jbq on their travels

Tuesday 6th November

2007-11-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

The last 5 hours of the flight seemed to pass much quicker. Once again we tried to sleep and only managed to doze now and again. We amused ourselves with the in flight videos and music, reading on and off and doing the usual walk around and stretching to keep the blood moving . I'm sure the support stockings helped, though they did itch and it was very tempting to push them down to my ankles.
Finally we were over Sydney and we enjoyed the most spectacular views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Sydney all glowing in the early evening light. The buildings all lit up made it all very impressive. Truly a great welcome home.
As we were nearly an hour late because of London we had to wait until they could open up a gate for us to disembark. We sat there on the tarmac for another 15 minutes as they looked for a tug to finally pull us us to the gangway and hitch us up.
Arrival at Sydney we went through the duty free and purchased a replacement camera, unfortunately all too late for the blog, which seems to lose some of its, whatever, without the photos.
We picked up our bags and made our way through quarantine and customs.
As we had been in Rural France in the last 2 weeks I had to go through my bags to get my shoes out so they could inspect them. Beatrice had thrown hers away before she left so didn't have to produce hers.
Shoes out I pulled the socks out forgetting that I had also stuffed the golf balls Michael had given me so I spent some time chasing around the customs hall after them as they bounced around. With my golf balls recaptured and my shoes sterilised and the stones crushed that had been caught in the treads we went out into the arrival hall to be greeted with waves and shouts from our two dear daughters whom we had missed very much and were now so happy to be with once again.
We loaded the bags into Marisa's car and drove home through the rain and the dark for Beacon Hill.
Tired and exhausted we were happy to be home once again after nearly three and half months. It all felt very strange, however we knew it wouldn't take us long to sort ourselves out and settle back in once again. Knowing that our trip would all seem to have just been a dream.
In conclusion we have to say we have enjoyed our adventure and if you have been glancing at the blog every now and again you would have read that we have been lucky enough to have met some great people and seen some great places and enjoy the opportunity to live in France as a local.
I've enjoyed writing these notes and hopefully you have enjoyed reading them.
We are happy to know that Mum is safe and settling in and happy with her decision and with her email and skype up by next week we will be back in contact with each other once again.
Over our jet lag, I now finish off our blog and say goodbye until our next adventure when ever that might be.
Thank you.

Monday 5th November

2007-11-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

Up early,bags packed and downstairs we ate our breakfast and wondered how Mum was getting on. We were all so proud of her and knew that she deserved the care and attention she would be getting at Primrose Lodge.
Suddenly it was taxi time and finding him already waiting outside we took our bags out and he loaded them in the back.
Goodbyes again as we hugged and kissed Sue thanking her for letting us stay with her and for all the help, love and care that she continues to give Mum.
Our taxi driver whisked us away through the back streets to avoid all the morning traffic and in no time at all we were dropped off at Terminal 2 to check in.
Everything went very smoothly, our bags were checked in, thankfully not being required to pay excess baggage, through the security gates and into the terminal departure lounges.
Nearly 3 hours before we could board our flight, we had a coffee and read the newspapers keeping an eye on the board to see our gate number for boarding.
We were back in our usual seats in the rear of the plane, just two side by side next to the window just as we had requested.
Regrettably we sat there at the gate for an hour as we had to wait for some transit passengers who had been delayed from another connecting flight.
Eventually we took off for Singapore which we would see in 12 hours time.
Needless to say sleeping didn't come too easily to either of us as we looked over in amazement at other passengers around us who had already put their eye shades on, wrapped their blanket around themselves and fallen asleep.
I ate all the meals and against all advise on flying drank the wine and had a whisky. We managed to doze on and off,read a bit and watched a few movies and TV programmes to pass the time away. Stretching our legs on a regular basis we walked around and made use of the space behind us to do some other exercises , eventually arriving at Singapore in a torrential down pour.
We all had to disembark taking all our hand luggage with us as they were going to clean the plane.
It was a good opportunity to stretch our legs again as we walked the terminal looking at the shops before reboarding the plane and going through all the security checks . It is very satisfying to know that all these security checks take place and that everyone is scanned.
Still raining we took off for the last leg of our journey and once up above the clouds we were into the clear blue sky and sunshine heading for home.

Sunday 4th November Christchurch

2007-11-04T04:10:00.000-08:00

Today Mum decided that after she had finished her cup of tea in bed and had a brief look at the paper she would join us for breakfast at the table.
It was just like old times as we sat there and chatted whilst we ate our cereals and toast.
We were waiting for the arrival of Sue who was coming down to help Mum sort out some of her clothes that she would be taking to Primrose Lodge.
We decided that Sue and I would take mums suitcase, some photos, pictures and other personal items to her new home so we could have it all in place for when she walked into the room, to give it a more homely feel and also placing Dads photo and watch by the bed, in the usual spot.

The fridge was almost empty as most of the perishable food had already been eaten, however Beatrice was able to put together a great baked potato with a mushroom filling and a green salad, which we all sat down at the dining room table to eat with a little wine to help ease it down.
The time inevitably arrived for us to load the car with the last few items and make our way to Mums new adventure.
Making sure the power and heating had all been turned off we closed the front door and walked down the stairs and out to the car.

10 minutes later we drove into the forecourt and parked the car. It was great welcome that Mum received from the staff who remembered her from the time she had a previous spell there recuperating for a few weeks.
Walking into the room it felt so better as many of Mums personal items were in place as she was helped to her chair and offered a welcome cup of tea which she eagerly accepted.
We chatted and discussed where the computer could go and which chair she would have Michael and Richard bring from the flat when they visited later in the week.

It was a very emotional time as I said my goodbyes to Mum, not knowing when I might be able to visit her again. However it was a very good feeling knowing that she would be well looked after with all her meals prepared for her and plenty of company when ever she felt like it along with one of her oldest friends in the room next door to her.

With the knowledge that when the spring comes and if Mum is feeling a lot stronger she has the option to return to her flat for the summer if she wishes to.

We returned to the flat once again to pick up Beatrice and collected our bags and making one more check that everything was OK before we locked the door again.

The three of us set off for London as we wanted to cover most of the trip before it became dark as Sue prefers not to drive then.

As we sped up the motor way we were chatted about how we thought Mum was going to settle down in her new home. However we were all happy with the fact that Mum had made the decision that she felt she should be somewhere she could get some help, with her meals all provided and help at hand if she needed it. She will also have other people around her so she shouldn't feel so lonely during the winter months.
Sue remarked on how light the traffic was as we passed through the countryside. The leaves on the trees were all turning a beautiful golden colour as the Autumn sets in. The light of dusk gave it all a magical appearance.
Stopping of at Kate's apartment to see how she was getting on after she and Stuart had spent the day moving her things back in after the damaged roof had been repaired.
We then went back to Nos 61 to have dinner and enjoy a good whisky and a bottle of red wine ,or two.
It had been a long and emotional day and now it was time to say goodbye to Stuart as he was leaving early in the morning and we wouldn't be seeing him again before we left.
We ordered the taxi for 7.30 in the morning to take us to Heathrow said goodnight to Sue and went upstairs to finish our packing and try to get some sleep.

November 3rd Christchurch

2007-11-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Today we spent the time helping Mum with her bits and pieces.
With Sue coming tomorrow to help her,she started to sort out some of the clothes she wanted to take with her.
The three of us sat around the table and talked about all sorts of things as Mum joined Beatrice & I celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. A day we shall both remember for the emotion that we all felt, as our eyes glistened with tears.
I sit here typing this as Mum is having her afternoon nap, the flat is very quiet as Beatrice sits on the balcony and only the sound of the clocks ticking and the occasional whirring of the laptop breaking the silence

4pm
Mum is up and we have our afternoon tea and cakes.

Christchurch Friday 2nd November

2007-11-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Another glorious start to the day. Clear blue sky the sun shinning and an expected 16-18 deg for this autumn day.
Spent the morning with Mum who felt she a had a lot of things to do. So we helped around as she went through her papers and saw to any bills that were outstanding and required paying.
We had been invited out to lunch at Jo's so we made our way round to her flat next door.
We all enjoyed a great roast lamb lunch with some of the best baked potatoes I have ever tasted. cooked her own special way, finished off with baked apple and all washed down with a good bottle of Australian Red.
Sitting around laughing and talking it passed so quickly and as Mum was looking quite tired it was time for us to go home so she could have her afternoon nap as we had to be ready to entertain some of the neighbours at 7pm for drinks and nibbles.
4pm and we had a visit from an old family friend whom we have known for 40 odd years, who also lives in Christchurch and has been good at keeping in contact with Mum.
Mums nap over, a sandwich for an evening snack we were ready for our guests who arrived at 7pm.
With plenty of sherry on hand and the nibbles we sat around laughing and talking until our last guest left at 9pm.
A very exhausted Mum went to bed having had a very busy day.

Thursday 1st November-Christchurch

2007-11-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

An eventful time has been had by us all.
After Mums fall she was looking very poorly and when the carer visited us at 6pm last night we asked her to check Mum out to see if we should call an ambulance. To cut a long story short we then had the district nurse attend us who arranged for an on duty Doctor to phone us. After a long discussion he arrange for a paramedic to the house to assess Mum again. From his examination an ambulance was called and Mum & I found ourselves on our way to the Royal Bournemouth Accident and Emergency to ensure she had not fractured her hip.
It was the first time I had been in an ambulance however Mum is an old hand at all this as it had only been a couple of months ago that she had been going through the same thing when she had been quite ill.
We arrived at the hospital at around 10pm and over the next 4 hours she was assessed again and had many x-rays. It was decided that she should stay there overnight and for me to be sent home, so I caught a taxi arriving back at 230am feeling quite tired and finding Beatrice sitting up waiting for me as I hadn't taken the front door key with me.
Poor Mum she has certainly been through some troubled times lately but just gets on with it and hardly complains at all even though she must be in some pain.
Went back to the hospital at 1030 today with Beatrice to see Mum and was relieved to hear that she hadn't broken her hip, however was bruised and still very shaken up.
She had also been visited by the physiotherapists to check her movement range and then to give us some advice about her care.
Much to Mums reluctance she now finds she has to use her mobile walking frame, however it gives her more confidence and stability and makes it much easier for her to move around. Some thing she should have been doing before and not disguising it as a tea trolley and hiding it in the kitchen, making us unaware that she even had one and should be using it.
We came home with Mum,she eat all her meals on meals lunch and then went to bed for nearly a four hour sleep.
Penny visited us in the evening and gave Mum a bath and helped her into her dressing gown. Another good meal and after a sly little tipple she was happy to be back in bed at 930pm exhausted but feeling a little better.
It had been a beautiful day, almost like summer with the temp up to 19 deg.

Wednesday 31st October-Christchurch

2007-10-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

A beautiful sunny day.Clear blue skies and not so cold.
Beatrice and I went into Poole vis Bournemouth on the yellow bus. 2 pounds each for all day travel was a good deal.
Jumped off at Bournemouth so we could have a walk around the town. Enjoyed a good cup off coffee and mailed our letters.
Caught the bus for Poole sitting on the top deck in the front seats so we had a great view during the trip.
Walked through the mall area in Poole down to the quay. We were amazed that we had never seen this area as we had always driven straight to the quay on our previous visits and didn't realise we had missed so much of the old and new town.
Settled on a good bowl of soup and crusty bread for lunch before walking around and catching the bus to go back to Christchurch.
Arrived home just before dark to find Mum feeling very sorry for herself as during the afternoon she had tripped over the balcony step and had fallen heavily on her bad hip, cutting and bruising her face in the process. She told us she had been asleep in her chair when the door bell woke her up causing her to jump up half asleep and tripping over the step. She was able to get to the door and was helped by her visitor who gave her a cup of tea and comforted her.
Needless to say we will not be leaving Mum alone again.

Tuesday 30th October-Christchurch

2007-10-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today we were busy helping Mum sort out her arrangements for her move into Primrose Lodge on Sunday.
We also went into Christchurch with Mum having a good ride in her chariot which I found very easy to push along. I think she enjoyed it and was very pleased to have been able to have visited the new Waitrose supermarket which had just opened.
Went into Costa's for a cup of coffee, mistakenly ordering medium size cups and finding out that they were almost the size of soup bowls. The large cups had to have a handle each side so they could be lifted. We know to order the small size in the future.
Spent a pleasant evening at home with Mum.

Christchurch 29th October 2007

2007-10-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Today we decided to visit Primrose lodge Rest Home as Mum wanted to see the room she could have if she wanted to move in.
We met Debbie who showed us around. Mum seemed very happy with the ensuite room and decided that she would like to move in for at least the winter months.She will hace all her meals provided for, laundry,and assistance if required in having a bath etc. Margaret one of her friends who she has known for many years has the room next door which will give her great comfort and of course the company of the other residents.
We all think its the right thing for Mum as she has been a bit wobbly lately.

Sunday 28th October-Down to Christchurch for Birthday Lunch

2007-10-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed she had been with me on my birthday a great lunch get together at the Crooked Beam. Mum remarked that it must have been many many years since she had been able to be with me on my birthday. We also could not remember the last time it had just been the four of us together with Mum and our wives. A very enjoyable day to remember.

St Margarets 27th October-Saturday.

2007-10-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

A great sunny day again. Sue,Richard,Madelaine.Beatrice and myself walked into Richmond through the grounds of Ham House and along the river. Always a very delightful, with all the trees shedding their autumn leaves being great to kick about as you walked through them.
Walked down the high street and then on to the White Star pub on the river side. The King tide was fascinating to watch as it rose higher and higher until it cut off the pathway we were on. So we edged our around and managed to get to the road and walk up a little.
We had to walk back home along the main road as the pathway we had walked into Richmond was now under the rising tide.
Settled down in the evening to a takeaway Indian whilst Sue & Stuart went out to a party they had been invited to.

Dinner Party Friday 26th October

2007-10-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Today Beatrice and I walked into Richmond, enjoying the view as we crossed over the bridge with the views up and down the Thames.
Cool start to the day turned into a warm Autumn one.
Arrived back at Sue's by 4pm to await Richard and Madelaine's arrival from Wales.
Set up the tables for our get together with some of the family to help me celebrate my birthday.
It was great to have Kate and Laura with us along with Mandy Nick and Rhona. It was a very enjoyable evening to mark my 65th birthday.A big thank you to Sue and Stuart and of course Beatrice.

Thursday 25th October- Leaving Paris for London

2007-10-29T10:50:00.002-07:00

Wednesday 24th October-Paris

2007-10-29T10:50:00.001-07:00

Finished our continental breakfast after having a chat with a family from Mexico who had joined their daughter for her marriage to a Frenchman on the weekend. Father was a little upset that she was going to be living so far away from them all as she was staying in Paris to be with her husband. However they now had a home to visit in Paris in the future.
We set off to visit the Eiffel Tower so caught the metro to Champ de Mars having now mastered the ticket systems(thank Marisa).
After a pleasant walk along the Seine we were standing under the Tower. Tourists everywhere. Hundreds of Japanese, Koreans, Chinese and every other nationality you could imagine.Queues at every leg except for the west which was under maintenance. The visibility was not good so we decided that it wasn't worth taking the trip to the top. Also we would have had to wait for a long time in the queues. Unfortunately as I no longer had a camera I was unable to take the usual touristy snap shot to record our visit.
We then set off across the Pont Denin(?) heading for the Arc de Tromphe and then to walk down the Avenue Des Champs Elysees along with every other tourist that was in town, I'm sure.
It was great just to be there and to be able to sit in one of the sidewalk cafes (as in all the photographs) and enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the world of Paris pass by.We stopped by one of the largest outlets I have ever seen selling every perfume and make up that came from France. As we walked through we were sprayed and talked to by many of the beautiful young girls and (sweet young men).
Out into the fresh air once again we walked to the metro to catch the train back to Gare du Nord and our Hotel Bruxelles Et Du Nord. It was rush hour and we were squeezed and jostled, not the best time to be travelling but we did feel Not the best hotel but just what we wanted as it was only a two minute walk to the station on Thursday when we catch the Eurostar.

Leaving Les Toulerons for Paris 23rd October

2007-10-29T09:27:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 23rd October
Well the day had arrived for us to say goodbye to Les Toulerons.
We were very busy last night closing all the shutters and ensuring all the plants were placed alongside the house to protect them from the frost until V & G arrive home on the Nov 3rd.
We had packed our bags, vacuumed the house, cleaned the windows, washed the sheets, cleaned out the fireplace and made sure everything was as we had found it. Parked the car in the front and put the last items of garbage in the bin for collection.
Elizabeth’s arrived at 1045 and drove us to Nogent-sur-vernisson so we had time to buy our tickets to catch the 1140 to Gare Du Lyon.
Saying goodbye to Elizabeth was hard, as we had found we enjoyed each other’s company. She said she wished we lived here, which was a very nice compliment. We had extended to her an invitation to visit us in Australia and she in turn is very keen for us to return in a couple of years time as she has many friends and family in Europe and would like to introduce us to them and where they live and to experience their way of life. It all sounds good and is not beyond considering for the future. As it is, now we have to get home, as we have been away long enough.
Arrived in Paris and decided to have a look at the Le Train Bleu, a very ornate and majestic restaurant at the station. It was impossible for us to get our bags up the steps so Beatrice went up and had a look, leaving me to guard the bags.
Eventually we found our way outside to hail a taxi to take us to our hotel, near the Gare du Nord, so we only had a two-minute walk to the station on Thursday to catch the Eurostar to London.
Checked into our shoebox-sized room, feeling very pleased with ourselves, as they were booked out. It’s amazing how busy everywhere still is, despite it now being out of the main tourist season.
We walked for miles down Le Boulevard La Fayette, the other way this time from when we were last in Paris with Marisa.
We could see all the work being done putting up the Christmas decorations and lights in the trees, what a shame we will not be here when they switch them all on. Gallerie La Fayette was covered in scaffolding as the displays were being put into place outside in addition to the lights in the department store.
We decided to treat ourselves to a night out as a once in a life experience when we lashed out and booked two tickets for the revue at the Moulin Rouge. What an enjoyable evening we had and how lucky we were to have been able to get tickets, as you usually have to book at least a week ahead. We were picked up at the hotel 1015 pm and driven to the theatre and joined the queue outside waiting to get in. The 8 pm show was running late and we eventually took our seats at the tables for the 11pm start. The price of the tickets included a bottle of champagne which we enjoyed as we chatted to a young couple from Brazil sitting at our table.
There must have been every nationality in the audience, as we found out when during a break in the revue a ventriloquist pulled up three people, coming from Tasmania, China, and Portugal.
What can we say; it was an incredible show of colour, lighting effects, sound, dancing, costumes and glitter. Needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed the evening and admired the fitness and vitality of the cast. The girls were pretty good as well!
Waiting to be picked up outside for the ride home we realised how cold it was at 130 am in the morning. We found out it was zero and that’s chilly when you are standing on a street corner.
It was good to be able to get into bed and get warm and some sleep, as we were quite exhausted.

Monday October 22nd

2007-10-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Work up at 715. No frost overnight and the visibility was good as we could see across the fields.
We sorted out all the re-cycled items we had to drop off at the bins on our way to Elizabeth's for the days excursion and arrived at her house in Rogny at 930am.
We drove for miles through the French country side and visited the Chateau Chambord which was started by King Francis 1 in 1519. What a place.
It was quite intriguing to see a snooker table with no pockets that was used by the French nobles. It was invented by a M.Billiard and you scored points by hitting the balls.(so I think)
Regretfully no camera so check out the website to see what a magnificent place this is and about some of its history.
Had lunch and then moved on to drive to the Chateau of Cheverny
Another great place and Elizabeth was such a great hostess taking a lot of trouble to ensure that we saw everything we wanted to. Many laughs with our French and the translations between us, though she does speak English perfectly and many other languages quite fluently and makes me feel quite inadequate.
Home again to finish off our housework,close up all the shutters,put the pot plants under cover and all sorts of other odd jobs, as tomorrow morning Elizabeth will be picking us up at 1030 to take us to the station so we can go up to Paris for a couple of days before leaving France on the Eurostar for London on Thursday PM.
What a wonderful experience this has all been and we look forward to taking up Elizabeth's offer of returning in a couple of years time as she is planning all sorts of things for us to do already.
Lets keep our fingers crossed!

Sunday October 21st.

2007-10-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

The coldest morning so far at minus 3 deg. It was a good thing that Beatrice covered the Lemon tree the evening before as we had a heavy frost overnight and ice on the car.
I drove in Rogny to buy the baguettes for lunch whilst Beatrice slaved away in the kitchen.
Our new good French friend Elizabeth came to have lunch with us sitting out under the pergola all wrapped up at 12deg with the sun shinning giving us some warmth.
What a great day it was, with Elizabeth insisting that she take us out tomorrow to see a couple of the great Chateaus at Chambord and Cheverny.
How could we refuse, so we made sure our bags were packed the rubbish all sorted out and some of the cleaning started as we would not have too much time left before we had to leave Les Toulerons.
Cold evening so we lit the fire and rested for a couple of hours before setting the alarm clock for 7 15 am and going to bed.

