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Yellow, blue, red, green, pink: all the colours one can find on the pallet of a child's painting spread out harmoniously in Le Pré Vert, creating a place of poetry and charm.

As the first rays of the sun break through the day, at the foot of the Sainte-Anne church, a shaded terrace protected by an arbour tree shelters the customers, keeping the sights and sounds of the pedestrian district at distance, ideal for a hardy breakfast or brunch. A delicious cup of coffee or tea made with freshly picked herbs accompanies an original plate of delicious delicacies.

Le Pré Vert is also known for its monthly exhibitions of local young artists' works. All wrapped up with a great sense of humour. You also are given the possibility to express your artistic/written talents on your next trip to the bathroom (I won't reveal more). Great fun!

For all lovers of sushi, this is the place to go in Montpellier.  Personally I have eaten in many Japanese restaurants (since I have a passion for the culinary culture of the Orient), and it is deliciously presented, not only in taste but also for the eye.

There are two possibilities: either to eat at the table or, the more adventures possibility, seated directly at the sushi bar itself (which is in the shape of a boat, and the food itself is transported through the water on small boats). From there you may pick and choose as you desire as often as you desire. You are able to view the quick staff preparing the food in the middle as well.

The choice is immense: salad, sushi, sashimi, maki, desserts, etc. Just sit back and enjoy being transported.

For years I had been contemplating the idea of having a tattoo done. This is a decision that should require a lot of thought, because once you have it done, it will escort you for the rest of your life.

I had made the final decision up on my arrival in Montpellier. I researched several studios in and around the area, and to my satisfaction, found the suitable one for my requirements:

"Monkey Dreaming Studio"
15 Rue des Trésoriers de la Bourse
tel. 04 67 66 87 55

Internet Site: www.mdstattoopiercing.com.

They allowed me to do a thorough inspection of their facilities, which secured me in knowing it was a clean area with qualified artists. I brought them my choice of design and they adjusted it to a proper size, so all I had to do was come by on my appointed date to have it done.

I was quite nervous and was not just sweating because of the heat when the day finally came to have it done. I suppose that, this is something the Team there is well accustomed to, and as I was told, there are those who do not show up. This is why they ask their customers to put down a €25 deposit to set up the appointment.

Fortunately, I had school that morning, so I was able to keep my mind on other things. I must admit that it had crossed my mind not to go, but the will was stronger then the fear.

I actually arrived a few minutes too early, but that was not a problem. A young man by the name of "Kevain" wearing a "Stetson" type straw hat, dressed in jeans and a black muscle shirt, bringing his many colourful and beautiful tattoos to shine, came to greet me. His English was as bad as my French, bringing forth a lot of giggles, but we understood each other even though there was a language barrier.

He took me back in to one of their five sterile artists’ rooms, closed the curtain behind us, and began to explain the process to me. First thing to do was marking the area for the placement of the tattoo, which for me was between my shoulder blades, upper back area. Then I laid myself, face down, on the examination table, which was covered with paper (just like when you go to visit your Doctor).

Before beginning Kevain explained to me that he would perform a short run, so I could get a feel for it. He was honest in telling me that it would probably cause some discomfort and is usually the most painful part of getting a tattoo. I completely let myself go, relaxing by doing breathing exercises and gave Kevain the cue that he could begin with the "test".

To answer the most widely asked question: DID IT HURT?

Everyone’s pain level is different, but as for me, I "hardly" felt anything, just a light scratching sensation when Kevain did the outline and somewhere it actually felt good. After about 45 minutes, the outline had been completed, which is the most time consuming part of the process. We took a 10 minute break, at which time Kevain offered me something to drink and I was able to take my first look at my tattoo.

Back on the table, Kevain began with the "filling". This was a different sensation, which likened that of a harder scratching affect being dragged from side to side over your skin. This was due to the fact that a different set of needles are used for the filling. The instrument injects pigments (color) at the rate of 50 to 30,000 times per minute into the second layer of skin. A single needle outlines the tattoo and the design filling is done with five to seven needles in a needle bar. It is bearable, but certainly not the most pleasant sensation in the world. On some parts I was wincing a bit underneath my brave facade (I just kept saying to myself, breath and stay loose).

After about 1 hour the buzzing of the tattoo gun quiets and Kevain says, with satisfaction; "We are finished!" I was ecstatic and could not have stopped the big smile on my face even if I had wanted to! I craned my neck around to see the artistic addition to my body, which I knew was an impossible feat due to the location of my tattoo, but I tried anyway. Kevain smilingly handed me a mirror and I was able to enjoy the end results without injuring my neck!

Up on leaving I was handed a certificate personally signed by my tattoo artist, along with the after-care instructions (which he took the time to thoroughly explain). Since the colour(s) run out of the skin for the next few days (the bodies way of rejecting the foreign object), I highly recommend wearing an old t-shirt of sorts (don’t wear white as I did!) and be prepared that this statement also goes for your bed covers, and anything else your tattoo may come in contact with. I was asked to return after 2 months for a control. Sometimes it is necessary to go over the area of the tattoo, which has lost too much of its colour.

