Toulene ( France) | La Bulle - 19 Sept, 2023

La Bulle (The Bubble) is a cafe/restaurant in Toulenne, France, and an entrepreneurial venture started in February 2020.

"My friends are having a reception this evening to unveil their new endeavor and food trailer in Toulene. Do you want to join me and the boys?" asks Céline. Yeah. It would be an excellent opportunity to meet people and see what creative endeavors people are pursuing in these parts. "Great! I think you'll enjoy it. It is near Langon, not far from here," she says.

Toulenne, France, is a small town northwest of Langon, France. The town is about 1/3rd the size of Langon, with only 2,600 people living there. 

The setup at La Bulle is similar to an open house, with guests bringing wine and various appetizers. People are gathered in the restaurant and outside when we arrive. I am curious about and looking forward to my first social event. This type of event is hard to partake in when I travel solo in another country. It is hard not because I am nervous or uncomfortable but because I am not plugged into these types of gatherings. It feels like an intimate neighborhood gathering where everyone knows each other. It differs greatly from the social events or mixers that solo travelers usually partake in, where no one knows each other.

I wander around, exploring the restaurant and meeting people while Céline mingles with friends. I am enjoying myself and the challenge. It can be hard at social events knowing only one person. But today, I am at ease and am enjoying finding common ground with strangers in my native tongue. I must be completely present to understand their accents and articulate my thoughts to keep the conversation going. Sometimes, it is a challenge as I find myself searching for words. Then, I let go of the idea of finding the perfect word and articulate my thoughts or feelings in other ways, which works great.

While mingling, I noticed a visual history of La Bulle on the walls. They have documented the entire endeavor from the start in February 2020. The visual storyboard describes how the business and the employees have evolved. Although catering was not their original vision, it has become an essential part of the business, contributing to their success. However, they needed to evolve into this niche as opportunities presented themselves. 

Céline waves me over. When I get there, she says, "This is my good friend Aline. She is one of the owners here." Enchanté Aline. I was just admiring your entrepreneurial journey on the walls. "Yes. It has been quite a journey. Not the one we thought we were embarking on when we started this venture, but it has worked out great," says Aline. We get to know each other. Then Aline asks, "Have you seen our latest venture,  the trailer?" I'd love to see it.

At first glance, the trailer appears to be an ordinary food truck.

However, looking at the interior, I can tell that something is different. Especially when I notice the big machine, with the white lid on the left-hand side when I enter the trailer. Aline, this is incredible! Have you even used it yet? I ask. As I wait for Aline to respond, I can tell she is very proud of her new trailer. "It's been used twice but not by me yet," she says. What is that in the corner by the door? I ask. "That's what makes this whole thing work. It's a commercial water bath canner," she says. Aline then proceeds to inform me of how their canning operation will work. They aim to take the canner directly to the producers and help them conserve their harvest. Aline doesn't get into details of their business plan, but I find it to be an interesting business venture. 

I climb into the trailer and admire the layout. As I stand behind the counter overlooking Aline and Céline, who are conversing outside, Céline looks up and says, "You look very comfortable up there." I smile and say, what can I get you? This is the first time I've been inside one of these mobile trailers, and I do feel comfortable here. My head is spinning with ideas. I remember a few conversations I had last winter with Joni in Colorado. Today helps fill in some more pieces.

Later, Aline and I converse again as her staff hand out sandwich appetizers. "I spent a year in Montréal. I enjoyed it a lot. These are my take on a grilled cheese sandwich. It's a very Canadian thing that I am not sure people in France understand yet," she says. These are very good, Aline. Well done. There are few things that the French need to learn yet, I say. Then, the two of us laugh.