Saturday October 20th

2007-10-21T02:57:00.000-07:00

Les Toulerons.
Well its looks like the French Foreign Legion will be having 15 or more new recruits lining on on Monday so they hide themselves away for the next four years. Argentina were just so determined they deserved to win. ( Still as everybody says its only a game)
Well winter has certainly turned up here in the French countryside. Very brisk mornings of zero or minus degs, sunshine during the day that gets us up to 10deg and then the log fires and cold dark evenings with the brightest of stars lighting up the sky.
Stayed around the house until it warmed up and then went for a walk in Rogny. Had a look at the riding school and the all the cruise boats moored up for the winter. Quite a few locals out walking carrying their baguettes, a sight that you get to see every day just before lunch time, in any town or village that you are in.
Passed by the Presbytery to see if Gretchen was at home so we could meet her son Geoffrey Greene and her daughter in law Mary. Unable to raise them though the dogs did bark at us when we knocked on the big double wooden doors. Still we already had his book and he had signed it.
Back home and the fire place set up ready for the evenings entertainment. Being an hour later in France the game didn't start until 9pm, however it was worth waiting for as it was the right final result.

Friday 19th October

2007-10-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

A sunny start to the day, however the overnight temp got down to zero. The farmhouse does stay very warm though, even without the heat on, probably due to the double window glazing, heavy insulation in the roof and at least, the foot wide stone walls.
All the domestic chores completed yesterday, inside and the garden we decided we should go and have one more look at Montargis, (little Venice).
We took our usual baguette and thermos of hot coffee and set off.
Only 6 deg outside though the sun was getting a bit brighter and stronger.
Knowing our way around a lot better we arrived at the free car park in Montargis and decided to have a cup of coffee to warm us up before going off for a walk. Being midday most of the shops were closing down until at least 2pm and some until 3. To us it still feels very strange to be in a town with no one around and the shop shutters pulled down or in darkness. Admittedly the local restaurants and sandwich shops do good business,however most of the cars head out of town, as people go home for their lunch and afternoon rest.
We found a sunny spot to eat our lunch, sitting on a stone wall of some ancient ruin as we couldn't find any park benches in a warm spot.
Down into the town we walked up and down and round to the local church which we had read about. We were to be disappointed as we should have realised that on Fridays its only open from 230 to 5 during certain months etc etc. France is a very strange place and have some very strange traditions that to us seem to be keeping it way behind the rest of Europe.

When we saw an old man puttering in his little car it reminded us about why we keep seeing them. Most of the cars are older AIXAM's which are about 6oocc. They can only carry 2 people and go about 60 kph top speed. When we asked Elizabeth about them she explained that you don't need a licence to drive them, nor do you need to take a test. The people who drive them are those that have lost their licence through drink driving, speeding,or too old etc. They still need to get around especially if they live in the country villages and towns .There is very little public transport, no buses or trains, except in the bigger towns and then they really only operate for the commuters in the mornings or evenings. So that's why they are allowed to drive them. The practical French at it again!
However I believe the new ones are much better and can get up to 70 mpg and are now available outside of France.

Lit the fire when we arrived home as we could feel the cold evening closing in. Had to keep the place warm so we could watch the rugby tonight between France and Argentina and then the big one tomorrow night!
Watched the sun setting across the fields, a great big red ball, going down earlier and earlier every evening. We don't see too many sunsets dipping below the horizon at home so its always a great sight to see them here.

Thursday 18th October. -Chatillon

2007-10-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sun shinning so it was out with the lawnmower for the last time and into the weeding.
Cleared the brick steps,weeded the paths and cut the grass front and back. Beatrice said I should consider it as exercise,which it certainly was and it lasted for a good couple of hours.
I must say it all looked pretty good by the time we had finished, I only hope it doesn't all grow too much before they arrive home on November 3rd.
Now if only my camera was still working, I could post a photo of it all.
Had a late lunch and then left for Chatillon to buy the replacement groceries and wine etc that we had used during our stay.
Filled the car with petrol and drove home to have a hot bath, to ease the aches and pains, light the fire and settle down for the evening meal with a good drop of French wine to wash it all down.
I will miss the great selection of wines they have in the supermarkets. Of course the Australian wine is very expensive so we settle for the local drop that can sell for as little as AU$3.00.

Wednesday 17th October

2007-10-17T03:06:00.001-07:00

Raining Today.
Kept ourselves bust around the farm house,then a drive into Briare for the markets and home again.
Much cooler today with rain.
We are looking forward to getting back to some warmer weather.

Tueday 16th October

2007-10-17T03:05:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 16th October
Drove into Rogny today, washed the car and did some odd jobs around the house and garden.
Beautiful day sunny and 20deg.
Received a text from Marisa that she had arrived safely back home.
Went back into Rogny for my French hair cut.
Home again to enjoy the garden and afternoon sunshine.
Decided to go up to Paris on the 23rd October so we could spend another couple of days there and be ready to catch the train in the afternoon of the 25th to Waterloo.

15th October 2007

2007-10-17T02:48:00.000-07:00

Monday 15th October 2007
We just can’t seem to stop having a look around this part of the world as today we decided we should head for Bourges, just over 100klms SW from were we are. Looking at the map we could see the scenic roads to take so we headed off for the day with our coffee made and our lunch packed. (Well we still had to buy the baguettes)
Once again we were enjoying a beautiful sunny day and up to 20deg. The roads were not busy and we found our way without too much trouble. Part of the route took us on some very straight single lane roads that went on for many K’s. Unfortunately this resulted in it being notorious for accidents and black life size cutouts at every spot that a death had occurred graphically highlighted it. This section had 21 of them over the period of the last 5 years. They were working on the road and widening it for overtaking lanes wherever they could, but speed was still the main killer. Needless to say we drove carefully and observed the speed limits.
Passed through many vineyards on either side of the road, densely wooded areas, ploughed fields and others with cattle grazing. The visibility was clear and we could see for miles. We passed nuclear power stations with huge smoke stack belching out white clouds across the sky. It has said that the Loire has not been the same since they have been using its water. No problems here with the French using nuclear power!
We parked the car in the gratis area and walked into town to look for the tourist bureau to pick up a local map. Needless to say we had arrived at just before 12 noon and all the shops, big and small were in the process of closing for their 2-hour lunch break. We find it very hard to get use to this, however it happens in every town except for the very large ones like Paris, Dijon, Lyon etc. We realise some of them on reopening do stay open until 7 pm, however today also being Monday a lot of them were also closed for the day.
Narrow cobbled streets and a history that dates back to 52BC when Julius Caesar sacked the region and who is supposed to have massacred 40,000 of its inhabitants. However in the 15C Jean de Berry made it a centre of the arts to rival Dijon.
We eventually found the Tourist Bureau and picked up our map giving us all the points of interest. Too many to mention here, however we had to see the stained glass windows in the Cathedrale St-Etienne which are some of the finest in France and we had to agree they were magnificent and dated back to the 13C.
The 15thC Palais of Jacques-Coeur was also on our list as was the Musee du Berry of important Egyptian, Gallo Roman and medieval artefact's in one of the original great 16th C mansions.
As always we walked all around this historic town and by the time we were heading back to the car we even saw some of the shops opening up again for the late afternoon trading.
Remembering where we parked the car was always on the top of our agenda but somehow we seemed to have erred on this occasion and it was quite some time before we found it!
The fun part was getting out of Brouges and as usual we followed the Toutes Directions, which usually works. Needless to say it didn’t this time and we found ourselves going around in circles until we eventually settled on a different way to get home. On our trips we always dread the Deviation signs they put up when they close the roads, for repairs etc, as invariably you get to a junction and they just seem to disappear. Luckily on both of the deviations that we had to follow, there was other traffic, which we took potluck and followed when we were in doubt on which way to go.
Home again and feeling good that we have now seen a good part of the area we have been staying in and a greater appreciation of France in general.

Sunday 14th October

2007-10-12T09:19:00.001-07:00

Sunday 14th October
Another great day on its way. 8 deg this morning but the weather forecast promised a sunny 20 deg.
We were not disappointed.
As the output of our creative side of painting and drawing had slipped a bit it seemed a good idea to get the paint box out and sit out in the (now recently weeded garden) to capture the views across the fields. Beatrice decided she wanted to get the aquarelles out and sketch the patio by the back door and surprised herself as to how well it turned out.
How satisfying that was, we both wiled away a good few hours until it was time to have lunch and a cool French beer.
Such a sunny day we drove into Rogny, parked the car and joined the many locals and some tourists out for their Sunday afternoon walk. We watched as the boats went through the locks (Ecluses) and chatted to a German skipper who was on his way up to Paris which would take him about three days, stopping overnight at Chatillon, Montagis and then on to Paris. It sounded great and the more I think about it the more we have to consider it as something we should do in the next year or two. We walked up past 5 of the locks and then came back on the other side of the canal into Rogny.
Back in the car we drove out to Aillant s/Milleron, where the boulangerie is and which we have never found to be open.
We also went out to where we had lunch last week when Marisa was with us, at the Rendezvous Pecheurs at Fontainejean.
Without too much trouble we found our way, taking us on the narrow roads through the fields and small villages.
Looking out across to the side of the road we watched Le Chasse and counted about ten men with their guns across their shoulders or carried out in front of them as they slowly walked through the waist high crops looking for their next meal. The loud roar of the guns echoed across the countryside along with the dog calls and whistles. It still takes us by surprise when we see them, although we are always hearing the guns around us on the weekends. Whenever we see the small Citroen green or white vans in the fields on the weekends we know they are around.
We have often seen the very colourful wild flowers growing by the roadside in their abundance, so this time when we saw them, we stopped and picked a handful to take home, in doing so we weren’t too sure if it was illegal, but no one was around so we went for it.
We successfully made our way home for dinner and to watch the ITV and see whether it will be Argentina or South Africa that will play England in the final of the rugby world cup .

Saturday 13th October

2007-10-12T09:18:00.001-07:00

Saturday 13th October
Today we decided to drive into Chatillon to check out Le bateaux.
Took a different route going through our village, with the roads taking us through the farms. We are always impressed with the landscape and expanse of the recently ploughed fields and how magnificently they are kept. Many shoots are now appearing from the recent plantings, having had a reasonable amount of rain and the temperatures now up to 20 deg, with sunshine, its no wonder everything has started to grow.
Went aboard le vermillion and checked that the power was still connected up. Pumped out some excess bilge water and checked for any rainwater that may have leaked into the cabins. All OK so we locked up and made our way to the Super U to buy some groceries and meat for the week. Couldn't help looking over to the laundry aisle and thinking of Marisa and her love of Ariel. I think I saw an even bigger box than the one she hugged.
Saturday morning and we found that Super U was very busy. In fact the most people we have ever seen inside and supermarket we have been into. It was well stocked and being a Saturday it was open without any ‘interruption’ in other words it didn’t close for the normal 2 hours at lunch as it does during the week.
It had turned out to be a beautiful warm day, so on returning home we had our lunch and then into the garden. We worked for a good 3 hours, weeding the gravel court yard, clearing the brick steps of moss and weeds, raking up all the fallen apples and clearing the vegetable garden of dead leaves and more weeds. When we had finished for the day we stood back and admired our handiwork and felt pretty pleased with ourselves as it definitely looked much better as a result of our efforts.
Still quite warm so there was no need to light the fire for the evening, however I brought quite a few logs in from the log stack so they could dry out in the house and be ready for when we needed them.
Settled down to watch England play France in the rugby, it was hard to swallow the obvious bias of the commentators and how England were playing, but as it was the ITV broadcast it was obvious it was going to be like that. So England are in the final against the winner of the game tomorrow night between Argentina and South Africa. If only England didn’t appear to gloat so much it would make it easier to support them! If they win the final I expect the Queen will have to Knight them all!
I’m sure that Paris will be full of celebrating Englishmen tonight.
Such a beautiful evening that in our dressing gowns we went outside to look at the stars and the Milky Way. Very impressive but still nowhere near as brilliant as the stars we saw when we were at Wilpena pound a few years ago.
The animal nightlife was all around us and there wasn’t another person within a kilometre of us as all our neighbours are away.
To bed for a goods night rest listening to the owls hooting and whatever else was out there.

Friday 12th October

2007-10-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

Today it was market day in Briare.
Very foggy morning, not even being able to see across the pond in front of the house. I really don't think I could live here in the winter as you would feel very isolated.
So 1030 we set off as we could now see a bit better with headlights on and only 9C.
All the stalls were there. I looked at the skinned rabbits,pigeons, pigs heads and feet,the horse meat and those sausages that contain everything else you could think of. I was seriously thinking of becoming a vegetarian by now. The French cannot understand why we have such a hang up about these things as they practically eat anything going.
The cheese was good, especially the goats cheese which is a speciality of this area.
We sat down for a coffee and watched them all around the mobile van which was set up as a bar serving wines,beers,coffee cakes,hot chips etc. I don't think somehow this could all happen at the markets in Frenchs Forest. Perhaps I should try it as it was proving to be very popular with them all.
12 noon arrived and they all started to pack up and as we set off for home the whole town was on the move as all the shops were closing for their 2 hour lunch break . Though some do reopen and stay until 7pm.
We went home to do some gardening and read our books and for me to catch up on the blog which will now virtually be only a few lines per day until we get to England. (and regretfully no photos)
Spoke over Skype to Mum , Sue and Marisa who were visiting her in Christchurch.
Beatrice spent some time inspecting the pond through the binoculars as she is convinced a dead deer is floating in it. Maybe she thinks we can salvage it for later.
Lit the fire and thankfully had salmon for dinner!

Thursday 11th October-Gien

2007-10-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

We had to drive into Gien to the Auchan to pick up the vacuum cleaner which must be ready by now.Drove through Briare directly to the store as we were are now able to find our way around much better.
Needless to say that they had phoned the house and had written a letter saying it was ready to be picked up but somehow or another we didn't get the messages. It all worked out so we had a look around then drove off to the Intermarche to buy some food and make our way home. A much better day with the sun shinning and getting up to 20C so we wanted to sit in the garden and maybe do some weeding.
Jean Michel our sometimes neighbour(Moniques husband)dropped by to say thank you to me for getting a message to his family the other day, he thought it was all quite funny about my mix up and thought my French was improving(?)
Some days just everybody visits for the builder and his wife then turned up to see how we were and wanted to know where we were going to leave the key when we leave so they can come in and put some heat on in the house for V & G return.

Wednesday 10th October

2007-10-10T03:22:00.000-07:00

Bobs Birthday and Marisa leaves us.
First of all its Happy Birthday to Robert and Brandon.
We sent a E greeting card to you Bob but unfortunately it was rejected for some reason.
Hope you received our Happy Birthday sung in our best voices from the misty cool French country side!
Up the earliest we have ever been after a very stormy night with the bedroom windows blowing open and wind bringing more leaves down.
5.45 am and thankfully it's not too foggy as we have to drive to the station in the dark as the train leaves Nogent at 7.12am.
Managed to get there with 15 mins to spare so we waited in the warmth of the ticket office. Crossed over the line for the Paris train helped Marisa to get aboard and gave her a wave goodbye. We wish she could have stayed longer and Danielle could have joined us as well. However the weather has turned and its getting to the time when we have to go home as well.
It was good to get Marisa's texts as she made her way safely to Sues after nearly 8 hours of travelling.
We returned home just as it was getting light, however then the fog rolled in, so we were very thankful it hadn't arrived earlier.
We lit the fire and guess what, I started to try and update the blog.
Did go out to buy some bread ,returning home for tea.
Received a phone call from Monique are Parisian neighbours (she speaks English very well) asking me to go around to her house to speak to Jean Michel parents as she was unable to phone them as they must have left the phone off the hook. Of course I would , though forgetting that they probably only spoke French. No answer at the house however saw a couple out for a walk (thinking it must be her parents) going up the road and chased after them and in my best french asked them to call Jean Michael, which they did,having a good laugh whilst they spoke. I then realised they were nothing to do with Monique and I had found a couple who lived in the house next door but had never seen before. It all worked out as I then found someone at the house and was relieved to find they had made contact with Jean Michel and someone would be at the station to meet him at 1816hrs.
With that I went home and thought I ought to practice my french a little more.

Tuesday 9th October

2007-10-10T03:21:00.002-07:00

Tour of the Wineries district
We drove to Elizabeth's house in Rogny to meet up with her at 0930 as we arranged.
Elizabeth is actually from Paris but has been living here for the last 6 years.
We all climbed into her Renault along with a little dog(Mazell?) that she has been looking after for a friend who is suffering from cancer and is in hospital. That, with her 5 cats must be quite a house full.
However Mazell turned out to be no trouble and slept most of the time in the back of the car.
We drove to Chitry a winegrowers village in an area of hillsides and vine yards not far south of Auxerre. Driving through the village we stopped at a cellar door and Elizabeth asked if we could taste some wines. No problems, so we enjoyed some great French wines and eventually selected a few to buy. The owners wife told us that her son had just returned from a year in Australia and New Zealand where he had been working in the vineyards. He didn't speak a word of English but learnt enough to get by.
On to Auxerre and a stop off at another cellar door to taste wines from the Chablis wine growing district. Only whites available as that is the only type produced in this region.
It was then on to Tonnerre to view the Fosse Dione,have lunch and then a walk around the town to one of the first hospitals in France. In 1359 it survived destruction by the British when they set fire to the town after drinking 3000 barrels of wine after their unsuccessful attack on Reims during the Crusades and this was only because King Edward was lodged in it, however the rest of the town was destroyed. During the French Revolution some of the tombs were destroyed, and then in 1918 the Americans used it as a warehouse. Then in 1940 on the 15th June during a bombardment part of the immense roof was destroyed along with the stained glass windows.
On to Pontigny to see the Abbey where Thomas Beckett stayed in exile when he was being pursued by King Henry ll. It was then back to Auxerre where we parked the car and visited the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, which was under scaffolds undergoing a massive cleaning of its outside, returning it to a sparkling white stone. We visited the Romanesque Crypt which has been there since 1023.
Needless to say by now we had all been over exposed to old buildings,churches etc, so it was good to set off for home before darkness set in. Poor Marisa she was so tired she fell asleep sitting bolt upright in the front seat. I think she was very happy when we declined an offer from Elizabeth to go in to her home for tea and cake. I was very thankful I hadn't been driving all day and thanked her for giving us our guided tour,
We drove home very tired and snuggled down to our warm log fire and a restful evening.

Monday 8th October

2007-10-10T03:21:00.001-07:00

Vezelay.
A day off for Beatrice as the navigator, so she settled down in the back to enjoy the ride giving some helpful comments as to which way we were going!
Took the usual meats,salad,cheeses etc and bought our baguettes on the way so we could enjoy our own lunch when we wanted to.
We drove right up into this medieval village as very few tourists were around. This is one of the great sites of the western world as is classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The Basilica of Saint Madeleine, is a (we read) a masterpiece of Romanesque art, ramparts and countless ancient houses. An essential place to visit in Burgundy and in the summer you can't get anywhere near the place and have to park outside of the town and walk.
We walked up to the Basilica through the town and looked in whatever shop or gallery that was open. Marisa discovered a shop owner whose son was working and living in Manly and we found a local artist who lives in isolation 50 klms from Vezelay and would love to visit Australia and tour the outback.
Driving back from Vezelay Marisa guided us back through some parts of inner France that I'm sure hasn't seen a human being for years! It was all very exciting, I was very thankful that we had a full tank of petrol, some food and drink in the car and the knowledge that it had been serviced recently, as if anything had happened I don't think we would have been found for years. However it was all good and Marisa knew where we were at all times. Wow, what a tour guide! I'd be happy for her to navigate me anywhere in the world.
Arriving home we lit the fire and settled down to an evening at home.

Sunday 7th October

2007-10-10T03:20:00.001-07:00

Saint Maurice
Today the sun was shining and we enjoyed sitting outside in the garden with Marisa putting me to shame by doing some sketching of the local views and the cottage.
We had made arrangements to drive into Rogny to pick up Gretchen so we could drive out further into the country side to have lunch at one of her favourite places., The Rendesvous Pecheurs in Saint Maurice -Sur-Aveyron
What a picturesque place it turned out to be. An old building(as always) above a narrow road which had a small ford across it. Not much traffic,except for a convey of 6 cars and then nothing else. We sat in the sun until it moved behind the house. The meal was whatever the hostess had prepared and today it was mussels in a sauce, duck breast, home made tart,coffee, wines and aperitifs to begin with. We had to skip the cheeses as we were too full.
We then walked down the road to look at the ruined abbey which had been partly transformed by a Parisian architect into I suspect, a very comfortable getaway home.
We drove back to Rogny, where Gretchen invited us in to her 300 year old home the former presbytery( written about by her author son Jeffrey Greene) so Marisa could have a look around. We walked in the garden and down to where the priests use to make their daily walks through the arched trees and down to a sculpture of Jesus pointing up to heaven saying there is a better place up there. Hopefully some of the priests have found it.
Saying our goodbyes we made our way home to enjoy the rest of the day in the garden and then by the warmth of the fire.

