That Teaches Me a Lesson!

So I religiously bring my camera everywhere with me, just in case something eventful happens in front of me. Weellllll... The first time I don't have my camera with me is a wonderful, hysterical, life changing event taking place in the main square of town. Yes, a farmer riot complete with tractors. Folks, I am in the "Iowa" of France. This was amazingly funny thing to stumble upon walking home from the doctors this morning. So apparently the Farmers are pissed at the French president (Sarkozy?) because he is making laws that are hindering the Farmers. So there was a demonstration/riot in Clermont today. There might have been 100 tractors that were blocking the streets and filling up the square, all honking, hooting and hollering. This was the most organized thing that I have ever seen in France, no wonder it was a riot. It seems the two things the French can do best are riot and push their job onto someone else.
So besides tractors and farmers fighting for their rights to make wine, I had to go to the doctors today to get a "clean bill of health" in order to complete my visa application. I was told on Thursday, I needed it done by the following Friday. It really goes to show how little people are checking up on one another. But this was a mutual screw-up, and I was able to get an appointment at the doctors.
This is how:
1) showed up at the doctors right when they opened the door
2) came with two other close friends who needed the same thing
3) asked for an appointment
4) was refused
5) explained I couldn't reenter France after October break when I would be leaving the country if I did not have this finished
6) was told it's impossible
7) asked again, emphasizing that I would not be allowed back into France
8) someone starting looking at the times that were available today
9) kept standing there, not letting anyone else get in line ahead of me
10) still standing while they debated
11) got an appointment right away with the doctor and was whisked off in a half hour to take my height/weight and blood pressure

It really goes to show that to get something done in this country, you just have to stand there. You're presence alone will often make them double check. Also being a poor confused American doesn't hurt either.

In foodie news:
I am sorry readers, but I have tried a "French" french fry from McDonald's, and I don't think it's that bad. I did not feel like my heart was seizing from the grease on it while I was eating, nor were my sodium levels raging out of control either. I do say it was pretty good. Although not as good as the chocolate. I went into their version of a Target with more food section today to buy chocolate. I bought the cheap store brand pack of 3 bars for 1,50 euros. I swear this stuff was 100 times better than Hershey's could ever dream of being! Mmmm, but for all the pastries and bread and cheese, I am starting to miss plain sauteed or steamed veggies. All the cream sauces make me not want to eat the veggies. It's very sad. Maybe I'll suggest for me to cook dinner one night, and I'll use lots of garlic! But I can't make it too spicy. Otherwise they'll freak. Oh well!
Peace, Love and more GARLIC PLEASE