The after-care is vital to the longevity of your tattoo. The care is adjusted to individual instructions, depending where your tattoo is located. I was allowed to remove the bandage after 4 hours and after waiting 24 hours before showering; I was permitted to go back to my normal routine (just "pat" the area dry). During the first 2 days I had to apply a thin layer of ointment (Bepanthen 5%), 3 or 4 times daily. Thereafter I was able to apply a fragrance free, natural lotion.
The normal healing time is 2 to 4 weeks.

The big NO – NO’s:

Do NOT pick or scratch the tattoo (it will itch). The flaking and peeling is not pleasant, but a natural part of the healing process.

Do NOT soak the tattoo during the healing, incl. NO baths, hot tubs, pools, etc. and
NO BEACH!

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and after it has healed the regular use of sun block (30 to 45 SPF) is recommended.

Remember, a tattoo is forever! Some people may think that is a way to express their individuality, others see it as an art form. But before you walk in to a tattoo studio, you should know exactly what you want to put on your body.
For me personally, I did not want a tattoo on an area of my body that would always be visible. It is not a matter of caring what others may think; instead it’s a matter of my personality. I like things to be hidden. Getting glimpses of it is more intriguing than having it totally exposed. That is also why I made the decision not to include any photos of my tattoo.

My tattoo represents my lifestyle.

The cost of my tattoo carried €200, but it was well worth the price. The work was done professionally and clean. It took about 2 hours in total, and in that time I was also able to close some good friendships.

WARNING: Tattoos are addictive.

A QUICK HISTORY LESSON:
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Montpellier’s history begins in the 10th century, otherwise referred to as the "Walled City" due to its 25 towers that once circled the city.

Back in 985, Montpellier was first mentioned by famous writers and poets, subdued by the Count of Maguelone and Guilhem. With its excellent location, it quickly became a popular route for pilgrims travelling to Compastela and in turn quickly turned in to an important commercial and harbour place, making their citizens wealthy with the exchange of Spices and Paints.

During the rein of the King of Aragons (from 1204 to 1349), Montpellier fell in to the hands of the French.

King Louis XIII seized the protestant city in 1622, at which point the "Citadel" was built and Montpellier became the capital of Languedoc. During the 19th century the wine industry was introduced and played a major role in the flourishing development.

Montpellier has grown over the years making it the eighth-largest city in France.

PLACES TO VISIT:
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A pedestrian’s paradise, the labyrinth of stone covered streets, is rich with historic architecture, Churches and hidden courtyards. The main streets lead to the covered market, "Halles Castellane." The near laying bars and Restaurants of "Place Jean Jaures," are active until late in to the night.

More intimate locations can be found on "Place St Ravy," or the stylish "Place de la Canourgue". An area popular among students, are the less frequented streets on the north side of the city centre. The nearby "Esplanade Charles de Gaulle"(otherwise known as the two fountain park), presents numerous cafés, markets and festivals. Near lying you will also find the Musée Fabré (which was unfortunately closed for renovations during my visit).

"Figuerolles" is an Arab quarter, where the music and aromas evoke the North African roots. Here you will find numerous inexpensive shops, restaurants, and bars, away from the tourist trails.

On the "Promenade du Peyrou" you can find one of France's oldest botanical gardens, the "Jardin de Plantes" (no entrance fee).

Behind the walls of "St Roch" (pronounced St Rock) you are able to enjoy local concerts underneath the impressive stained glass windows, also providing you with a glimpse in to the history and traditions of Montpellier. A spectacular sight as well, "St Anne" impresses with its magnificent architectural structure and is now mainly used as an exhibition place.

Around the "Railway Station", running in to the "Rondelet District", there are many restaurants, bars and popular hot spots such as "Cargo", the "Antirouille", the "Saxophone" and the "Diagonal Centre Cinema". The built in the '60s shopping mall "Polygone" adjoins them in the '80s constructed wonder, neoclassical "Antigone." The entire length of the Antigone district can be done easily by foot, reaching the end in 20 minutes. One of the highlights for me walking through this district was the "La piscine olympique," located vis-a-vis the Central Media Library of Agglomeration Emile Zola, 195 avenue Jacques-Cartier. If you are not in the mood to walk one can reach the area with the Tram line 1 (station: place de l'Europe).

This grand complex combines swimming, gymnastics, and a library to cultivate the body and spirit. Here, all is transparency and play with light. Only the colour of the main masts, which cap it, weaves one feature of union with the neoclassic external environment. The entrance, the reception located on the upper level, offers an immediate perception of the Olympic-size swimming area, and to the right of the dancing waters of the ludic pole are a sliding roof, toboggan, fast river, bubbling baths. The Olympic-size swimming pool also shelters a solarium, with 180m² of exposed terrace. After the long swim, one can quench their thirst and hunger (lunch or dinner) on the terrace overseeing the pool area. Great place, great fun.

Heading in the same direction, towards the end of Antigon one will stumble up on the many Restaurants / Bars, popular HOT SPOTS such as the "Australian Bar", well known for its two for one drinks offers and specials, visited intensely by the students . The surrounding area presents the recently developed districts, Les Aubes, Richter and Port Marianne, which are dominated by block apartments, student halls and university buildings.

Via Tram (station: Odysseum) you can venture to the nearby, newly built "Odysseum Leisure Complex", which provides over 19 movie theatres under one roof for round-the-clock entertainment. A planetarium is also located in the same complex area. They are still in the process of building this area up. But still a lot of fun if you have nothing to do on a rainy day.