Saturday 6th October

2007-10-10T03:18:00.001-07:00

Rogny/Briare
It was time to show Marisa some of the places we have visited and of course Rogny Les 7 Ecluses our closest village.
We went into Briare and had a cup of coffee in one of the well patronised cafes. It was just after 1130 and the tables were full of smokers and wine drinkers with occasional coffee being drunk. They were playing Rapido (our Keno) and were all enjoying themselves.(It was Saturday morning I suppose)
We visited the Mosaic museum and walked up through the town to the canals and the Pont Canal. Winter seems to have set in for the locals as most places were now closed since Beatrice and I last visited a few weeks ago. Marisa took lots of Photos which she is going to put on a disk for me before she leaves.
It was certainly cooler now so we drove home about 3 for some lunch and to watch the Australia game against the English, which we don't need to discuss any further as the Australians must have put in their worst performance ever.
Spent a very relaxing time catching up with Marisa and whats been happening at home.
We were hoping that Danielle would be able to join us but we understand the work implications and of course the money involved. Its probably not the best time to come to France now as winter is definitely moving in. We will be ready for some warmth and sunshine by the time we get home.

Friday 5th October

2007-10-10T02:19:00.000-07:00

Paris,
Up early as its our last day in Paris, our tour guide Marisa had worked out what and where we were off to, for the morning. Down to the metro and having watched one of the natives work the automatic ticket selling machine Marisa produced three tickets for us to travel to the Palais Royal Musee du Lourve station, even having to change at Louis Blanc.
A short walk and there we were at the glass pyramid of the Louvre and thankfully not much of a queue to get in. What a place, I'm sure you would have to spend at least a week here to see all the exhibits.
Beatrice decided to sit this one out and look around all the arcades and shops that extend all underneath the museum.
We of course had to see the Mona Lisa, as of course just as everybody wanted to. However we were able to walk around without the hordes of tourists that descend on Paris in the summer months. We looked at all the famous and some not so famous sculptures and paintings that we could fit in, in the hour and half that we had.
It was then off walking down one of Paris' many wide boulevards, the Av De L'Opera to the fashion district Galeries LaFayette. Here it was every fashion house and label you have ever heard. We walked around the huge store and were very impressed by the very ornate dome in the centre of the building along with,of course, the fashions and accessories, I didn't like the prices though! Of course we could have again spent hours looking around here but unfortunately we had to start making our way back to the hotel to pick up our bags and get to the train station.
We decided to walk down to the Gare du Nord where we knew we could catch the 63 bus to Gare de Lyon. The less said about the bus ride of hell the better, now with our bags and a crowded bus and a driver with no tickets we were pleased to eventually arrive at the station with at least three quarters of an hour before the train left.
Plenty of time we thought! Marisa and I guarded the bags whilst Beatrice went off to buy the tickets. We don't think we have seen that many people at a railway station and B had to join a queue that snaked back and forth for some distance. To cut a long story short we managed to board the train with about five minutes to spare. We couldn't find seats together, so just grabbed whatever we could. Of course it was a Friday afternoon and everybody was going down to their weekenders in the countryside, plus a lot of commuters, as it was the 1647 train, going to Montargis,where they live.
We continued on to Nogent and had to be ready to jump off as its a very small station and the train only stops briefly for the few passengers that get off.
Thankfully our car was still safely parked where we had left it four days ago.
Marisa was now being introduced to the French country side, it was still light which made it much easier for me find my way through the narrow lanes and fields to Les Toulerons.
Regrettably my camera has decided it has had enough, I thought it was the battery but it didn't even like the one I paid 21 euros for and refuses to work.
Safely home with Marisa we enjoyed our dinner and red wine, lit the fire and settled down for a quite evening.

Paris October 4th

2007-10-10T01:20:00.000-07:00

Paris Thursday October 4th.
As we had bought two-day tickets for the L’OpenTour bus we walked to Gare du Nord and found a few seats vacant on the top. Much cooler today and I had regrettably not put my favourite blue jumper on, so eventually I went down below to get warm. Left the bus at the Musee d’Orsay .We had a lot to get through as we had booked our tickets to catch the tour bus out to visit Monet’s home at Giverny.
To see all the great impressionists paintings was a great thrill for us all. Marisa was very excited as part of her lessons she discusses them with her students and now had the chance to see the originals. We knew we had to be selective so we studied the map of the museum and picked out the floors to had to pass through. In the three hours we had, we did very well and even made sure we had time to visit the shop. Pleased to say that I felt I had enough room to fit one more book into my bag. How Marisa is going to find room for hers is something I’ll be interested to see as she is definitely over packed on her own admission.
On a tight schedule we had only enough time to walk back over the Pont Royal to the bus terminal and for lunch a ham & cheese baguette.
A luxury coach ride out of the Ilde de France district and just into Vernon in the Normandy district and then Giverny.
Monet’s home has been restored to its original condition after many years of neglect by his family and then a great deal of money being invested by some very wealthy Americans and admirers of Monet’s work. The gardens and ponds, though not in full bloom this time of the year, was all still very impressive, as was the house and studio.
We ran out of time to visit the American Museum of some of the artists who had visited and worked at Giverny as the bus had to leave for the run back to Paris. Much traffic but without the worry of knowing which way to go and managing the way Parisian drive the journey home was a pleasure. Along the way as we went into one of the many under passes in Paris our guide pointed out the concrete columns, which still showed the damage, where Diana died 10 years ago and now the subject of another inquiry in London.
Back at the bus terminus, Marisa guided us back to the Metro station and our way back home.
What a day! We looked for somewhere to eat close by so we could once again get back to the hotel and rest our weary feet and legs as we had another busy day planned before we had to catch the train back to Les Toulerons.

Paris October 3rd

2007-10-10T01:19:00.000-07:00

Paris 3rd October
Breakfast in the hotel, glad to find that I could have my cornflakes, along with the banquettes etc.
We decided that the best way to see everything was from L’Opentour bus, which ran four different circuits around Paris, which you could jump on and off of when ever you wanted at the various stops.
Many photo opportunities and we saw all the tourist attractions, The Grande Boulevards, Palais-Royal, Musee du Louvre, Pont Neuf, Notre Dame, Saint-Michel, Musee d’Orsay etc etc and of course the Tour Eiffel. Bought three toasted panini’s with drinks and sat in the park to enjoy with all the birds and some local down and outs. Changed buses with the only problem being having to wait for nearly an hour for a different bus on another route, enjoying a moan and a chat with all the other tourists also waiting. It was worth it though and the weather was reasonably good for us to be on the open top until 6pm when we had to get off as they finished for the day.
So we set off to walk up to Sacre Coeur the basilica we could see from our hotel room. Up through the narrow streets, shops seeling all kinds of fabrics, bolts of it displayed outside on the pavements and in the stocked out rooms inside. Beatrice and Marisa loved it, thinking of all the things they could make. Unfortunately they were both at their baggage limit. Many steps up to the top walking on through Montmartre to the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, passing a great street entertainer playing his guitar which gave us a breather as we stopped to listen. Of course by this time Marisa was already at the top! We opened the door, and in doing so we entered another world. We have visited many churches and cathedrals on our trips around France but this was indeed something that made the hairs on your neck stand up. Sitting in the choir pews were about 10 nuns who at first glance I thought were cardboard cut outs as they were so still, just looking at the alter. Then the most uplifting sound echoed throughout the huge expanse of this historical place of worship as they sang their daily evening vespers. We alongside the hundreds of visitors inside were spell bound and listened in absolute silence. It was hard to leave, as we wanted to walk back to the hotel whilst it was still daylight. Looking at the map I took it upon myself to lead the way back, unfortunately it took us through perhaps you could say some of the more seedier part of Paris. But make it back we did, safe and sound and having walked for quite a few more kilometres than I thought we were up for. Tired and hungry we had a short rest before returning to our corner restaurant and our happy waiter who greeted us like old friends. Needless to say another busy day, which ensured us that we would, all sleep quite soundly.

Which we did.

Up to Paris October 2nd

2007-10-10T01:18:00.000-07:00

October 2nd
Marisa arriving today!
Would you believe it we thought we knew the way to the railway station, followed all the signs confidently to Nogent-Sur-Vernisson, until we got lost. Well they just didn’t any more signs up and as we had followed a short cut on some very narrow roads, through the farm fields and in the end arriving at a major road, still no signs so as things go we turned the wrong way. Eventually we came across some direction signs and did a U turn. Finally arriving at the station we congratulated ourselves in having taken the decision to leave home early just in case something went wrong.
No more dramas as we purchased our tickets and boarded a very comfortable train for a 90-minute journey to Paris Gare-De-Lyon.
We found where to join the 65 bus to Gare-Du- Nord and after a 30-minute ride through Paris in traffic that all I can say seems to be like organised chaos we arrived safely. Not far to walk to the Hotel Libertel Canal Saint Martin. Well it didn’t look far on the map we had, just a few blocks Beatrice said! All I can say they were mighty big blocks and the wheel like intersections that we had to cross put your life at risk of being flattened by cars coming, from what seemed in every direction possible.
Relieved we checked in to our hotel, which I was pleased to see, said they were Gay friendly!
Up to the 8th floor, the top floor, or in the roof I should probably say, we flung open the window and looked out over the apartments across the road and the streets of Paris and way in the distance the magnificent Sacre Coeur, truly an impressive sight.
Time to make our way to CDG airport to meet Marisa who was due in at 6pm. We walked down Rue La Fayette and decided to stop off at a sidewalk coffee/bar restaurant for something to eat and drink. We sat on the open fronted area and watched the people of Paris go about their daily lives as we ate our toasted sandwiches and had an Amstel.
Hopped aboard the Metro and 30 mins later we were looking at the arrivals board for the gate number.
The baggage claim area was glass fronted and we caught sight of an excited female jumping up and down waving, of course it was our Marisa who we watched and called over the glass to as she waited for her bag to appear.
Great to see her, kisses and hugs. Our daughter had finally arrived!!
Caught the train back in to Paris to return to our hotel. Unfortunately, as we hauled Marisa’s heavy luggage along the uneven footpaths and roads of Paris from Gare du Nord, it started to rain. Beatrice said “Not far – just another block” and after 10 blocks we finally arrived at the hotel soaked and exhausted. A quick change and then out for dinner.
Around the corner from the hotel we found a very nice little restaurant with a jovial waiter who laughed at us and helped us order the plat de jour pour deus and a soup de jour. A pichet of red wine and 2 coffees’ later, exhausted, we were ready to collapse in bed.

Monday 1st October

2007-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Overcast morning and some rain.
Decided to go out for a drive so Beatrice made up a great soup which we put into the thermos for later and picked up some apples from the garden. First though we had to look check with Elizabeth about our trip up to Paris tomorrow and if she was going to be able to bring us back with her on Friday. Stopped by her house and ended up having a long chat and being shown around her 200 year old house that she had purchased and had converted from a run down farm labourers cottage.
Without anything being resolved as she had to make contact with her son in Paris before she could commit to any arrangements. So we left it that she would call us in the evening.
Set off for Sens on the Yonne,north from us about 60 klms. Drove via Chateau Renard where we bought a baquette and then stopped at Chouelle to have our lunch, in the church car park.Unable to stop in the town of Sens so we drove around and decided to leave it for another day. Went home via Chateaurenard and stopped there to have a walk around.
A look at a 2nd century Roman ampitheatre near Montbouy before arriving home .

Sunday 30th September Les Toulerons.

2007-09-30T01:41:00.000-07:00

Great day again. Sun shinning though the temp around 6 deg. We have noticed that despite the sun the temp will not climb much higher than 14 deg during the day, unlike most winter days at home which might start cold but warm up during the day.
Sitting here a little confused as I am typing this as I'm listening live over the net, with perfect reception, to Ray Hadley and his lot for the start of the Grand Final and thinking of you all at Nos 9 gathered around the TV. Sent a text message to the them saying I was listening in Danmarie Sur Loing in France! which they acknowledged.
Beatrice is busy doing the washing and housework.

Disaster. Manly just were never in the game and the precious one should be sacked immediately! He was hopeless.

Decided to stay at home and cut the grass and do some gardening.

Temperature up to 25 deg.

Out to Rongy tonight to have dinner with Gretchen at her 300 year old home the Presbytery which is the subject of a book called 'French Spirits' written by her son Jeffrey Greene which she tells us was on the best sellers list in Australia. More about all this later.

Saturday 29th September

2007-09-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Les Toulerons. - Saturday
Woke up to a beautiful sunny day and blue skies. Temp up to 14deg this morning.
We have been asked to check on V & G boat, de Villehardouin, berthed in Chatillon - Coligny. We
re-connected the power to the berth outlet, checked that the bilge pump was working and that no water had entered the cabin as it has been raining on and off over the last few days.
Walked into the town and most of the shops were closing for the day or for a couple of hours for lunch.
Bought a couple of baguettes for our lunch and made our way back home.
Watched the Rugby, Australia play Canada, they didn't look to convincing but weren't playing their top team, however Canada were very good.
Pulled the lawn mower out and cut the grass all around the front of the property and down the drive way. Hopefully it'll stop growing so fast as winter is now approaching.
Heard gunshots around and about in the woods as the le chasse is still on for the next few weeks.
Otherwise a quiet evening at home sitting by the glow of the fire.

27th - 28th September- Les Toulerons

2007-09-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday.
Well the weather has certainly changed. Ongoing drizzle and very cool in the mornings. Lighting the wood burning stove at night which is something we are not use to. Must say it heats the whole cottage up very nicely as its all open plan. We are enjoying the change in the seasons, well we do like the sunshine which has been missing these last few days, though must admit it has tried to make an appearance without much success.
Thursday ( 6 deg this morning)we visited Briare to have another look around the town and visit the tourist bureau so we will have all the info about the ceramics that they are known for, in case Marisa would like to see it all. Went into a local coffee shop,(not the tourist type) and joined them all having a morning cup. We still go for the deux double grand cafe au lait, not quite use to the shot they all have which just about knocks your socks off. Place was full of smoke, it will interesting to see how they go when it all is suppose to go smoke free, so we have been told, by 1st. Jan next year. Restaurants and cafes that is. Don't think they will ever ban the dogs that are allowed in.
Went on to Saint Amand En Puisaye to view the pottery town. It must be that winter is approaching as the town was virtually closed down, everywhere, even the tourist bureau.
So we decided to drive home slowly,looking at the country side. The fields were sprouting all new shoots and turning quite green, we will have to find out what they have planted.
The sun tried to come out again and the temp jumped to 14 deg which was the top for the day.

Friday
Back to Gien to see if the vacuum cleaner had been fixed. No luck so went off to the Gien pottery as they were having a sale. Not that we could manage to get any of it back home, anyhow it was all mighty expensive!
Home to have a bit of a rest then it was out again to the Auberge des 7 Ecluses where I had early in the day made a reservation for three, all in my perfect French. Well I thought it was, as it worked, when we arrived at 7.30 there was the table for three with a reserved sign on it and in the none smoking area, just as I had requested.
We had caught up with Elizabeth again and enjoyed a great evening talking about France and the different countries we had lived in and everything else thrown in as well. Before we left we were joined by Mme Jacomin (wife of owner) for (infusion tea) She spoke English very well and told us how they had enjoyed Sydney when they visited a few years ago.
Drove home through the mist after another enjoyable day.

Wednesday 26th at Les Toulerons

2007-09-26T05:14:00.001-07:00

Wednesday 26th September-Les Toulerons

Very misty morning today.
Decided we had to do something in the garden (Beatrice decided for me) so out to rake up all the apples under the trees so I can cut the grass, I’m told, firstly sorting out all the good ones. Hundreds of them! Washed, cleaned and wiped them dry before putting them on to the storage trays in the cool pantry. Some have been cooked and Beatrice will bake some and we’ll collect some more walnuts from the tree outside and eat em up! I’ve requested apple crumble.
Don’t know why I haven’t been eating an apple a day as I usually do, perhaps its because I didn’t get to choose them at the supermarket. Being this close to nature will take some getting use to. We eat the strawberries that are in abundance out the back door and also pick and eat the grapes off the vines growing over the pagoda, along with the variety of vegetables from the garden. We could be really self sufficient here. Bob would love it! He could even go out the back door and bag a duck flying over the house.
Alas! It started to rain and we had to come into the cottage for coffee.
Didn’t get to cut the grass.
Excitement as a white van drove up the track. It was the meter reader. We searched around the place for it and then found them under noses by the back door, admittedly hidden by a calendar.

Would you believe it, there was this strange noise, turning out to be the cow bells banging away at the front door, we had another visitor! Is there no peace.(just joking, we love it)

A good friend of V & G was calling. Gretchen Van Blaricom, actually an Americam who has been living in France for the last 12 years and has just returned from visiting Brittany.

We had a good chat and have been invited to have dinner with her family( and seven dogs) this Sunday and also made a date for us all to go to dinner, when Marisa will be with us, at the Rendezvous Peache Sunday 7th, which she says we will really enjoy.(No doubt we will hear more about it this Sunday)

25th September Bleneau Markets

2007-09-26T05:13:00.001-07:00

25th September Les Toulerons

Drove into Bleneau this morning to visit the street markets. (About 10 klms away) Firstly stopping by the tourist office in Rogny to speak to Elizabeth about our Paris visit. Would have to return as she had gone out.
All sorts of foods available here, great cheeses, breads, vegetables and some things that you would rather like to think that people don’t really eat! (But they do!) Heaps of goat cheeses available, but strangely enough we haven’t ever seen any goats out in the fields when we’ve been travelling around. Cows, horses, sheep but not goats. We’ll have to ask Elizabeth where they all are.
Marisa is arriving on Tuesday so we thought we should arrange somewhere to stay in Paris for a few days.
No problem we thought!
Telephoned Elizabeth who still wasn’t back at the Rogny tourist office and she gave us some numbers to call. Tried them all and no vacancies. So we looked on the net, still no vacancies without having to hand over our life’s savings. Elizabeth eventually took pity on us and made a few calls and came up with the Libertel Canal Saint Martin. A two star hotel close to the Metro and major train stations. Not quite our life’s savings but a good portion of it! However we don’t know when we’ll back this way again so we went for it and booked a three-night stay.
Realised it’s the 25th today so its been two months since we left Australia. We’ve done so much that its feels as though it’s been away much longer. However before we know it the next 6 weeks will fly by. We have Marisa coming, Paris sights to see and places we want to take Marisa to- potteries, ceramics, chateaus, castles, coffee shops, markets………………………………………..
Listened to music, read our books and relaxed with a few glasses of red wine, which the French tell us is good for you and we believe them.

Monday 24th Les Toulerons

2007-09-26T05:12:00.000-07:00

Monday 24th September Les Toulerons

Raining and definitely getting cooler. 10 deg over night. The leaves are falling and the grass doesn’t look as though it’s growing so fast. I will have to get stuck into it again though. Where is that ride on mower!
Spent some time updating the blog as I’ve found out that some people had been wondering what we had been up to over the last week.
Decided to try lighting the fire and found it to be very effective. Cast Iron (?) type with a glass front door and it throws out a very effective heat. We had to open a door as it became too hot. It will be really great when it gets really cold. They do have central heating and I only have to turn it on if need be, which isn’t really necessary just yet as the days do still get to the high teens.
Drove into Chatillion to the Super U to stock up the larder, buy some French wine, baguettes and fill the car with petrol. (1.38 euros a litre if you’re interested)
Yes Autumn is on its way!
Enjoyed delectable meal and a few glasses of wine, sat back , listed to music and read.

23rd September Les Toulerons

2007-09-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday 23rd September Home at Les Toulerons.

Today we woke up to a very much different day than we had been use to over the last week. It was very overcast and had had been raining gently most of the night.
Lots of tidying up to do, emptying the suitcase and of course washing the clothes.
Ventured out mid morning to drive into Rongy to buy a banquette and a loaf of bread from our local bakery and a few other bits and pieces.
Watched Australia play Fiji at 2pm live from Montpellier where we had been quite close to the other day. Could see they were enjoying a beautiful warm sunny afternoon.
Could hear gunshots all around us in the later afternoon as they were shooting in the woods. We know that Valerie’s builder is a member of the local hunting team. The shots came so close to us that Beatrice didn’t want me venturing too far out of our garden area. We could see the birds (ducks) falling to the ground as they shot them and the dogs chasing around collecting them up.
Sad really when you think about it. It went on for hours all around us.
Had to get back inside to watch the next game live from Scotland with NZ playing the home team there. The Aussies will have to play a lot better than they did if they want to beat the Kiwi’s from what I saw.

