At the market, they originally meant to buy something practical. Colombine suggested fruit, Lu Cia something fragrant and Mea something that would fit in her palm. One lemon met all three requirements. They had not yet agreed on its further programme.
Illustrated fiction inspired by original Travel2City photographs. The places come from separate journeys, not a one-day itinerary. Characters, dialogue, props and some composition and lighting are artistic interpretations.
In Vence, Mea held their purchased lemon on her palm as though they had won an unusual travel prize. Full fruit crates surrounded them, and the market hummed gently. Colombine asked whether one would be enough. Lu Cia replied that it would certainly suffice for admiration. Mea studied it briefly and declared that it had a lovely shape. For such a small purchase, it received a surprisingly ceremonial welcome.
“Excellent. We have fruit and a subject for conversation.”
In Antibes, the lemon moved briefly into Colombine’s care. She raised it near her nose and closed her eyes. Mea objected that she was missing the sea view. “For a moment, I have another one,” she replied. Lu Cia laughed, watching the yellow peel stand out against blue water. Warm tiled roofs lay below them. Ordinary fruit was becoming a suspiciously good guide, despite not having said a single word.
“Some views can be enjoyed with your eyes closed.”
Before a yellow facade in Nice, Lu Cia compared the lemon with the wall and declared them distant relatives. Colombine thought the building looked rather more ceremonial. Mea defended the lemon: it lacked carved ornament, but at least it fitted in a bag. They stood there conducting a very unequal contest. No winner was declared. One yellow offered shade, while the other still promised refreshment.
“Architecture is lovely, but difficult to slice into a glass.”
Above Monaco’s panorama, three glasses of water finally stood on the table, each with a slice. The remaining lemon rested on a saucer. After all the admiring, smelling and comparing, their purchase had found its practical purpose. Mea raised her glass to a good choice. Colombine added that the lemon had travelled without luggage. Lu Cia took a sip and decided it had carried one thing after all: their shared good mood.
“Cheers. To small purchases with surprisingly full programmes.”
From notebook to book
The Map with No Last Page
Travel2City journeys continue between the covers of a book. Discover our illustrated travel world.
