One of my favorite things to do while traveling, is pick up on the small of nuances and behaviors, particularly those that have to do with everyday life. Not only do you get a sense of what it may be like to call a place “home” but it’s a tiny window into people’s real lives. A repeated behavior– no matter how unremarkable– can say so much.

I took this photo outside my Airbnb in Bordeaux earlier this year. Every morning, 10 am on the dot, this older gentleman would  make his way to the wine shop on the street corner, passing me each time. Within about 10 minutes he was back with his newspaper and a few bottles of wine.

I imagine him and his wife of 50+ years spend their days talking current events and enjoying glasses upon glasses of Merlot. Perhaps in France, I’m a morning person too?