Saturday 22nd September- The drive home

2007-09-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday 22nd September- The drive home
Left Orange after breakfast to be at home before nightfall.
Drove up the old highway to Pont de Esprit and then on the minor roads through the countryside. Winding narrow roads with stony, rocky fields all around us. Then the odd winery with vines and cultivated areas.
Went into the old medieval village of Aiqueze. This is where the crusaders lived before venturing off on their travels fighting wars in the name of Christianity and civilisation. We enjoyed our usual morning cup of coffee in the local bar come coffee shop, before looking for the tourist bureau. No luck as it didn’t open until 2pm and then it was for only a couple of hours. Being a small village we did our own tour up and down the narrow cobbled streets. Very old buildings dating back many centuries still being maintained as they have been for years. Not many people about, however we found a cleaner mopping the floor in the church and then bumped into a group of German tourists doing much as we were walking around and about.
It was time to hit the road and seek out the autoroute that would get us up north and through Lyon to Auxerre and home to Les Toulerons.
The only heavy traffic we encountered was as we went through the centre of Lyon. Stopped off for a rest every through hours for a drink and a sandwich and ran into rain as we entered Auxerre. We thought we knew the way through here as we had visited there previously, however in the rain we have to confess we became hopelessly lost and drove around in circles until we finally spotted a sign to Toucy which we swung around to join. Recognizing more familiar sights we knew we were nearing the areas we knew better.
Despite some of our mistakes, taking wrong turns and sometimes going in the wrong direction, we felt very satisfied that we had travelled some 1700 klms without any major problems as we pulled up in front of Les Toulerons.
In general we have found the French drivers are very tolerant and will happily wait for you without honking their car horns or giving out any abuse. They do park very badly; don’t stop for you at any of the white painted crossings and speed on the open roads. In fact the only time we did hear car horns was when there was a complete mix up as hundreds of cars lined up to go through the toll booths to pay on the autoroute and were pushing in trying to cross over the lanes in front of others. It all got sorted out though as soon as they opened up a few more booths.
Unloading the car in the rain we dropped our bags down in the bedroom to unpack in the morning, poured ourselves a drink and had something to eat before falling into bed exhausted. Being a tourist is really tiring!

Friday 21st September- Orange

2007-09-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Orange,
Vaucluse La Belle Provence
Friday 21st September
A late breakfast for us today as we slept in much later than usual. We must have needed the rest.
A choice today of corn flakes, orange or grapefruit juice, sliced baquette, boiled eggs, jams, marmalades and coffee or tea. Not a croissant in sight! It had been a long time since I had my cereal so I tucked in.
As we thought Orange had a lot to offer we arranged to stay another night before we left for the day’s exploration.
We walked into town stopping off at the tourist bureau to pick up the usual maps, guides etc that we find indispensable.
First stop the Theatre Antique d’Orange. This theatre is renowned for being in an exceptional good state of preservation. As we made our way up to buy our tickets Beatrice alerted me to all the legionnaires that were lining up ready to march off into the town centre around the corner. Shouts of marching orders, the band struck up and I was off down the street to take some photos. We had come across on what we believe was the passing out parade of the latest recruits from the barracks situated in the town. Truly quite spectacular, took many photos and positioned my self behind the officers taking the salute. Eyes right, arms presented, it was as though it was all for me. Perhaps a little cheeky when I think about it as I was almost standing in-between the officers on the parade steps. Lots of locals and tourists all gathered on the pavements as each squad passed by giving their salute. Red epaulettes bayonets and wearing Kepis of all colors, white, black, some trimmed with red all sorts of variations, with the generals being black with gold leaf clusters emblazoned on the sides of theirs. Bob, we really wanted to go up and ask one of them if they would give us their hat, but we restrained ourselves. It all then broke up into a display of armoured tanks, weaponary and activities for the kids to take part in. Developing into some sort of young recruitment drive I suppose. The band assembled once again on the parade ground and played some lively tunes many of which were typical of all marching bands. Beatrice dragged me away, as I was becoming quite engrossed in it all. We had tourist sites to visit and plenty of walking to do. However it had been a great bonus seeing the Legionnaires, which comprised of men of all sorts of skin colours and features. Beatrice told me that anyone could join the French Foreign Legion. Maybe she was giving me a hint of some kind. Anyhow I didn’t think my French was good enough for that!
Back to the The Roman Theatre.
We purchased our tickets and picked up our audio guides and notes. First stop we watched a short film recreating the past glory of the theatre and how now since 1972 it is being used in the summer months as a great Opera location being highly regarded for its acoustics. This operatic festival is held in July and the beginning of August each year. It all looked fabulous on the film and made me want to get tickets for the season next year. Pity I’ll be 10 thousand odd miles away by then.
This Theatre is amazing and is known to be one of the best roman buildings left in a great state of preservation. It had however been through many narrow escapes since it was built in the 1st century AD. It all fell over when the roman civilisation became very decadent, with bawdy performances, nudity and cruelty by 500AD. The Christians were rising up about it all and when the then Roman emperor converted to a Christian and declared it as the religion for the people, these theatres, temples, bath houses and all the great building the Romans had constructed over its 1000 year reign were progressively set upon and destroyed with people removing stones etc to build their churches, houses and to make roads. Fortunately the theatre at Orange some how managed to escape total destruction and despite it being cleared in the centre and a town being built inside consisting of roads and many houses, which eventually took the authorities over twenty years to evict and clear when they realised what they had and wanted to prevent it from any further deterioration. In the most recent times it was used as a prison during the French revolution with prisoners being kept there in the most appalling conditions.
Situated beside the theatre, are the magnificent ruins of a temple where the Romans would worship their Emperor. Across the road we visited the museum, which houses the history of Art in Orange from the decorative ruins of the Theatre to the décor and paintings from the last four centuries and all this being located in a private house dating back to the 17th Century.
It was then off to view the Triumphal Arch as you come into Orange from the direction of Lyon. The Romans use to follow a route bordered by tombs and then would pass through this monumental Arch. It is dedicated to the glory of the veterans of the 11 Gallic Legion, founders of the Roman colony at Orange. Highly decorated with reliefs depicting arms, trophies and naval victories, which exemplified the might of Rome at that time, on land and at sea. This thankfully had also been saved from destruction over the years and is still quite stunning to see. We walked all day and saw the whole city and agreed that we both liked this place very much.
Conscious getting the better of us we bought some stamps and posted some cards off that we had bought, just in case anyone was wondering where we had been for the last two months.
We walked back to the hotel to freshen up and before making our way back to the old quarter for dinner we watched the locals playing boule. Every town, village, city have gravel pitches (?) for the game. They gestured to us asking if we wanted to take part, we declined, as they were incredible in the way they played. We certainly learnt a few tricks, which we will use when we play again! So watch out (I might have to whisper to Noelene (my partner) the secret of winning at boule)
We found Le Pigola, a restaurant that had all the things we liked, brightly coloured tablecloths, umbrellas, candles and a great choice of food and wine on offer and being able to sit outside in our shirt sleeves, in the warm evening, without being bitten or getting cold. Here we had struck gold as we were in a rugby enclave with France playing Ireland that evening. French flags, banners, tri coloured hats and all the buzz and anticipation of a French victory. We felt the excitement as well; for France had to win tonight otherwise they would have no chance to play in the finals.
We watched the teams come out on the huge screen they had strung up and line up for the anthems. How great it was see nearly everyone stand up and sing the Marseilles at the top of their voices. Everyone one I’m sure, left there very happy that night. As for us we set off back to our motel feeling very happy and contented with life, however missing our daughters and friends. I’m sure we’ll pull through though and it will all be just a memory.
Tomorrow we were going to strike out for home, but not without making a few detours into the French countryside on the way before getting on to the autoroute.

Thursday 20th September - Nice

2007-09-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday 20th September
NICE Cote d’Azur. and the old port
In the morning we decided to go out for breakfast in the old quarter once again. Packing up our clothes we put them back in the car and then walked through the old port, stopping to chat to a Kiwi crewman onboard the Australian TV game show media magnets yacht Aurora from Hamilton Bermuda where he lives (Grundy I think, I can’t remember and he wouldn’t tell us his name for security reasons). Then along the Quai Lunel overlooking the harbour, with its cruise ships and the Corsica ferry and then along the famous Baie des Anges overlooking the many beaches, all covered in pebbles. No sandy beaches here! Cyclists everywhere, roller bladders and walkers all making their way along the wide promenade. Impressive hotels line the road opposite the beachfront. Gleaming white with iron balconies, flags and coloured shutters, all oozing money and wealth. This is the promenade that the wealthy English descended on in the late 1800’s, escaping the cold winters in England and this is why it got called the Promenade des Anglais. It was also a favourite holiday resort for Queen Victoria who of course made it the place to be and the place to be seen especially if you were a member of the society click. We were happy to join in on the parade strolling along in the sunshine. Sat outside in the sun next to the flower market for our croissants and coffee watching all the activity.
Everybody was out. Groups of tourists making their way along the streets in snake like lines with the guides sprouting their set pieces, either in French, English, Dutch, German, or indeed any other language that was wanted. Americans everywhere and the inevitable Australians, which we heard every now and again.
We walked along the narrow streets looking in the now open shops, Beatrice unable to resist some beautiful soaps and a selection of post cards.
Back to the Baie des Anges where we spotted the Nice le Grand Tour bus, which we hopped aboard and sat up the front on the open top deck .We listened to the audio guide and for one and half hours we weaved our way through streets that I would never have gone down. We thought this was the best way to see a part of Nice in the time we had. Nice is a great place, though very expensive and very crowded. Before we left we walked back along the front and ventured down on to the pebbles so we could dip our toes into the Mediterranean, the beach shelved very steeply and was hard to walk on. Not a patch on our beautiful sandy beaches in Australia. The Hotel beaches, which were strictly controlled and sectioned off, provided chaise lounges side by side and row upon row. You would certainly know the person next to you by the end of the day, as they were so close to each other. Umbrellas and waiters walking up and down taking orders and serving drinks made it all look so commercial. On the public part of the beach there were many sunbathers stretched out on their rubber mats, some being very tanned, (not much talk about skin cancer here), however I don’t think it would be a very comfortable beach to sit or lie on using just your towel, many people though were doing just that, it was however, a beautiful day being sunny and a warm 27 deg.
How we would have loved to have driven the route of perched villages however it was
time to leave and start our journey home. Paid our 32 euros to get our car out and decided to take the same way out of Nice as we came in. Though this time we drove much further along the beach fronts until joining the autoroute that would take us to Orange where we were going to make our next overnight stop.
A couple of hours later on our exit number we were so happy to see an Orange villages Hotel, a great looking place and at one of the best prices so far. (All hotels, restaurants etc by law have to state on their door all their prices, even the ones that charge a 1000 euros a night) so you know exactly what you are up for.
We saw the car park was quite full but were lucky enough to get a room, which surpassed any that we had been in since we have been away.
Another warm evening so we ventured into the main street area and were absolutely delighted with what we saw. Just behind the main high street we found the older part of the town. Once again they had kept the buildings and the narrow cobbled streets, town squares and of course the restaurants and out door dining. Choosing the La Sangria in the Place de la Republique we finished the day off with an enjoyable meal and a bottle of wine. It was a short stroll back to our motel and a good nights rest so we could be up and about the next day exploring more of Orange, which we had taken an instant liking to on what we had seen so far.

Arles 19th September

2007-09-24T10:17:00.001-07:00

Arles Wednesday 19th September

Breakfasted paid the bill and drove into Arles, finding that we had to park outside and walk into the walled town. Once again the endless row upon row of motor homes and coaches already there in addition to all the private cars.
Very windy today and much cooler than we like. Arles was first occupied by the Celtic tribes, then by a Greek colony, and became Roman when Julius Caesar gave the colony to the veterans of his legions. From the earliest days of Christianity the city became an important religious centre. It was destroyed and ravaged by invasions during the Middle Ages. It was rebuilt during the 12th Century. Stately homes were built during the 17th and 18th centuries joining the many others with some dating back 2000 years.
We made our way up to the Amphitheatre built around 90 AD; originally it could hold 20,000 people. Today it is used for shows and features bull fights during the season. Following the guided walking tour we braved the cool wind and went on to visit Van Goghs reconstructed home (the original was bombed in the war) in the same location. Walked up to his room recreated as it was and to view the locations where he painted many of his famous and well-known paintings. Then on to the Roman Theatre, late first century, Saint Trophimes Cathedral and outside the former Hospital of Arles where Van Gogh was a patient.
Coffee time we stopped at the Rond Pont Les Arles sitting out of the wind in the warm sunshine. Before leaving we thought we would check out the thermal baths, but found it was closed between 12 and 2pm so they could all be off for their lunch and a nap. We still find this very odd especially with so many tourists in town. However I suppose it drives them all into the restaurants and coffee shops over the two hours.
Left Arles about 2pm having walked all around the walled town. We then had all sorts of problems finding the road we needed and we both felt quite tense about it all. However after some tense moments and almost resorting to some fisticuffs, we eventually found the autoroute we wanted which would take us on to Nice, about two and a half hours away. Heading south we passed turn offs for Marseilles, Toulon, Cannes, St.Tropez all names we know and conjure up all sorts of thoughts. Country side very dry here, very rocky marble looking mountains, some very pointy and reaching great heights, making it look a bit like the wild west in the USA. Houses looking very Mexican, ochre walls and pale blue shutters, they seem to blend into the hills, very yellow soil and small vineyards in some of the valleys.
Drove into Nice at about 5.30 after paying the last toll to enter the city. The road took us right along the beachfront whilst we were keeping our eyes peeled for the tourist bureau. Eventually we managed to find it and pass through the security gates to park the car. They really make it hard for tourists sometimes! Picked up the usual maps and information and booked a hotel room for the night. Just another 6 klms along the same road, very easy to find and very reasonably priced. We just forgot to ask if we would be able to park the car there. With great difficulty we found the Hotel Carnot of course in Rue Carnot. No parking anywhere, in desperation Beatrice jumped out and went up the stairs to ask advice at the reception desk as to where we could park. Anywhere in the old quarter was the answer. No luck we drove around and around, having entered a small supermarket car park by mistake and paying 3 euros to get out again, until we settled on parking at Eglise Notre Dame du Port car park, (the old port car park) where all the luxury yachts were berthed. It was going to cost us a fortune but we had no other choice, as we would still have been driving around Nice now.
We were a few blocks from the hotel room so we put a change of clothes into a carry bag and walked. Checked in and paid for the room. Then up three flights of stairs to find a small room with the bed pushed against the wall a shower closet and a cupboard when opened revealed a toilet and hand basin. Using the toilet you would have to have the doors open and be virtually sitting in the middle of the room. Luckily there was also a normal toilet just along the hallway, which I decided I would use. We washed and immediately set out for a walk into the old quarter, which was close by. A beautiful warm evening 26 degs, we walked through narrow winding cobbled streets, with towering buildings each side, painted either pink, beige, white or ochre, shuttered windows cast iron balconies and way above our heads washing hanging from lines strung across the buildings. Side streets, illuminated with the old fashioned hanging lights and then opening out into squares with restaurants tables all set out under umbrellas and soft coloured lights and candles. Restaurants everywhere most of them looking very appealing and offering something for everybody. It all had a very Italian influence. We settled on one of the most popular places to eat sitting out in the Hotel de Ville Square at La Claire Fontaine. The Italian influence her is not surprising as the Italy borders is only 20 minutes away.Spaghetti for me and Beatrice a salad. A pichet of red wine and we were happy. It was great to be able to sit out late at night in the warmth and without being bitten. We walked back feeling quite safe as we wandered through the side streets to our shoebox of a room. It was going to suit us fine, we opened our shuttered full-length windows and the French doors to get some cool air through the night and were soon fast asleep.

Nice Cote d'Azur

the route of the perched villages

www.canton-de-levens,com

www.eze-riviera.com

www.mairie-falicon.com

www.mairie-lagaude.fr

www.saintjeannet.com

www.tourrette-levens.org

Tuesday 18th September -Avignon

2007-09-24T04:04:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 18th September
No breakfast as we decided to leave early. Still raining and very misty.
Hit the road heading for Arles today but stopping off at Avignon. We kept off the autoroute and travelled down the N roads. Signs are quite good though they get some getting use to as thy seem to point the wrong way to us, sort of 45 deg to the road entry point. They also seem to change the road numbers or just sometimes leave them off altogether. Still we managed to drive into Avignon around noon having passed through country side that looked different, very hilly, different trees and houses made of stone some two storey and poplar trees all over the place. South of Montelimar (the home of nougat)there was still evidence of the terrible fires that had raged through this area not so long ago.
We had a real problem finding somewhere to park, almost giving up until we very luckily came across somebody just leaving. Cars parked all over the place, just anyhow with many blocking others. However we were very lucky and quickly locked the car up and walked away as we kept being asked if we were leaving. At least it was free.
We followed the stream of tourists making their way up to this city walking through an underground passageway under the road and into this magnificent ancient walled city.
Avignon has been inhabited since Roman times. It was an important trading century in the 12th century due mainly to its great bridge, which was the only crossing point on the southern Rhone at the time.
The city sits above the Rhone all cobbled streets and the huge Papal Château, magnificent, like a fortress built by the 9 successive Popes who lived there when they were unable to live in Rome through political reasons. It was built over 20 years starting in 1335.Today it is the biggest existing Gothic Palace in the world. During this time Avignon was then the capital of Catholicism for centuries.
A walk through the city, takes you back to Medieval Avignon, through the streets, Cardinals’ palaces, chapels, squares and narrow winding streets. We visited the Palais Des Papes, (Palace of the Popes) the largest Gothic palace in the world. We did our usual thing and picked up our audio guide and toured here for a good couple of hours. So much to take in that we almost became overcome with it all. We then walked around the city squares, churches, shops and everywhere we could. Tourists everywhere, bus loads of them from every corner of the globe. We heard many Australian accents but we kept being very French and ignored them all. In the height of the summer season I don’t think you would be able to move in this place, it would be so crowded and very uncomfortable. The town centre was full of market stalls and artists with their fine original watercolours. Beatrice had a long chat with a lovely French artist, very brown, blond and healthy looking. She did great Provencal scenes at 40e each. She was mighty impressed with Beatrice’s French especially from someone who came from the other side of the world!
Stopped off for lunch and a beer at Les Domaines in the Place De L’Horloge sitting just inside the doors, as it was still quite windy and cool.
It was getting late and realising that we hadn’t found anywhere to stay the night we thought we should head off to look for somewhere, as we knew there were a lot of tourists around who might also be looking for a bed for the night.
Regrettably we had to just look over to the famous Pont Saint Benezet the bridge built in the 12th century and destroyed and rebuilt many times until they gave up and abandoned it in the 17th century leaving it as it is now, only half a bridge, with its legend and the beloved song Sur La Pont d’Avignon which goes back to the 15th century and is known the world over.
So much to do here, river cruises on the Rhone, more monuments and museums to visit, the culture oozes from everywhere, we’ll just have to put it back on our list to visit again one day.
Weaving our way back through the winding narrow streets, with the aid of our map and a request for a few directions from the locals, we eventually found our car still safe where we had left it in a still very crowded car park.
We drove out of town following the Toutes Directions signs and after 30 odd klms we pulled into the Hotel Montmajour, just outside of Arles, where we were relieved to find had a room vacant, which we eagerly accepted. Settled in, we drove into Arles entering the walled town to find somewhere we could have dinner, parking the car just inside we had no problem finding a spot.
Many places closed however we found a Moroccan restaurant and enjoyed a very satisfying meal washed down with a small amount of red wine.
Back at the car we realised we were in a one-way street, not by much and Beatrice thought I should just reverse out, as it would be much easier. As a law abiding citizen I didn’t think it wise and as I reversed out of my angle parking looking in my mirror and found a police car waiting as I backed out, a wise decision had been made and we drove on and around the block and out through the walled archway and back to our Hotel for a goods nights rest, thankfully without the police following us.
We ordered breakfast and headed for bed. tired and much to dream about.

Monday 17th September To the South!

