I’m writing this in the dining room of our hotel, while the owner … is preparing to bug bomb our room and readying a new room (or maybe rooms) for us.
Bug bombing?
We may have a bedbug infestation on our hands (and my legs). I have angry red welts all over my inner thighs and legs and they seem to be bedbug bites (sorry, no photos, feel free to use your imagination).
Justin (who doesn’t have any of these angry-red welts) isn’t so sure and thinks they may be a series of mosquito bites.
I’m leaning toward bedbug bites. I showed them to the owner of the hotel, which was a bit embarrassing, but what choice did I have? We have two more nights here and I only have a limited amount of unscathed skin remaining on my body. The owner seemed to think they were bedbug bites. Then he did a thorough search of my bedding and mattress. I’m not sure if he found any, I didn’t see any evidence, but he said he’d “bomb” the room and that we couldn’t stay in it, it was not safe, and that he’d move us to other rooms on the third floor. Better safe than sorry (a phrase that sounds better in French).
Bedbugs are a big problem here in France, especially in Paris. I don’t think the owner wants an infestation in his hotel or even rumors of one. He said nobody else has had them. Yet. Including Justin, who slept in a bed next to my bed. So, lucky me.
Other than the bedbug issue, the riding in and around Vence has been fantastic. We’ve climbed the Col de Vence twice, from each side, and the views just might be the most spectacular so far. Then again, I tend to always think the most recent spectacular view is the most spectacular view. Here’s another photo …
Yesterday, Saturday, there was some sort of charity ride up the Col de Vence and at least 25 English-speaking people were part of the ride. They all met up at the top and celebrated. The two we talked to (who seemed British) said they lived here, but we’re not sure if they meant full-time or had a second home here. Most of them passed us on the way up. I always used to be one of the fastest riders in any group I was riding with. Now, not so much. Even the thought of standing up on my pedals and racing the never-ending string of cyclists who pass me up a 7-percent grade makes me tired.
Today we did a different loop and climbed the backside of the Col de Vence at the end of our ride. There were cyclists everywhere, many wearing matching team/club kits. Cycling is huge around here. And for good reason. Here’s another photo and a video…
The Biking France Blog 