting or spelling errors!