2007-09-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

Our 1700 klms trip to Nice and back.
Monday 17th September.
(Notes taken as we drove along.)
Raining today for the start of our adventure. Packed our clothes and took some blankets and a couple of pillows in case we might need them.
We set off for Auxerre, which we have previously visited so we could connect up to the autoroute for Lyon. At Auxerre we picked up our ticket as we went through the booths, so they know where we joined the toll road when you come to pay at the tollbooth on your exit.
Here the country side is much like the UK, farm lands and gentle hills except there are Chateaus dotted all along the way. Chateauneuf on a hill near the roadside was very impressive. Still very misty and visibility was quite poor. Hilly here and very wooded on the tops, vines growing everywhere. Stopped for coffee at one of the many very well appointed places, with restaurants, petrol, toilets etc available.
It just kept on raining however not too much traffic on the roads. Past some very dense forests. Stopped off at Aire de Rossigoal for lunch, which we had brought along with us. Here again there are many stopping off places, besides the commercial ones, which have toilets, picnics benches and play areas for the children to have a bit of a run around to stretch their legs. On to Lyon and the road seemed to go on forever as we circled the town on the ring road. The city looked huge as we passed over a very long bridge across the Rhone. Beatrice looked around and wondered where her great grandma from her mothers side, had lived, as she had come from Lyon.
At various times the rain was very hard and the trucks caused all sorts of bother with the spray they threw up as you passed them. Must say the discipline on the roads is very good. Speeds are reduced to 110kph in wet weather otherwise its 130. Trucks are not permitted to travel in the outside lane on three lane roads and mainly keep to the nearside one.
We continued along the wine route –Beaujolais route all along the Rhone valley. It was a great road right next to the river and hills covered in vines. Very hilly here with the Rhone winding itself from gorge to gorge. We left the Autoroute at exit 14 and handed over our ticket we had picked up at Auxerre and paid up our 20e40 (about $32.00) it was worth it, as we had covered many Ks very quickly.
6 o’clock we decided it was time to find somewhere to stay. We had passed many places along the way and now all we wanted to find was a Logis, or somewhere similar to stay overnight. We stopped at Pont De L’Isere at the Hotel La Batida (just north of Valence) which is very much like a motel in Australia, a basic room etc no fridge or tea and coffee provided though. Had dinner in the restaurant choosing from one of the 3 basic menus they have to provide.
Sat there watching one of the guests come in with three huge dogs sitting himself down at a table with his dogs around him. Thankfully the owner came out and told him he couldn't stay with the dogs and asked him to leave. Strange as dogs are usually allowed in restaurants, the same way that smoking is permitted everywhere.
It was a very stormy night with thunder and lightning so we wound down our shutter and felt safe and secure for a good night rest.

Sunday 16th September -Sancerre

2007-09-24T03:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday 16th September
Destination Sancerre today as we have been told that it is well worth visiting.
Once again a beautiful day clear blue sky and quite warm. Decided to drive through St Fargeau and past Guedelon where we visited yesterday so we could stop at the Poterie de la Batisse hoping that it might be open today as yesterday it was all closed up.
No luck today either, still all closed up. Continued on through Cosne-Cours-s-Loire to Sancerre after enjoying our usual cup of morning coffee.
Just fantastic scenery, in fact stunning, vineyards, acres and acres of vines growing on hillsides, chateaus, history everywhere stopping to take numerous photos.
In Sancerre we sought out the tourist bureau to pick up our walking map. All very organised here, as it’s a tourist town. Following the red line through the narrow street and stopping at the numbered locations with information plaques in English as well provided us with all the history details of the buildings and events that has unfolded over the many centuries. (The web site is very interesting)
We climbed and climbed up the only remaining tower (our des Fiefs) from the ancient city wall. It gave us a fantastic view of the town and the surrounding vineyards.
Home at 5pm after a very enjoyable day. We watered the garden and then sat outside having our evening drink to watch the sun setting over the farm fields that surround Les Toulerons.

Saturday 15th September - Guedelon

2007-09-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

Beatrice trying to lock me up in the dungeon!

This morning we drove through St.Fargeau to guedelon about 45 klms away going SE.
guedelon is the building of a castle as they would have done in the 13th century. A fascinating place which we walked around for a good couple of hours.They commenced it 1997 and expect to complete it in 25 years time (2022). It was also the only place that we have seen so many of the locals out and about being tourists. Bus loads of them but still not too crowded that we couldn't enjoy looking at everything. (Check out the website its worth a look)
Made our way home and was surprised to find an ATAC open (supermarket).We were the only people in the place and the 10 or so checkouts had only one cashier in attendance. Clearly the French are not into weekend shopping! Anyhow we bought our cheeses,wine,bread etc for our drive out tomorrow to visit a few more places relatively nearby. We are getting more and adventurous each day.
In front of the TV to watch Australia play Wales. Great game which I'm pleased to say we won.
(Commiserations to the Welsh) However the Welsh really came back in the 2nd half so it was a good job they had left their run too late otherwise they might have got a little closer in the score.
Celebrated with a beer! Next game against Fiji on the 23rd.
France play Namibia tomorrow which they have to win and then they play again against Ireland, on the 21st.
Beautiful day again today the the temp up in the mid 20's. We are really getting to like this place, the country side is just beautiful.

14th September

2007-09-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

(My first effort of painting this trip!- I'll have to improve!)

A quiet day today.
I drove into Rongy and did some sketching. Beatrice stayed at home busying herself around the house and garden, not forgetting to do the watering,which I helped with!
Watched England play South Africa in the rugby. Or should I say watched England running around on the same ground as SA.
My commiserations to all the England supporters. Maybe they'll stop talking about themselves as the world champions now and stop talking about the one time Johnnie Wilkinson managed to play a game and kick a field goal.! (Just joking) Must see how Australia do tomorrow against Wales!

Montargis visit 13th September

2007-09-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Montargis
Set off early today for Montargis some 35 klms from where we are staying. It looked like it was going to be a great day, no rain and plenty of sunshine. Perhaps a little on the cool side to start with but certainly warms up during the day.
As we are finding our way around a little better and I’m getting use to driving on the right hand side of the road we didn’t expect any problems, well not big ones.
As luck would have it we drove into town and found a very handy car park, which happened to be the only one near everything that was gratis! A good start.
Looked at our map and found we were right next to the tourist bureau and yes it was open. Picked up a few pamphlets and set off on the guided walking tour, following the yellow dotted line on the map.
It all looked good but it just was not doing it for us so we deviated down a street mall to find a great coffee shop that we could sit and watch the passing parade and look at our maps again.
How many churches can you go into that’s the question, for every town we visit, they all have one, or two or three or even more. Anyhow the Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine was worth looking in at and I’ve attached a few photos of the inside as it is noted as being one of the most beautiful churches in the Diocese of Orleans, 12th. Century and all that. Check out the web page! Hope I’m not getting to blasé about it all.
Montargis, la Venise du Gatinias, 127 bridges criss-cross the town centre, each one almost worth a photo!
For lunch we just had to sit out in the plaza along side one of the many small waterways at the strangely named The Blue Mountain Café. Didn’t get to ask why it was called this, perhaps we wouldn’t have understood the explanation, though Beatrice is quite good and I’m improving daily! I think. We did our usual walk around looking at all the buildings, shop windows and everything else that caught our interest. Once again the whole place shut down between noon and 2pm whilst every one went home or out for lunch. Great business for all the cafes and restaurants.

Saw a plaque on a wall saying the building was once lived in by many of the Chinese that use to work in the area, one of them being a young Mao.

Regrettably the two places we wanted to visit being the Musee Des Tanneurs and the Musee Du Gatinais were closed on Thursdays!
With a little detour we found our way out of the town after doing a U turn (Beatrice had the map upside down) to make our way home to Dammarie Sur Loing so we could sit outside and sun ourselves for a while and water the garden, but firstly stopping off at Rogny our local big little village to buy the boule that we like from our local baker.
We are now planning our drive down to the south of France. I think I’m up to it as I’ve had a bit of a go on the auto route. In fact they drive slower here at 130kph speed limit than they do in the UK.
Enjoyed our usual drink and saw the sunset over the fields on what had been another beautiful day.

A day of Rest 12th September

2007-09-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

We decided we should stay closer to home today. Went into Chatillion to fill the car up and buy some groceries etc. Still can't get over the fact these stores just close down between 12 and 2 pm so everyone can have lunch. The only places that don't do this are basically Paris, Nice and the other major places, maybe a dozen of them. All the rest still close. The very earliest you go out to eat would be around 8.30pm. The toilets are something else you have to learn about. However we are pleased to say we are getting the hang of it all.
Read and caught up with the blog, sat outside having an evening drink watching the sun go down and all the vapour trails of the jets crossing the sky, I wonder where they are all going to or coming from?

PARIS

2007-09-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 12th Our Day trip to Paris
Woke up early, a heavy mist hanging over the fields around us. With the promise of a sunny day it should all burn off pretty quickly.
Made sure that pinkle purr was still OK and set out food for her to eat before the trip in the car.
Managed to finally put her in the carry box after much chasing, she obviously sensed that she was going somewhere.
Elizabeth arrived and the two of us squeezed into the back with pinkle purr in the space behind us. With three of us in the back it was a bit tight, as Elizabeth was taking her friend with her to see the exhibition and giving a male friend a ride up to Paris.
Dropping the cat off at Marks, we went on into Paris and Elizabeth being a Parisian girl knew her way around as we looked to park the car somewhere and then catch the metro in for the last few stops.
Paris what can we say; we had a coffee in one of those typical cafes you see in all the photos, with everyone sitting out on the pavement facing the road. Rode the metro from Denfert Rochereau to Luxemburg and then walked all around and along the Seine (La Rive Gauche), to the Musse d’Orsay. We left Elizabeth and Eileen to see the Cézanne to Picasso exhibition as they had pre-booked tickets. We would have had to have lined up and perhaps waited a good hour to get in so we decided to venture out on foot and be back to meet them a couple hours later.
We walked across the Pont De La Concorde stopping half way across to finish the banquette we had purchased for our lunch and looking out we could see the Tour Eiffel in the distance.
Then on through the Jardin Des Tuileries, L’avenue des Champs Elysees et l’arc de triomphe, and then to be standing in front of the glass pyramid of the Magnificent Musee du Louvre.
Having seen many photos and of course in the movie De La Vinci code it was all just so unbelievable to actually be there.
Unfortunately the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays so we were unable to go in. However we will probably do so when Marisa joins us in a few weeks time.
We walked and walked, on through the Court Napoleon, and so many other places that it’s hard to recall them all. We crossed back over the Seine on the Pont des Arts. Then through the back streets with all the various galleries, auction houses, hotels, cafes and of course the souvenir shops, heading back to the Musee d’Orsay for our 3.30pm rendezvous as arranged. How different it all is to us,nearly everybody smoking here, cigarette butts everywhere, dogs not leashed with the poo left where it was dropped, people just doing anything they like in regard to crossing the road or cycling,(no helmets required here!).France is so less controlled than we are. Not sure yet whether that's a good thing or not as yet.
Elizabeth being born and bred in Paris decided we should walk back to the Metro so she could show us some of her Paris. Where she went to school, the street she livid in where she played etc etc. What better introduction could we have asked for as we passed tourist upon tourist wandering about looking at the maps, street names, guides books, we had it all explained in perfect English. I just wish I could remember it all. The St Severin (A most beautiful church), La Sorbonne, down Saint-Michel to the Jardin Du Luxembourg. Looked over and saw the Notre-Dame, that would have to wait for another day. Down into the metro and the train back to where we had left the car, however it was off to Elizabeth’s favourite Chinese restaurant where she was well known having been there for lunch for most of the 15 years she worked in the area.
With that it was back to the car, this time only four of us so the trip would be much more comfortable. Negotiating the cobbled roundabouts was an experience, no lane marking, cars coming from everywhere; you just sort of weave your car around dodging all other cars and the pedestrians. It was amazing, to Elizabeth it was nothing! Then on back through the suburbs twisting and turning through the narrow streets, being short cuts, to the start of the auto route back out of Paris and heading for Nevers.
Back home safe and sound nearly two hours later. Our heads in a whirl and lots to think and talk about we were quite exhausted and knew we would be dreaming like mad about the whole days events.
We took many photos, which I have attached.
We look forward to visiting again, though next time we will be on our own and will also be one of those tourists walking around with a guidebook and map, hopefully not looking so lost though.
Elizabeth has invited to take us up to Paris again when she next visits, which she tells us she does quite often. We couldn’t ask for a better guide, so we might well take her up on her offer.

Round trip to Auxerre Monday 10th September

2007-09-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

Monday 10th September 2007
Decided to drive to Auxerre today a city of art and history, which has managed to protect its exceptional heritage throughout the years.
We checked out the route, which would take us via Bleneau, St-Fargeau and Toucy. Having previously visited the first two villages we decided to stop at Toucy to have a look around and of course for our morning coffee. (We found out that if you drank your coffee at the bar it’s cheaper than sitting down inside and much cheaper than if you sit outside on the terrace. Which could just mean at a table, which is on the pavement outside the café!)
We were going to sit outside as the café was full of cigarette smoke but then moved inside because it was too sunny.
Toucy is an old town, much like them all around this area, with a great church of Saint- Pierre (12-16thC), overlooking the streets below which were narrow and cobbled with (16th-17thC) timber framed houses either side and the usual water drainage gutter running down the middle of the road. This town dates back to the 3rd century. We spent about an hour walking around Toucy taking some photos before heading off to Auxerre another 35klms away.
Very little traffic on the roads even though we were now driving on the better ones. Not having driven at night as yet,we have noticed there are no cat eyes anywhere to be seen and no red or white reflectors on the sides of the road. There also does not appear to be much street lighting about either. No doubt we will find out more about all this when we venture out at night in the car.
On to Auxerre. After having a banquette of ham & cheese we found the tourist bureau down on the riverbank of the Yonne. A wide river with many barges, pleasure boats and river cruise vessels. We picked up a booklet to ‘Follow the Thread of History in Auxerre.’ This detailed a very easy way to walk around the cobbled streets, following a yellow line with stop off points to look at interesting buildings etc with the booklet giving us all the details. (Check out the website) We went into two of the five churches The Catherdrale St-Etienne being the most beautiful.
The drive home was easy and a pleasure as there was very little traffic.
On our way back through Rogny we stopped off to catch up with Englishman that we had met before on our travels. We saw his barge the Jubilant so went over and introduced ourselves to David and his wife Juliet. A 38 metre converted bulk grain carrier turned out to be a very well appointed and comfortable way to travel the canals in one of their 6 en-suite cabins. They were on their way up to Montagis and then to Brussels where they will lay up the barge for the winter.

Time to go to bed and make sure that we are ready tomorrow morning and that we have the kitten in its carry box ready for when Elizabeth picks us up to drive to Paris for the day.

Sunday 9th September - Briare

2007-09-09T02:14:00.000-07:00

Misty morning.
Received an early call from Elizabeth who with a anguished voice explained how Pinkle Purr (the kitten she had agreed to look after) had been fighting with her other 5 cats and she just couldn't look after it anymore. So we agreed to take it back until Tuesday when it will go to Paris to stay with Mark, who seemed to get along with it. (It attacks me and is untouchable and also strikes out at you if you go near it)
Elizabeth has also kindly offered to take us up to Paris on Tuesday for the day as she is going to see the Cezanne and Pissarro exhibition at the Musee d'Orsay and will call Mark to see if he can get a couple of tickets for us as well.
What ever the out come its all good.
Went into Rongy this afternoon and chatted to Elizabeth who was the local volunteer to run the tourist office for the day. She set us up with all sorts of info as where to go, what to see and told us all about next weekend when all the Chateaus, castles etc are open free to everyone.
We then decided to drive into Briare to see the Canal de Briare and look at the town centre. On route as we drove over the small bridge in Ouzouer sur Trezee Beatrice spotted standing on a barge the Englishman we met in the restaurant in Gien the other day(who took our photo for us) We stopped the car and called over to him, taking him by surprise, he then recognized us as the Aussies. He said he was going up to Rogny des 7 Ecluses tomorrow and he invited us to come down and visit him.
What an interesting place this is, a canal bridge over another canal and a river and we walked across from one side to the other and then enjoyed a great cup of coffee and chocolate cakes. Hope you can see this on the photos however read the web site and you too can find out all about it. This area is also famous for its mosaics. Drove home through the country side as usual, all the fields are under cultivation here,plenty of corn being grown and not a cow,sheep etc in sight. Pigs hidden away in the farm house pens maybe and that's it. Typical of this area we are told. Hope to go to some vineyards next week which will take us out by 50 or 60 klms from our home.
Home again to enjoy the wonderful meal that Beatrice made and the wonderful Bordeaux that I bought in the village shop!

Saturday 8th September - At Home

2007-09-09T01:15:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day, blue sky and much warmer.
Received a morning phone call from Monique ,who introduced herself as our neighbour and lives at #2, (the only other English speaking person in our little hamlet) inviting us to evening drinks at 7pm.
Spent the morning doing household chores etc and watering the garden (No water restrictions here and they are on town water)
After lunch drove into Rogny to buy bread and milk.Took a walk by the canal looking at all the different barges and boats, mainly French and the others from across the channel. Chatted to a few people in French and English, behaving just like a local!(or so we think)
Walked up to the local church, looks very old being propped up with wooden supports but still used once a month as the they rotate the services around the local area.Unfortunately it was closed today so we missed out.
Home again for a bit of a rest. (See really starting to behave like a local)
At 7pm we walked round to meet Monique and her partner Jean-Michel who both work and live in Paris during the week and only come down to their house on most weekends. He is a Professor of Philosophy at the Sorbonne and Monique we believe is a translator. Spent a very happy couple of hours drinking half tumblers of whiskey (as Jean-Michel does) and Beatrice and Monique white wine with cheeses,radishes and an introduction to a Gourjere which is a warmed up cheesed filled puffed pastry and very nice to! Sat there laughing and talking whilst watching the red glow of the sunset in the distance, dipping down below the hedges of the farm fields that surround us, on what had been a beautiful warm sunny day.
Managed to find our way home, checked on the Rugby results and was pleased to see that Australia was through to the next round by defeating Japan. Of course the mood here isn't too good with France losing to the Argentines! Lets hope they can beat Ireland and stay in the competition otherwise its going to be a real anti climax for France and also being the host country.
Went to bed tired after another enjoyable day in France.

Daniella's Birthday 7th September

2007-09-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

7th September Danielle's Birthday - Gien

2007-09-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

Friday 7th September.
A big day, as its Danielle’s birthday! It was good to be able to chat to her for some time the day before and again when she was still out enjoying herself at her birthday lunch at the Bower. Much laughter and fun was going on as we sang happy birthday from the other side of the world.
It was market day in Chatillon and was something that we wanted to see. We also had to go into Gien about 30 klms away, to take the aspirateur into the Auchant to be sent off for repair. This was going involve using the main roads and going around round-abouts, traffic lights and generally driving in traffic.
In Chatillon the markets were through the town square and into the cobbled main street. All sorts of stalls,including lambs heads cooked whole and ready for sale and all sorts of strange things in aspic, butchers, vegetables, clothes, hats and beads, where we stopped to buy a variety of to repair mums broken necklace, which we have been carrying around with us.
It was time for coffee so Café De La France looked like the place to be. This was a Rugby enclave with banners and posters up for the world cup. Excited talk as France is to play Argentina tonight and they were feeling very confident. Had a grande coffee au lait and soaked up the atmosphere. Everybody smokes here, none of this health controlling bureaucracy in France. The owner’s huge dog was also wandering around the tables sniffing and introducing himself to everyone. (Bob would have loved this!) Where’s the health inspector! This is a place we’ll have to come back to if France gets to play Australia, with me wearing my wallaby jumper. Time to move on to Gian so we bought some potatoes and walked back to the car to check the map.
It looked pretty simple and the road signs are good, its just that they put them almost on top of the turn you have to take, so you have to keep a sharp look out and be ready, remembering to keep to the right. On the more major roads it’s much better being much the same as in the UK and Australia.
We did quite well and with a few extra turns we found Auchant (A very large K Mart type) in a shopping centre taking the vacuum cleaner (aspirator) to the service desk and arranging to have it sent off under warranty for repairs. 3 weeks and we’ll get a phone to pick it up!
All accomplished we drove back into town alongside the Loire parking on the street and putting 1.30 Euro into the meter for two hours. Ventured off on foot to look at the Chateau., which is now a museum of hunting. Once again a historic building with steps galore so we made our way up to the top. We were cold and hadn’t brought any coats with us, something we’ll not forget again. So we hurriedly made our way back to where the restaurants were by the river and with much menu reading up and down the street, chose L’Orangerie, 12 Quai Lenoir, which offered the formula a @ 10E90. A good choice of pork curry suited us fine with a demi café.
Tried to take a photo on timer, which didn’t work so a fellow diner came over and offered to take it. An English man, whose voice had been dominating the restaurant along with his wife, was from one of the barges that take people on holidays up and down the canals. He stopped for a while; chatting and we exchanged our stories. He does his barge trips, throughout the canals in Europe, for six months of the year and then winters in the UK for six months.
Time to head for home so we walked back to the car crossing at a pedestrian crossing and confirming what we had been told, that French drivers don’t necessarily stop and might just give you a friendly wave as they just drive pass in front of you, almost over your toes if you’re not careful. A good lesson learnt!
Have to say that with some discussion we found the road we needed to head for home. Feeling quite smug we wanted to get back so we could have a bit of a rest as we, or I, wanted to watch France play Argentina at 9pm local time.
Its late now and France as the host nation will be in despair as they have just lost to Argentina who are in raptures. If France doesn’t beat Ireland in their next game they will be out of it!
A rest day tomorrow I think!

