young whippersnapper painting the town green.

I've had a cold/fever the last few days so I've not bee very productive. Yesterday I basically sat in my room shivering all day even though my skin was hotter than the sun. This morning, too, I was meant to get up and go to Ile de Ré to interview some oyster farmers for my project but I still felt like crap so I went back to sleep until the early afternoon. Which, in hindsight, was a good idea because I don't have a fever anymore! Although on the other hand it means I'm lacking in some pretty important material for my dissertation.

To get out of my rut I went into town in search of caffeine, food, interviews and photographs. I grabbed a coffee on the way (don't you hate that term 'grab a coffee'), and saw my first photo opportunity. This cheeky lad adding some fresh paint to a derelict building near the town centre. He looked like a mini pro with his glove and his Eastpack bag crammed with fresh and old cans. After getting a few shots I headed to a renowned seafood restaurant in search of an interview about oysters. No sooner had I walk in the door, though, I was back out on the street, interviewless.

The maitre d' told me firmly and border-line rudely that he had no time for an interview. Even though the restaurant was empty and all I asked for was 5 minutes at most. I should have said I was from Lonely Planet or something and that I would be filing a bad review on the service section of their restaurant. He wouldn't have believed me for a second. A baggy eyed, sniffly, hoody wearing, skinny jeaned, messy haired 20 year old writing about restaurants for the Lonely Planet. Well actually, on second thoughts...