Thursday 6th September

2007-09-08T02:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday 6th September
Spent the morning cutting the grass at the back and sides of the cottage. Took me a good three hours and a refill of the fuel tank. No ride on here, though it does have a wheel drive which helps propel it along.
Managed to make a few phone calls through Skype, which is much cheaper than using the house phone. It was good to talk to everybody as we feel as though we have been away for a long time.
After lunch we decided to drive into Chatillon to try and find the Super U another large shop outside of the main town (similar to a small K Mart) where we can buy petrol. You just don’t pass many garages so we thought it important we found the place. (Geoff had shown us but we couldn't remember how to get to it.)
Mission accomplished, so we were feeling quite pleased with ourselves as we set off for home deciding to drive another way via Dammarie-sur-Loing,(our nearest local village) a narrow country single track road. Big mistake! as they were repairing the road and big trucks were blocking the way. Nobody seemed to be concerned about this and we had to wait for at least 20 minutes before they let us pass, along with a few other cars that had come up behind us. We will not be using that road again as it looked like they had a long way to go and this was a very long road.
Home for tea, reading and a rest.

Wednesday 5th September

2007-09-08T01:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 5th September
Up early, well reasonably early, Beatrice very busy around the place whilst I checked out the computer, the skype settings, yahoo etc. Caught up with reading some of our emails. Then I got stuck into cutting the grass in the front of the house! All in, probably a quarter of an acre.
Elizabeth (good friend of V & G) called to say she would stop by the house to pick up the kitten at 3pm. Decided to let Pickle out, hoping that she wouldn’t run away. Guess what, she just disappeared but thankfully returned, however she brought a mouse into us and it was with some difficulty that we managed to get her to take it outside, returning to jump up on the chair, curl up and sleep.
Elizabeth called again to say she was coming over right away and to put the kitten into its carry box. With a bit of a struggle and a few scratches mission was accomplished.
Elizabeth was with Mark her divorced husband who lives in Paris, however they are still friends and visit each other regularly. Elizabeth is a local schoolteacher and Mark is retired.
They both speak perfectly good English, we established where she lived and was invited to call around at any time, which we will do.
Free to go out we decided to drive to Bleneau a small town bout 7 klms away. It was another small town with a few local shops and looked quite deserted, shutters on the house all locked up, not a soul around, after all, it was between those hours of 12 and 2,or maybe 3 or 4.
Drove on to St.Fargeau a further few klms away. This is a historic town, just like all the others, though here there was the Castle of Fargeau which has a history extending back over 10 centuries, which we ventured into. Magnificent grounds, lakes and woods surround it. It is in the process of being reconstructed after having being purchased by Michel Guyot in 1979. During July and August every Friday and Saturday evening they put on a re-enactment with a cast of some 600 actors and 60 riders, mostly locals, school children etc.1000 years of history is acted out in the large courtyard. This is one of the largest historical spectacles in Europe. What a shame we weren’t going to be able to see it. We heard the bell ringing and saw a few people gathering in the centre courtyard so went off to join them. It was a guided tour to the parts that we hadn’t been able to enter. It’s interesting in following a rapidly speaking French woman who gesticulated and had (nearly) everybody laughing and making comments. Needless to say were both a bit lost, but got the gist of it. In part of its history, the Lepeletier family purchased the castle in 1713 and Louis Michel by voting for the death of Louis XVI was assassinated by the royalists for his trouble. It’s strange to think that probably there were descendants of those who did all this still living in the town.
Drove back home through Rogny and were taken back a bit when the man who we had seen walking on the bridges when we had been staying there waved to us as we drove by in our Saab with our French number plates. We felt he had accepted us a one of the locals and of course we waved back.
Home again, after another busy day.

Monday 3rd September - Rogny

2007-09-06T02:48:00.000-07:00

Usual breakfast again, I'll just have to get use to it for a few days.
Valerie and Geoff picked us up at 9am after we had strolled up the canal looking at the 7 Ecluses (locks) Our Auberg was right alongside a section of Le Canal de Briare which was built on the instruction of King Henry IV in 1642 so he could connect two river basins. All this built around the 17th century was some sort of achievement.The canal was completed in three different stages and went through many problems.
We both noticed one of the locals who always seemed to be walking around the little village, standing on one of the canal bridges and then across to another one, doing this all day long it appeared. No matter what time of the day we were around we always saw him. (I’m sure he closes down though between noon and 230 like everyone and everything else here) He was like the local policeman, he wasn’t though and in fact we have never seen a local gendarme as yet.
We now had to move the boat de Villehardouin from its current mooring so we picked it up some where near Chatillon-Coligny and had a little trip up the canal. Through our first lock and then about an hours round trip back to a new berth. Great fun and certainly an idea for a future holiday! de Villehardouin is an ex-hire boat built in the UK in 1983.11.83 m length and a beam of 3.81 m.Powered by a 2,5ltr BMC 64hp (London taxi motor) which can push it along at 8kmh. It does 8mpg and has a range of 450-650 km.

Returned to the house with them both as it was now time for us to say our goodbyes and drive off in their car, this was to be our first test in finding our way back and driving on the right. Pleased to say it went well, so we parked the car outside like a local and took ourselves off for some dinner at a local restaurant.

Went to bed knowing that tomorrow we move in and we will be on our own!

Tuesday 4th Sept-Moving into Les Toulerons

2007-09-05T03:23:00.001-07:00

Valerie and Geoff caught the taxi and took off to catch the early train into Gare de Lyon so they could get to Charles de Gaulle airport for the plane to Singapore where they were going to have a two day break.
Were going to be on our own now.

Photos of Les Toulerons

2007-09-05T03:22:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of the house at Nos 3 Les Toulerons, Dammarie-Sur-Loing,45230 France

Sunday 2nd September-

2007-09-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

Woke up to hear Lennard below us laying the tablecloths and putting up the bright yellow parasols on the terrace for the morning breakfast takers. Down we went at 0830. Under Beatrice’s instructions I was going to have to adapt to having croissants or French bread, butter and a choice of various jams. Coffee or tea served in what seemed to be a cereal bowl size cup, no side plate, just a paper napkin to use as a sort of plate and to wipe the jam off my face.
Oh well, but how can they survive without cereal, it seemed that they could as that’s what everyone else was having on the other tables. Not forgetting it was also a strange look you were given when you asked for milk for your coffee!
We were picked up at 11am and went for a walk over the bridges to visit some friends of theirs Phil and Hannah who manage a Hotel Barge Bonne Humeur . Americans fly in for a week and pay US$45.000.00 for the eight cabins for the week. (Check it out)
Then it was back to the house for a complete run down on the stove,watering,the mice problem,the garden,how to start the lawnmower etc,etc, The grass area is extensive so I know what I'll be doing for a few hours every now and again.
We had dinner and then went back to our bed for a good nights rest and lots to think about!

Saturday 1st September-Journey to Les Toulerons.

2007-09-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday 1st September 2007
Well the day has arrived for us to start our journey to Les Toulerons and
time to leave St.Margaret's.
Packed our bags, leaving some of the summer clothes behind as we expect the weather is going to cool down.
Checked the route to the Marble Arch depot for the car and set off. Never having driven into London let alone around Hyde Park Corner, Park Lane etc was something that I wasn’t sure about. However it was Saturday morning, no congestion charge and not much traffic about. On the A4 we virtually drove straight to the place in 35 minutes! Marvellous, checked the car in with no problems and caught a taxi to Waterloo for the 1209 to Paris Gare de Nord.
Bags scanned as we went through control, my passport stamped by immigration without as much as a look at the passport or me. I’m sure he didn’t even look up at Beatrice as he stamped her passport, as he was much too busy chatting to his mates in his booth.
Eurostar was 20 carriages and we were number 17. Nos 20 being the front we had a long way to walk with our bags.
All aboard and away without a whistle a wave of a flag or a sound.
We just slid out. Two seats next to a window all very comfortable for 2nd class.
Non-stop to Ashford we just sliced through the stations, towns and countryside. Unable to catch the station names as we were going so fast at over 200 kph. and oh so quiet, non of this clicky de clack rail noise.(As of November it will be leaving from St Pancreas station and it will take 20 minutes off the time to Paris as they have upgraded the tracks to enable it to travel at over 300kph)
Out of Ashford and not long after the announcement we were about to enter the channel tunnel, which would take 20 minutes. Daylight and now the announcements are starting in French; we were in France and stopping at Calais. Soldiers walking around in camouflage with fierce looking machine guns slung from their shoulders at the ready.
Now to see France! The train tilts to the left and speeds up, much faster this side as the lines are all geared up for it, tilts to the right as we go around curves and continues like this getting faster and faster. Overcast skies, church spires, fields being worked, hay rolls, cows grazing, all very similar except there were no stone walls or hedges or fences separating the different fields and these were all much bigger. Motorways 110 kph speed limit, camping grounds,canals with barges and narrow boats.
Closer to Paris we caught a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower on the horizon and then it was gone. Outer suburbs busy with all kinds of people, 5-6 storey apartment buildings perhaps only 4 windows wide and a pitched tiled roof. The graffiti everywhere, don’t think I’ve ever seen so much and some of it in the most impossible places that could be reached. In no time we were pulling into Paris Gare du Nord, pulling our bags off and out of the station looking for the taxi rank. Joined the queue and shuffled up to the dispatcher. Here was my chance to try my French out, I mumbled something, he laughed and asked me in perfect English where we wanted to go and were we paying in cash.
Off to Gare de Lyon to catch the train going south to Nogent-Sur-Vernission at 1757 hrs. Across Paris from north to south, it all just looked like I had imagined. The outdoor cafes, people sitting outside, metal chairs, umbrellas, the tall apartment buildings, they even looked the same as the sets in La Boheme at the opera house. We are really looking forward to coming back here for a few days!
We had instructions where to buy are tickets at the station and after a few discussion Beatrice lined up and at the window found we had to go around the corner, which we did and Beatrice in perfect French purchased two seniors tickets to our destination.
What a day, boarded the train in the last carriage armed with the names of each station as we had to be ready to get off at our once we had left Montargis as our stop was going to be a very brief one as it was only a minor station. One and half later we were on our feet bags by the door and a big drop down to the platform we had arrived! There walking away from us was Valerie and Geoff, a shouted hello and we met up. Had my first lesson kissing both sides as the French do, however just shook Geoff’s hand. Out into the car park and loaded into the Saab.
The drive to the cottage seemed to take ages, through minor roads and then one-car wide country lanes. We were really going into the middle of nowhere.
Then up a grass rutted driveway there was Nos 3 Les Toulerons. A 200-year-old cottage which they had been working on for the last two years. One bedroom, garage, workshop, kitchen dinning room and a sitting room with comfy settees and chairs. Not forgetting the huge garden at the back and the front with the pond.
Time to eat, spaghetti, bread, cheese and biscuits with French wine, that all went down a treat.
Booked into the Auberg des 7 Ecluses we set off for Rogny, a drive of 10minutes away. Very dark by now and the sky twinkling with stars from one side to the other.
Lennard the owner had given Valerie all the instructions on how to open the door with the code and our room number as he was in Chatillion-Coligny doing the catering for a huge wedding. Sometimes plans just don’t seem to work out and we just couldn’t open the front door. In desperation Valerie was able to get Lennard on his mobile and to her horror he told her that he had decided to change the door code as the same one had been in use for over a year! Of course he was sorry that he hadn’t let her know and he had only given it to her the previous day! Finally in and all this done by torchlight we clambered up to the first floor looking for room #3. Nowhere to be found, 6,7,and all the rest but # 3. Another call, to be told it was a door off the corridor, that was very well disguised that led into another hallway and it was the first door on the right. No numbers on the doors so we were lucky he had told us that, otherwise it would have been another call. Two single beds and a shared toilet and shower for 6 rooms. This area was just used when he was booked out and that was the case as the guests from the wedding had taken all the rooms and we were lucky that he had been able to fit us in.
Looking out of our windows we could hear water gushing and could see that we were opposite a canal lock, it all looked very interesting, however we would have to check it all out tomorrow as, believe it or not we were very tired, though very satisfied that we had made it!

Friday 31st August-Preparing to leave for France

2007-08-30T12:32:00.001-07:00

Friday 31st August- Preparing to leave for France

Overcast morning. Had trouble seeing the planes coming into land though we could still hear them. Funny how you get use to the noise. I suppose if I lived here permanently I would soon loose interest in looking for the Qantas jets.

Went through our clothes and weeded out some of the summer ones as we probably brought too many with us. It’ll make it easy for us travelling on the trains and taxis in Paris.
Drove into Richmond to do some shopping in Waitrose and Tescos .
Bought some Chilean wine, which we had found to be quite good. Most of the shelves were stocked with Australian wines and of course some from France.
Filled the car up with petrol ready to hand over when we drive into London to drop it off at the Marble Arch depot. Have been studying the route, thankfully it will be early Saturday morning and the congestion charge will not have to be paid as it’s the weekend.
All very boring really, just winding down before we move on to the next exciting phase of our adventure to catch the Eurostar at noon tomorrow. Then another train down to Nogent-sur-vernisson in the Loire arriving about 6pm.We understand its just a very small hamlet where we will be met by Valerie and Geoff and taken to the local hotel where we will stay for a couple of nights. They are going to show us around and help us settle in before they leave to fly out to Australia.
Mandy, Nick and Sophie will be on their way back from their stay in the Southwest France, Biarritz I think.( Not sure if we will be able to meet up as we don’t really know where we will actually be Saturday evening)
Down to the allotment in the afternoon to water and pick any veggies that are ready.
It’s quite overcast but no rain and Sue doesn’t get back for another week.
Finally we walked up to the the end of the road and had a couple of beers at the Turks Head
before making dinner watching some TV and trying to get some sleep!
A big day tomorrow.

30th August Walk into Richmond

2007-08-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Overcast skies today and the threat of rain.
Gwyneth was off to Paris early this morning so it was goodbyes last night.
We decided to walk into Richmond Town Centre and take it easy today and catch up on some things we had to do, buying Euros, and some food etc for the house.
Didn't actually rain but much cooler, maybe the brief summer we experienced has come to an end.

Wednesday 29th August Round trip to Ramsgate

2007-08-29T10:03:00.001-07:00

Wednesday 29th August.
Today we decided to make use of the car and go touring.
How far could we go? It looked like it was going to be another great day. How lucky are we!
So it was down to the M3 and on to the M25 and having gone the wrong way delayed our progress by at least half an hour. Back on the right track-heading south we set off to find the M20 and on to Folkestone and Dover.
On this motorway, which is only a dual carriageway we were dismayed to see, thankfully on the other side, a huge truck being retrieved by a breakdown vehicle, causing a 7-mile traffic queue! I don’t think I’ll ever complain about traffic snarls in Sydney again having seen that. They do have a fantastic system where you can ‘push TA’ button on the car radio and get updates on the status of all the major roads in the country. It just unfortunate if you are stuck in one of the jams but at least you get to know why and very often it’s just as a result of traffic congestion. Too many car and trucks! Keith would be very familiar with all this I’m sure.
When the motorways work its possible to cover miles and miles very quickly at a steady 80 mph. Luckily that’s what we were able to do except for a few places when we were reduced to 40 or 50.
We wanted to get to the coast and it wasn’t long before we had Dover in our sights having of course stopped off for the morning’s cup of coffee.
As we came down the hill we could see the white cliffs, the ferry terminal with some loading and many others making their way across the channel to France, which we could see clearly across the slatey grey ocean, shimmering in the bright sunlight. It looked so close.
We parked the car in the town centre and walked around the mall. The Roman painted room, the local museum we could only give a cursory glance to.
Dover Castle towering above the town looked very majestic. What a shame we didn’t have enough time to check it out.
It was then back to the car and chopping and changing our mind we decided to travel some of the B roads.
Along the B2046 it took us through some great countryside. Rolling hills, sheep grazing and farmer’s busy working, ploughing up and down doing what farmers do.
Lunchtime saw us at Wingham and the Red Lion. Ploughman’s lunch for Beatrice and a Tuna Jacket Potato for me was a good pub lunch. Once again we had to have a look around and find something out about the place, which we were told hadn’t change much in the last 172 years. Up on the wall was one of the journals, which were used in1750 when it was a local court, showing all the details of the proceedings etc? Many black & white photos all over the place added to its charm.
The foundations of the inn date back to 1285 and can still be seen.
Near Hearne Bay we could see out in the distance built in the shallows waters of the pale slate ocean a huge wind farm.
Houses in rows like Lego land. The rolling Kentish downs to the chalk white cliff and to the beauty of this county of Kent.
Here we could also see the Turner like yellow skies, the high cloud, the filtered light,
He really captured it so well and can be seen in most of his paintings.
We really could have stayed here and enjoyed the people and a few more drinks, but it wasn’t to be, as we had to keep on going, we were a long way from St.Margaret’s.
2.30pm and at least a three-hour trip home and not knowing what we might find on the motorways we set off.
Would you believe it, not congestion, not a breakdown no queuing we were home before we knew it. Even avoiding the trucks pushing their size about by pulling into the middle lane with hardly a blink of a light and the white vans bearing down on you we managed to stay out of trouble. No overtaking on the inside here, except for a couple of idiots, the motorway discipline is good; keep left unless overtaking is followed by everyone with most cars doing at least +80 mph or more! Strange really as the speed limit is 70 on the motorways. Saw some police and had the satisfaction of seeing them pull over one of those ‘white vans’, which must have been doing at least 90 to have been stopped.
It all very safe as long as you hold your own, keep up with the traffic, watch out for trucks pulling and of course those dreaded white vans.

Tuesday 28th August-Up to London

2007-08-29T10:02:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 28th August

Today it was decided we would do the London bit and visit the Galleries for which Sue and Stuart had kindly lent us their membership cards.
Two travel cards at St.Margaret’s set us up for the day. Caught the train into Waterloo and took the opportunity to pick up our tickets for the train to Paris on Saturday morning, having bought them over the net before we left. No problems! And much cheaper than had we bought them on the day.
Off down to the river by the Festival hall and over the bridge past the National Gallery (both of us saying how it reminded us of the time when Keith was with us last year, pity he wasn’t today)
Heading for the Royal Academy of Arts to see ‘Impressionists by the Sea’, focusing on 19th Century representations of the northern coastline of France. Consisting of some 60 paintings by great artists including Monet, Manet, Renoir and Whistler.
We spent a good couple of hours here and before we left we left we had to look at the John Madejski Fine Rooms, in the house designed for Lord Burlington by Kent in 1719. This was once a great private mansion with huge grounds. After a succession of owners and transformations Burlington House was purchased by the government in 1854 and the Royal Academy being granted a 999-year lease in 1867. Oh the history of this country is mind-boggling. Though we are beginning to be less impressed with things now unless whatever it is, is at least a thousand years old! (Just kidding)
Time for a sandwich in Prêt a Manager. Great value here and you can find them all over London and are very popular.
So it was on to the Tate Britain. Underground to Pimlico and following the sign directions it was an easy walk.
Tate Britain houses the collection of British Art from 1500 to the present day.
The summer exhibition provided us with a rare opportunity to see some of JMW Turner’s beautiful watercolours.
(It’s enough to make you give trying to do your own watercolours away.)
Spent a long time here and just didn’t have enough time to go into the Turner interactive room where you could try your hand at some of the techniques he used.
We couldn’t go past the Exhibition of ‘How we are Photographing Britain’
From the earliest photos taken to the present day.
We would have needed a whole day to walk around to have viewed all the other galleries. So took a rain check for another time.
We decided to walk across Vauxhall Bridge to the train station to get back to St.Margaret’s. Starting to cool down so we were eager to get back home.

Monday August Bank Holiday and Kew Gardens

2007-08-27T01:52:00.001-07:00

August Bank Holiday Monday 27th. August.

Sue and Stuart away at 6am.
Beatrice caught up on all the washing we had been accumulating and set it out to dry on yet another warm sunny day and I managed to catch up on the blog.
Caught the 1pm train to Richmond and then on to Kew Gardens. Neither of us having been there for many many years.

Booked for the 2pm walking tour guide so we could get our bearings and an introduction as what we can see and do during our visit. The guide being a very charming lady from Toronto, Canada.
We felt an affinity with the place as soon as we learnt that the Director of the gardens was an Australian.
We then spent the next 4 hours walking through the numerous glasshouses and gardens.
94% of every plant specimen in the UK has been collected here along with thousands of plants from every corner of the globe all being maintained by around 150 staff, whom also create and maintain the Gardens displays throughout the year plus 150 reserchers and biologists.
The history of the gardens mainly started with the collection that Joseph Banks returned to England with after his trip of exploration with Captain Cook in the 1770’s. The land having been given over to the nation over the years from various members of the royal family today makes up the 300 acres of Kew gardens.
It takes a good three hours to explore the whole of the Gardens and at least 40 minutes to walk the length of the Gardens .Of course you could take the explorer train or even a horse and buggy. However we decided to walk and went through the Palm House of tropical rain forests! The Princess of Wales Conservatory, The Temperate House and also stopped off for a cuppa at the Orangery. Too much to write about here, so check out the web site for Kew Gardens and read all about it.
You will also see that they have a Wollemi Pine here and sell small ones in their nursery to the general public for 95 pounds (about $220.00).Hope some of the money finds it way back to Australia.

Wish we could have had time to look around Kew Palace but the last entry was at 4.15pm and we were too late. This was where King George lll was hidden when he went through his mad phase.

The floors have been reconstructed to look like when he lived there however the top floors were just as they had been left until 2004 after they had moved out, removed their furniture and shut the door two hundred years ago.
A very long day, so we were happy to get back on the train head for home for a glass of wine and as usual a great meal put together in rapid speed by Beatrice.

Needless to say we went to bed exhausted, as being a tourist is very tiring!

26th August. River trip to Hampton Court

2007-08-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday 26th August 2007

What! another beautiful day? Yes. Clear blue skies and starting to warm up.
Sue, Gweneth, Beatrice & I set off to walk into Richmond along the river. Down past Marble House to the Ham Ferry, paid the ferryman 1 pound each and we were over to the other side, the trip taking all of 5 minutes.
Walking through the park we saw the set up for the days polo match, riders exercising their horses, riding around the ring or just out trotting.
Across the Richmond Common meadow, cows grazing, people strolling along and all this within 20 minutes from the heart of London.
Caught up with Stuart who had ridden his bike to meet us at the Tides Table Coffee shop on the riverbank in Richmond. Saw the river cruise boats so B & I decided we would take a trip down stream to Hampton Court, about 1-½ hours each way. Grabbed a Foccacia and a cup of coffee to ease the hunger pangs and caught the 1 pm cruise on board the Riverboat ‘Henley’
Found a couple of seats on the top deck and took in all the sights of the Thames, everybody out and about, walking, riding their bikes, pushing prams or just lazing about on the river banks. Rowing boats, sailing boats, powerboats and the narrow boats all making their way up and down stream.
Through the Teddington Lock where the river becomes controlled and is no longer tidal and up to Hampton Court, to the palace that King Henry VIII loved. Passing magnificent homes with lawns extending down to their boathouses most with pontoons where very often a cruise boat was moored along side. Pubs with lawns rolling down to the waters edge, everyone enjoying the summers day eating and drinking, this being the last public holiday long weekend for most people until Christmas.
Along side the river entrance wharf at Hampton Court and its golden gates it was time to disembark. We walked down the path and through the gardens and over to the bridge to buy a couple of ice creams where they were doing a roaring trade before returning to the wharf to board the boat for Westminster which would drop us off at Richmond along the way.
The River boat Master was telling us how busy it had been all day and said that the same time last week they had only 2 or three people on the cruise each way as the weather had been so cool and sunless. Not today though as Beatrice and I both found we had caught the sun and had red faces and arms.
In and out of the Teddington Lock and now as the river was ebbing we practically water-skied back.
Arrival at Richmond wharf we jumped off, crossed the bridge and walked back to St.Margaret's, sun burnt and tired.
Stuart had prepared his speciality Nicoise salad, which we washed down with ample glasses of wine and chatter about all the things we had all been up to that day.
Sue and Stuart had spent the afternoon packing their bags for their early 6 am start the next day travelling to Italy for a fortnight’s holiday to laze about in the sun and learn to make pasta and no doubt do some walking and exploring.
Before bed it was the rundown on household matters, garbage, door locks and the cat routine for their medicine and food requirements.
Will catch up with them both when we return on October 25th to drop off our bags before we travel down to Christchurch to stay for a few days before leaving for home in Australia. But that’s a long way off yet as we have France to look forward to next week.
And so to Bed.

Saturday 25th August Family visit

2007-08-27T01:50:00.002-07:00

A beautiful day.
It was down to the allotment to pick beans and dig up potatoes for the days lunch, Sue having bought and poached the whole salmon over night. All hands on deck as the meal was prepared, the french doors swung wide open,the tables set up with the umbrella, the grass cut, the drinks ready, it was all go, everyone happy the day had turned out to be so great.
Laura arrived a little worse for wear from the previous evening so she said her hellos and then took off to catch up on some sleep. Good to see her and looking good and a lot of fun.
2 pm was arrival time for Mandy,(expecting an addition to the family in early November) Nick and little Sophie.
Lunch was a great success hearing all the family news and the talk of the holiday they were off on the next day to the south west of France. Having been to France many times this however was all new for them, as they were trying out a holiday camp site with self contained vans. Sue reassured them that they were great places to stay as they had used them many times.
Gweneth then arrived from Holy Head being a previous work colleague of Stuarts when they use to write and publish articles on social law etc.
We were a happy bunch and the day passed very pleasantly,
finishing with us sitting in the garden until 830 enjoying the long warm summer evening.
Must do some exercise as all this eating and drinking is beginning to show!
Maybe tomorrow.

24th August Dorking visit

2007-08-27T01:50:00.001-07:00

The weather not so good today.
Breakfast and an early visit for Kate who looked just as trim and great as usual. A catch up all old times and then she was off to prepare for her few days away in Bath for a hens party. A bit nervous though at the thought of the pole dancing class that had been set up for them all.
Overcast and the threat of rain. However it was not enough to deter us from going out to Dorking to where Mum lived as a young girl and where her Grandparents were married and buried.
Polesden Lacy was our first stop.A regency villa and 1400 acre estate in the beautiful Surrey Hills. This is where our Great Grandfather was the head gardener in the early 1900's. A magnificent home that was owned by a Mrs Greville.
A fortune inherited from her father Mr William McEwan an Edinburgh brewing millionaire and philanthropist enabled her and her husnband to buy Polesden Lacy in 1906 which was then bequethed to the National Trust in memory of her father in 1942 when she died.
Caught up with the house manager Paul Dearn who was very interested to hear about our family connection with the house. They are looking for whatever information they can find about the house and its working history as nearly all the details were destroyed by Mrs Greville's butler on her death at her request.
It is known that she was a great entertainer and friend of the royal family especially the late Queen Mother who spent her honeymoon there.
We checked out the gardens and the office and desk where the head gardener would have sat. Strange to think about how we were probably standing in the same greenhouse and potting shed that he might well have worked in. As I have some newspaper cuttings at home about 'old man Cole ' as he was called I will send copies to Paul to see if he can match him up in any of the gardeners photographs that they have.
It was then off to St.Michael's Church in Mickleham to look for our Great grand parents grave in the churchyard. This is where they were married and I believe my mother was christened.
Unfortunately where we thought his grave was it was so overgrown and really no headstone in existence we left disappointed, but not before looking at the ancient church which is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1080-1086)
It is also very sad that the Bible that was kept in the Chapel with all the details of the parishes births,deaths and marriages was stolen some years ago and has never been found.
It wasn't far to go to where our Great Grandparents lived in Chapel Lane. Three terrace cottages,Camilla Lacy Cottage, Hillcot and Oakburn. We are not exactly sure which one it was as Mum couldn't remember when Sue brought her here on a visit a few years ago. Mum looked after her Grandparents when she was 16 years old and use to walk across the fields and lane which is now a main road.
He lived here when he was a companion and gardener to George Merideth at Flint Cottage on Box Hill.
No time to go up Box Hill to see Flint Cottage as we had to head back to home in time for Stuart and not knowing what the traffic would be like we set off in plenty of time.
As it was we had a dream run home and had enough time for us all to go down to their club the Lensbury at Teddington lock for a drink and chat overlooking the river.
A great day and we have been promised that summer would be with us tomorrow!

Thursday 23rd August Sue's Visit and to St Margarets

2007-08-22T11:20:00.001-07:00

It was up early today as Sue was coming down on the train from St Margaret's to visit and then guide us back to London.
Mum having breakfast with us and keen to ensure that everything was going to be OK for her arrival at midday. She was feeling a lot better having had a good nights rest.
Pleased to say all went well and we ate a delicious meal of salmon and freshly dug potatoes that Sue had brought with her from her allotment.
Spent a very pleasant afternoon with Mum enjoying the sunshine on her enclosed balcony with a cup of tea in the late afternoon before to leaving for London at 6.30pm.
It was a bit sad to have to say goodbye to Mum as we wouldn't be seeing her again until we returned from France at the end of October. Sue also leaving for Italy for a couple of weeks so Mum will miss her fortnightly visit.
The drive up the motorway was excellent.No traffic problems or hold ups despite it being the beginning of the last long bank holiday weekend for everyone,.
Arrived at St. Margaret's at 745pm, caught up with Stuart and sat around the table eating, drinking and chatting late into the night.

Wednesday 22nd August ChristChurch

2007-08-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Quiet day today. Catch up on the house work, took Mum shopping into Christchurch.
Walked to the local shops and picked up some great fish & chips for lunch.
Then B & I set off for CC and got caught in a rain shower. Very windy though not cold.
Picked up the wool etc and raced back home to miss the rain for afternoon tea.
Sue coming tomorrow and we return with her to St.Margaret's until we leave for France on Saturday next week.

Tuesday 21st August Drive to ChristChurch

2007-08-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

10 am and its reluctantly off back to ChristChurch, having had a very enjoyable time in South Wales.
Down the A48 to avoid all the road repairs etc on the M4 on to Newbury and down the M3 and M27 and through the New Forest and Lyndhurst. All the purple gorse creating a beautiful glow across the fields and yellow Tansy all on the the roadside. Not many ponies seen today though we came across a few cows ambling along the road when we went through on the short cut. Stopped off at the Cat & Fiddle for a great steak lunch, with salad!
Home to unpack and out again to buy a few supplies before settling down for the evening after setting up Mums new printer. All working OK.

Monday 20th August Bonvilston

2007-08-20T02:48:00.000-07:00

On wake up no rain, then the clouds came rolling across and the rain set in again.
Decided to taker off to the Cottrell Park golf club driving range foe some more expert tuition from Michael. Think I must have suffered from information overload as did not do as well as before. However have decided to pursue this game of golf and will get some more help and learn to manage to play a game of golf without embarrassing myself. Beatrice wants to give it a go as well.
A beautiful Roast Chicken prepared by Marian then into Cowbridge for Mum to have a massage whilst Michael & I off to meet up with Derek his golfing mate.
Back home and then drinks with John & Sandra, more golfing friends and back home for a snack and catch up on the newspapers and an early night.

Sunday 19th August @ M & M's

2007-08-20T02:47:00.002-07:00

At M & M's
Took a rain check from church today, so M & M off for the morning service as Michael says they can't get by without his support in the choir.
Visited Marians parents and took Tessa (the dog) for a walk.
Phone calls to Raglan for our get together with Richard and all the family at Cardiff Quay for dinner. Table for 10 at Valentinos.
A great evening.

Saturday 18th August Raglan

2007-08-20T02:47:00.001-07:00

Up early,well 8.00am and down to breakfast. Beatrice not feeling hungry decided to give it a miss. Pleasant surprise when Richard joined me for a cup of tea before setting off to the Camping & Kite centre.
Johnnie very kindly offered to take us into Monmouth to visit the Nelson Museum and Local History Centre.
Raining when we arrived and not opening until 1100am so it was to the coffee shop across the road seeking shelter and some warmth.
Had a good look around and was interested to discover that when Nelson came to Monmouth to be presented the keys to the city for his great victory at the Nile he stayed two nights at the Beaufort Arms in Raglan. I wonder if he also stayed in room one ?
Read all about Abergavenny ( Heart of South East Wales) and well known as the Gateway to Wales.
Castles, Canals, Museums, Abbeys so much to see, we could spend months here and not see it all.
Back to the Garden centre to drop Johnnie off before we headed back to Bonviliston.
Watched the rugby Wales v Argentina thankfully Wales won so the celebrations in the pub afterwards were all in a good spirit.
Not so good for the English though who lost to the French side . Back to the coach for some extra help here I think before they take the Aussies on in the world cup next month in France.
Enjoyable day.

Drive down the M6 to South Wales

2007-08-20T02:45:00.001-07:00

All we can say about today is that the sun was shining or should I say it wasn't raining and we spent the day on the M6 driving south.
We stopped of at Stafford services for a break and some lunch along with nearly everyone else in the area.
It was then back to the M6, not a motorway but a crawl-way!Bumper to bumper traffic for hour upon hour. Stop, start, hold ups at every junction. Signs telling us along the way, congestion, slow down. Needn't have bothered we were stopped most of the time.
J13 , the slipway for the V-fest was blocked and must have been for hours. We could see people milling around out of their cars having cups of coffee etc, mobile homes with the doors open and the occupants sitting on the steps eating. They must have been there for hours and weren't going anywhere for hours! Good luck to them we thought.
The M6 then all at once seemed empty. We can missed the lane signs for the M6 on to the M5 and found ourselves going down the M6 (Toll). A study of the map and it appeared we were in big trouble. It cost us £3 to get off and after asking a few directions we eventually find our way back to the M5 nearly an hour later. We were hardly on speaking terms with each other for some time until we managed to laugh about it when we were back on the correct roads heading in the right direction.

It was all so tiring that we decided to head for Raglan (which has a wonderful castle)to catch up with Richard and family. Checked into the Beaufort Arms in the village and met up with everyone for dinner at the Kings Arms, where we all enjoyed each others company and a pleasant meal.
It was late and we were very tired and traffic weary so we were happy to get into bed.

Very enjoyable, and went to bed tired and traffic weary.

Bowness Lake District Thursday 16th August

2007-08-19T03:00:00.001-07:00

Weather forecast not good for the day.
Good breakfast and off to tour around. First stop William Wordsworth best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 until 1850 until his death at the age of 80.
We toured around his Rydal Mount House and gardens enjoying the ambiance and knowledge that he wrote much of his work here in the attic studio he had built. Strangely enough he never owned his house just rented it from a nearby resident. It was not brought back into the Wordsworth family until 1969 when it was purchased by Mary a great great grandchild and opened for the public to visit. The family still live in the house and private areas are cordoned off for them.
Drove on into Keswick via Thirlmere, to have some lunch and visit the Derwent pencil factory. Very hard to find parking so we drove out to the Boat landing area on the Derwentwater and walked back into town. Started to rain now and the temp down to 11 deg. Cold, and this is summer!
Managed to find a coffee shop in the central mall, just as the rain came pouring down.
When the rain eased we walked through the markets, everybody looking wet and aimlessly walking around. On to the Cumberland Pencil Museum for a look around and to buy a few pencils as souvenirs. The first ever pencils were produced in Keswick following the discovery of Cumberland Graphite, becoming famous in the Elizabethan era in 1558. However it was the Italians that first discovered the wooden holder.
Decided to get back to the car before the rain set in again.
Back tracked through Grassmere and Ambleside on to Coniston to visit John Ruskin’s museum and Donald Campbell’s story on his water speed breaking attempts and his eventual crash and death on Lake Coniston in 1967. The speedboat was recovered in 2001 from the lake bed and they are now collecting funds to reconstruct it for the new museum they are building. Here at Coniston Lake holidaymakers all lined up on the jetty waiting to board their Lake tour on the Steam Yacht Gondola. People having tea under umbrellas, eager to keep doing everything they can despite the weather.
Here also the Arthur Ransome story and where he acquired all his inspiration for his Swallows and Amazons stories, bringing them all so much more to life.
Time to head for home along narrow walled roads, past lakes, mountains with stonewalls snaking their way up and across the sides. Walkers seen everywhere, they must be in heaven in the Lake District. It’s a huge business with shops doing a roaring trade selling all the required gear; wet weather gear being the most sold I should think.
The rain really coming down now. Driving along we could see walkers being flushed out of the wooded areas on the sides of the roads very wet and probably eager to find their car, but also I should think feeling quite healthy and fulfilled with the walking.
Here also is Beatrix Potter country, her home and gardens, also Dove Cottage where Wordsworth spent his early years and Brantwood, John Ruskin’s home fro 1872-1900. All too much to visit in the time we have.
So it’s back to Virginia's B & B to have a wash and into town to find something to eat, which we did at Villa Positano for a spaghetti and other.
Spitting with rain so we dodged our way back and settled down for a bath, read and write up the blog.
So to bed.

To The Lake District Wednesday 15th August

2007-08-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

A good B & B breakfast and away by 930. Still raining. We decided to drive out on the A5025. Stoned walled green fields, much like England. Much use of slate everywhere again. Small bungalow type houses made of stone some painted white. Sheep fat and woolly the size of small calves with the odd black sheep here and there. Just above Camaes a wind farm extended right across the distant ridge. The harbour here was quaint with a sandy beach. Probably packed on a summer’s day! The town was ablaze with colour, every house having window boxes and planters outside the shops, pink, red, yellow, just great even in the rain. Past the ancient copper mining area of Parys Mountain, dating back to the roman times. In fact 3500 years of mining here! Too windy and cold to do the copper walking trail. Perhaps another day…
The A5025 would take us on around the north of the island and back on to the mainland via the Menai Bridge. Through Bangor, tourist bureau still closed, out on the A55 dual carriageway, which has recently been made into a dual carriageway. The other side of the road having been carved through the rock face with long tunnels, on through Conwy and Colwyn Bay and off at junction 23a heading for Rhyl. This is where the beaches are and the great holiday B & B’s, campsites, caravan parks etc.
Raining hard the holidaymakers looked a glum lot. Most just aimlessly walking about hiding under umbrellas and hooded raincoats. Caravans everywhere. Many for sale, probably having been abandoned by holiday makers who have given up and gone to Las Palmas or where ever the sun might be shinning. On past the deserted funfair crossing the river Dee on a most spectacular bridge being a smaller version of our ANZAC bridge in Sydney. Huge road works at Connah’s Quay carving through the countryside, building bridges, tunnels probably extending the M56 by a good few miles.
Crossed over into England, no goodbye Wales or welcome to England signs, just a line on the map which we noticed and of course not seeing all the signs in English and Welsh.
Over in the distance we can see Ellesmere Port; power stations belching white steam and smoke adding to the cloudy skies. Flattish countryside and low wooded hills.
Passed all the signs, Wigan, St Helens, Warrington all the places where are RL footballers come to play the last few years of their playing careers.
Stopped of at Charnock Richards services for a break and a stretch of our legs. Accosted at the front door to sign up for a credit card by a buxom blonde. Found out her 20-year-old son, Jonathon Platts plays for the Cowboys in Australia. Previously having been with the Warriors. Says he is very happy and is being well looked after by the QRL, however he is transferring to a Sydney club next year.
Surprise the sun came out with blue sky as we approached Preston. On up past through Lancaster on the M6 until we saw the signs for the Lakes.
Racing along now heading for Windermere on the A591.This part of Cumbria is a land of low stone walls (dry) brick walls with fields dotted creating a crazy paving design.
Into Windermere, traffic snarled up, sun still shinning as we made our way slowly into town. Stopping of at the tourist bureau we selected Veronicas a B & B, further on down the road in Bowness just up from Windermere Lake. A large rabbit warren of rooms with creaking hallways, latch doors and small rooms. We loved it and were surprised to find we had a spa bath in our en-suite.
Dumped our bags and set out to walk around town. All sorts of Lake trips available, however it was quite windy and the lake choppy. We would wait until tomorrow so we continued to walk through the town.
Hungry by now so we had a meal at Gibby’s in town and back to our room, tired and ready to plan our next day.
So to bed.

Bound for North Wales Tuesday 14th August

2007-08-19T02:58:00.000-07:00

Marian & B made up some great sandwiches for our lunch, a thermos full of hot coffee and a final run down from Michael on the route to take. Get on to the M4 heading to London then off at exit 32 and it’s the A470 going north all the way!
They were right about the rain and putting the sleeping bags into the car somehow seemed a hopeful thought. Well it was in case of an emergency.
So all set at 930 it was good byes all round and we are off. Up through to the National Park, the Brecons. Sun tried to come out, but still raining and very low clouds and mist. We were lucky that Michael had taken us around the Brecons when it was much clearer when we were on a previous visit.
The fields were just as we always comment, just a patchwork quilt of greens and browns across the countryside dotted with black grey sheep-black underbelly, legs, face and grey topside. Mauve heather/gorse mountains look like rocks. This is a walkers paradise, like so many places in Britain.
So nice to see the rivers running fast over pebbles, rocks and through the green fields with a variety of trees some of them growing phenomenally tall.
Pushing on ahead on the A470 through Builth Wells much the same countryside on through the non-stop rain.
Stopped for a break at Meirion Mill in the Snowdonia National Park. This is where King Arthur had his last battle, being slain here. Ate the last of the sandwiches, which were beautiful. Had a look around the shop/mill, mostly souvenirs and clothes and of course made use of the toilets.
On we go with the rain setting in harder once again. Past Cymer Abbey and through Llechwedd where the slate caverns are. What a place. This must be where the slate is mined. Huge mountains of it, most of it though hidden from us by the heavy rain and mist. It’s used everywhere, the walls on the side of the roads, houses, churches, schools in fact nearly everywhere you can imagine. The roads here are being extensively reworked with a dual carriageway being carved through the rocks. The slate being used extensively for the build up of the road. The face of the place is being changed as a result of the traffic that must use this route and the subsidence that has occurred in many places. Delays all the time with traffic lights and lolly pop stop/go signs.
Betws-y-Coed very busy. Hotels, B& B’s, shops all awash with people milling about everywhere, sheltering under umbrellas or running from shop to shop trying to escape the rain.
It was time to leave the A470 and turn on to the A5 still in the Snowdonia National Park. Michael was right when he said this was a great scenic drive. Through Capel Curig making for Bangor. Feeling a travel weary by now we were thinking about finding somewhere to stay the night.
Into Bangor we found the tourist information office was closed. Saw a few ‘No Vacancies’ so pressed on to Holyhead, crossing the impressive Britannia Bridge. Still raining, we stopped of at few places and found there were no vacancies. The tent did not appeal to me, so when we found the Haven and a Mr. Evans who welcomed us with open arms, we were delighted. Great view overlooking where the car/passenger ferry comes and goes each day. Would we be going to Ireland tomorrow he asked? No thanks, we just want to find somewhere to have a bite to eat, a walk through the cobbled mall, a drink and go to bed. Which we did.

South Wales 13th August

2007-08-19T02:57:00.000-07:00

Quiet Day today. Spent the morning catching up on the blog and emails.
Lunch and leaving Mum to rest at home as she was very tired the four of us set off to the Quay side to have a look at the new Opera House (Wales Millennium Centre)
‘Wales flagship arts and cultural centre host to some of the world’s biggest productions-from West End and Broadway musicals to ballet and opera’
Tours run a couple of times a day. Michael decided that we would do our own and defying ‘no public access’ we took the lift up to the third floor and took a look into the main concert hall. Very impressive and very similar to our own Opera House concert hall. (Check the weblink)
It was then off to Explore the new National Assembly of Wales, the peoples Senedd.
Much to a lot of Welsh peoples dismay many millions of pounds have been spent here and are being spent for them just to be over governed by the bureaucrats
The publicity blurb says ‘the striking Welsh slate and glass architecture of the Senedd was designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership to reflect the National Assembly for Wales’ core philosophy of openness and transparency. It is a building that blends traditional Welsh products and natural materials such as Welsh slate, glass and wood with state of the art design and technology. (We didn’t know at the time but we were to see where that slate came from)
Time for a cup of tea, nothing too appealing open, so we made our way back to the car and drove to M & M’s yacht club. In Penarth across the bay from their previous house.
Then it was home bound to Mum, as I’m sure she probably thought we had got lost, as the time had run away from us.
It was a pleasant evening relaxing and B & I planning our trip away the next day up to Anglesey and the Lake District. The weather forecast was not looking too bright with rain and storms due to hit the areas we want to visit over the next two days. We have been very lucky so far, however if its one thing we can’t change it’s the weather.
So to bed.

South Wales Sunday 12th August

2007-08-19T02:56:00.000-07:00

Rained gently overnight however by morning the sun was shinning brightly. How lucky are we!
It was breakfast as usual. Deciding to skip the blood pressure check ups. Not something we want to face so early in the morning as we have to be ready for church parade and moving off to attend the morning service. Didn’t really feel much up to it but managed to rally my strength when I realised how desperately they wanted me to attend. No doubt they must have thought I needed to get a blessing boost.
Like Cinderella Beatrice was left behind to amuse herself as her own choice. (She actually did the washing up etc)
Arrived St.Lukes in Canton. A 20 century church but reconfigured by the removal of all the pews and an alter placed in the centre of the church with the chairs placed all around. The singing group being in one section in the assembly.
It was a big day as the Assistant Bishop Barry was to take the service as everyone else was on holiday. Magnificent in his robes and his headgear with ribbons. (Can’t think what they are called). Armed with an order of service I followed along diligently, fist having moved with Mum into a row in the front of us so we could get a better view of the proceedings.
A bit different to what Mum is use to with incense burning and candles. I must say they were a bit short changed here, as there was very little smoke. Not being swung around enough I found out later. Poor old assistant seemed a bit frail.
Taking communion everyone moved themselves off to stand around the church walls.
Still being of the unconfirmed I stayed in my seat. It was at this point that I realised I was all on my own and felt all the eyes were upon me. Not so I was told later.
All over it was the dismissal hymn and then teatime.
The Bishop walked around chatting and spent some time with reminiscing about how he loves Manly. He enjoyed a great trip around Australia but it was Manly that took his fancy. What a nice bloke.
Home to Beatrice and then off to the Oyster Catcher we meet up with Becky, Michael, Ziggy and Acacia. In Penarth, not for from where Michael and Marian use to live at the Marina.
Great to catch up with them all, the children looking as a sweet as ever. Becky and Michael loved relaxed and happy.
Great family restaurant, kids everywhere.
Off home to Michael's after a brief tour around his old stamping ground.
Michael showed us his Segway that he was promoting around the country.A computer balanced two wheel transporter that can travel up to 8mph. We all had a go in the garden and found it easy to get the hang of.
The children played and entertained us and had their baths so they would be ready for bed as soon as they arrived home.
It was then quiet time for us, not much to eat a some television and so to bed.

11th August

2007-08-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday 10th August Wales
Once again a sunny bright day. How much longer can it last?
All eating a healthy breakfast, some of us working on getting our blood pressure down after we were all checked again.
Mum looking refreshed after a good nights rest.
Marian off to her parents on her daily visit.
Michael and I off to buy some things from Tesco's for our lunch and then to the driving range to hit a few balls. Dropped Beatrice off at St.Nicholas as she wanted to walk back home looking at all the historic houses and gardens. Footpaths and right of ways through fields all over England that have existed for centuries can be seen every where you go. I think it would be possible to walk all over the place without using man roads and of course many people do, as they all seemed to be well used.
Events with animals have been cancelled or postponed due to the current foot and mouth outbreak and the restriction of moving any livestock across the country.
Its takes Beatrice 1 ½ hours to walk home whilst Michael gives me a lesson on hitting a golf ball at his club Cottrell Park. With amazement I improve dramatically and get some sort of encouragement from Michael that I have done very well. He demonstrates how he does it and drives the ball far and accurately. However he decides to show me just how much more he has to learn by inviting the club professional over to drive a few. I haven’t seen may true golfers hit the ball but his drives were almost out of the driving range grounds and straight as an arrow. However I’m told that Tiger woods would make him look like an amateur. With that I knew just how far I had to go and probably wouldn’t live long enough or be physically able. Still I think I’ll give it another go in Australia.
Arriving back a little late for lunch we both hoped we weren’t in too
much trouble.
We all enjoyed a drinks and a healthy lunch sitting outside on the patio.
Time to go again as we were off to catch up with Richard and his family about a forty-minute driving away.
First stop his Camping and Kite centre in Raglan. One of the largest displays of erected tents in the UK. A great accessories shop and everything you could possible want to go on an extended camping holiday. Richard insists we take a pop up tent and a hammer and tent peg kit as an emergency back up when B & I go up north next week to have a look around. for a few days.
6pm and time to close shop so we all head from Richards house.
All the family there except for Matthew who was in Manchester.
Johnny and his girlfriend Ellie, Ami and her boyfriend Dave and of course Madeleine and the dog Molly. Johnny looking even better than the last time we met him. Walking with a cane he was quite independent. We chatted about what he had been through and how it was almost a year to the day since the accident. I don’t think many of the family thought that he would be as well as he is today considering the state he was in. Much to be thankful for and I’m sure as a result of the support and encouragement he has received from his family and friends willing him on.
Michael, Richard and I decide to walk across the road to the Beaufort Arms to buy some beers. Deciding to stop for drink we order the pints up.
Somehow it was an hour later that we arrived back and with a comment from B that we only had managed to return with just 4 beers.
Richard was in his element cooking for 11 and the dog. Chicken,chops,steaks and of course the sausages. Salad bread and potatoes beer wine made it all a very enjoyable time.
.

10 th August

2007-08-13T03:30:00.000-07:00

.
Friday 10th August Departure day for Wales
A beautiful day once again. We can hardly believe our good fortune.
Beatrice & I decided to walk into CC so we could stretch our legs before the four-hour drive to South Wales.
What a great walk it always is. Going along the river and past the Christchurch Mill dating back to the 10 century we past on through the church grounds along the nuns walk and the thickly covered vine archway just allowing a flicker of sunlight through as its so dense. Up and on and a look at the map as how it all was 900 years ago, Christchurch Castle, with the Keep and moat, draw bridges and walls. The mind wanders into the past and what stories the old flint walls could tell, the tragedy’s, the happy, the sad times and how we will also move on one day and for many more years to come others will also walk around and be absorbed by it all and pass on into history.
Time for coffee so off to the Soho Café sitting outside overlooking the Keep ruins.
Home again after buying Beatrice’s sunglasses, for lunch and to pack the car with the suitcases etc.
What a great trip! We just flew along once we were on the dual carriageways, averaging 75 mph. What joy. Up the M27 to the M3 across to Newbury in under an hour and on to the M4 heading west. No stopping us, we thought we would be knocking on Mikes door in no time.
Across the magnificent Severn Bridge (owned by the French) and into the right lane to pay the 5.10 pound toll.
It was then when I looked ahead I saw the dense traffic jam of cars and trucks. It was so bad that they were keeping the boom gates down, as there was no place to go.
Over the next hour and a half or so we only covered 10 miles. We crawled stopped and continued to do so it seemed forever. Road works, cars broken down and the shear volume of traffic trying to get into Wales on a Friday afternoon was all too much.
Nothing lasts forever, and we eventually arrived at Michael's.
All happy now and safe we enjoyed pizza and salad.
Chatted, catching up on all things and got around to how are blood pressure was standing up. Michael produces a monitor and everyone is checked. First round not the best. Changed arms and did it again.Probably the traffic hold ups had made mine high.
Time for bed

The Day we drove to South Wales 9th August

2007-08-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day. Under instructions to get to South Wales early afternoon. Journey estimate about 3-4 hours.

Up early checked emails, breakfast and then the daily routine to go through the days mail to see how much money Mum has won or what awards she has been given. Mums mail can be up to 5 or 6 letters all claiming she has been selected as the winner of the £1000 prize or something similar. All she has to do is send £10 to cover postage and handling, make an order and the cheque will be on its way! We have been the lucky ones selected for a carriage clock, holiday and numerous other great prizes. It dosen't take us long to decide they are just after Mums money.

Some of the charity letters receive some acknowledgement as money likes to support children in Africa and other 'worthy' requests. Thankfully Mum is quite selective in her decisions and weeds out the ones that look sus. I must say it really boosts the mail delivery each day and keeps the postman in a job.

It was off into CC for Beatrice and I.Left Mum to get her things together for our little trip away whilst we were off to buy some sun glasses. We walked down by the river past the old mill place. Checked them all out.Settled on a pair that were on special in the super drug store. Coffee was called for in the soho cafe in church street.

Wednesday 7th August.

2007-08-09T11:17:00.001-07:00

After a full breakfast, we paid our money and drove to park the car locally in a non-park & pay street, as tipped off by the tourist bureau.

Kings College Chapel first stop. Having seen in Australia the Christmas service televised from there each year. Admittedly always the previous years service. (Check the web link- too much to put here) We must have spent over an hour here, reading looking and absorbing the whole place. The Rubens painting "The Adoration of the Magi" has a history of having been vandalised when IRA was carved across it. Having been restored it is said that if you look at it at a certain angle in the right light you can still see it. I tried , but was unable to.

What a wonderful place, once again the history is overwhelming, just like everything else in this country. We continued to walk around Cambridge taking in all the sights.
Most of the centre area is restricted to bicycles and the odd delivery vans between certain hours. Just about everybody rides one and visitors hire them as well. It's the best way to get about town. At this time of the year whilst all the Cambridge undergraduates are on their summer breaks the colleges fill up with language students from all over the world learning English or attending different conferences. So the place is never empty.
We must have walked for miles however we enjoyed it all.
Time to set off as we wanted to see as much as we can. We drove up to Ely and stopped off for a shared banquette and a look at the Cathedral. (Built by William the Conqueror). On to the North Coast of Norfolk skirting around Kings Lynn , on to the A149 coastal road to look for a B & B for the night. The Kings Head, now the Orange Tree in a little village called Thornham suited us fine. Bed and breakfast and a bar for a a couple of drinks, in the beer garden. We were quite hungry by now and having seen how popular a mobile fish & chip van that was doing a roaring trade just outside in the village square we decided to check it out. We waited our turn to be served, cod for Beatrice and haddock for me. All cooked to order, so it didn't happen all that quickly, mine taking twice as long for some reason. We went back to our room, and as we were in the converted stables we sat outside our room ate and drank the left over wine from the previous day.

For whatever reason I wasn't feeling the best so took to my bed. Spent a sleepless night,very hot, and restless. Anxious about getting enough rest as we had to drive all the way home the next day.

8th August 2007- Homeward journey.

Up for breakfast, one of those full English ones

To Cambridge 6th August

2007-08-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Trip to Cambridge

We were away by 930am with our sandwiches all made for our lunch stop. Up the M27/M3 and for nostalgia we stopped at the Fleet service centre. Memories coming back as this was where we were stopped on our last visit. The police having followed us for at least 15 mins. Sirens and flashing lights is not something we want to experience again. It was anon event this time and we had our coffee and set off again. On up to the M25 where we swung a left to take us round to the Cambridge exit. A few slow spots but otherwise the run was very good and the traffic kept up to 60-70mph most of the way. Looking out for exit 27 Cambridge here we come!
Arrived and parked at the Lion Plaza car park to find the tourist bureau as it was now 1pm and we wanted to sort out where to stay. Checked out Ely but decided to stay closer to town. Canterbury house B&B sounded pretty good , but before setting off we sat in the Great St Mary’s church ground and had our sandwiches sitting next to Naris Reed who died at 17 in 1837. She didn’t mind.

Then it was on to the ring road and with a few U turns we found the place. En Suite and clean and tidy. Dropped our bags had a wash and checked our local map and set off walking into town. Past Magdalene College, Pepys library closed today so on further over the River Cam and we were collared to go for a 45 minute Chauffeured punt ride with commentary. 2 seniors 10 quid each. OK we went to join our ride at Jesus Green. We were introduced to our “chauffeur” a young guy drinking his way around Europe who hailed from Brisbane. He had learnt the spiel and had all the info. (Check the River Cam link )
Needless to say he had all the gift of the gab, some of ……windows which had been bricked up years ago were done so because they was a window tax imposed. It is thought that this is where the term (“daylight robbery) came from. One of the little gems our guide told us was that when when Charles attended Kings College his bodyguard who was with him at all times, sat in on the lectures etc, and so it was thought that it was only fair that he could sit for the degree himself. They both took the exams and the bodyguard received a higher degree. Our fellow Aussie assures us that was a fact!. He did tell us a few others, but as I don't want to end up in the Tower I won't put them on the WWW.
Safely back to the river bank we set off to continue our walk. Most places were now closed for the day, last entry being 4.30pm. So, to look for a pub to have a drink. Checked a few out but the Mitre did the trick. Great meal, ordered wine and they only had Australian reds to select from. Out of Jacobs Creek so settled on a Crescent Bay, from SE Australia. Pretty tired we set off for our B&B as it was at least a 20-minute walk. Very tired and so to bed. Turned the news on to catch up with the details of the recent foot and mouth disease. The devastation for the farmers having their livestock slaughtered was upsetting.

Christchurch 5th August 2007

2007-08-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful looking day. Up early and breakfast with Mum this morning as we are off to church and have to leave by 9.15.

Left Beatrice at home so she can prepare the Sunday roast for lunch.

Usual Vicar away on 2 weeks holiday so the curate is running the show today. Visiting choir sounded pretty good echoing throughout the ancient church.

Received another boost as I was blessed once again and felt good all over. Mum so enjoys her church its a pleasure to give her a supporting arm as we walk up and down the church. As she says its the longest church in the country. The others all being Cathedrals.

All over we shuffled our way out to shake hands with the clergy, curate holds out a limp hand for me to grab hold of and waggle about. Now I know why Mum calls him "wet willy" I did wonder. However all good and it was out into the bright sunshine.

All activity at home, time for a drink whilst the roast stands and the table is set up

Sues home grown potatoes were a treat along with our PYO beans

To finish with, a surprise desert Beatrice had put together, raspberry,yogurt ice cream mix. Went down a treat for us all, especially Mum.

Eating so much, we really had to do some exercise.

Leaving Mum in her usual spot sitting in the sun for her afternoon nap we set off to walk over Hengistbury Head. Stuarts name always crops up when HH is mentioned as Mum says he always walks there and back everytime he visits.

So off along the river and for 1.20 across on the Wick ferry to the west side to make our way along well trodden paths and through small swing gates. Reading all the information provided along the way we learnt much about the area.(As you can if you click the link) Walking up to the cliff headland we could see for miles along the coast. Away in the distance Bournemouth beach appeared to be chock a block. The Isle of Wight shimmering in the distance.(on our plans to visit) The Solent beach was a popular place today, in fact it looked as though just about everyone was out enjoying the summer. We continued on down to the Mudeford sand bank where the lucky ones had their beach huts. All sorts of colours and set ups but basically wooden and equipped with stoves and whatever else you need to live. No toilets or showers,those are provided by the council with amenity blocks. This really is living shoulder to shoulder however everyone is enjoying themselves.

We took our shoes off and waded into the sea, pretty dirty,seaweed etc, but not cold.

Refreshed it was time to think about getting home.Two hours passes so quickly when you are out and about

Having walked our 10000 steps, the Tuckton ferry looked very attractive so we didn't need to convince ourselves that was they way to go. When all loaded up to the maxi mum permitted of 50 we made our way up stream making a couple of stops on the way. What activity on the water,everyone making the most of the day

Arrival at Tuckton it was just a short stroll home to a welcome cup of tea

Quiet time with Mum, sitting reading , and Beatrice and I deciding that we would go on trip for a couple of days up to Cambridge. It was then time for toasted sandwiches and coffee before bedtime.

Christchurch Saturday 4th August

2007-08-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

Shopping list carefully made out we set off for CC once again. Mum deciding to go on her buggy, with us running behind in order to keep up. 4mph might not sound too fast except when you are trying to keep up with a Grandma who seems to be a little too confidant in her driving skills, or so it appeared to us. Mum explained that sometimes she just would like to go a bit faster, but regrettably when they can go up to 8mph you have to register them and have a licence. Thank God for that! 4 mph is fast enough!

Main item on shopping list was a bottle of whiskey, pringles (onion) and a few other bits and pieces. We seemed to have food at home in order not to starve and Beatrice has been doing us well with her culinary skills in the kitchen.

However we thought lunch out would be a good idea, again! (This is becoming a habit) So it was to the Old George Inn that we made for as Mum had told she had never been in there. (We enjoyed it with Keith and Kate in the winter we were all here) This time it was out in the court yard for us, sitting in the warm sun with some shelter of the umbrella. I continued to trial all of the beers on offer knowing that I only had to walk home and didn't have to fear the breathalyzer.

A bit of a longer walk was called for so we trotted off, chasing Mum, down to the Old Mill and then along the river. Musicians in the bandstand market tents out on the lawns and people just enjoying the music and sunning themselves.

Mum caught some sun and now has a white watch strap mark on her wrist.

A quiet evening was called for, Beatrice read, Mum did her jigsaw and I amused myself doing the blog.

And so to bed after a day when the weather had been great, once again being warm and sunny (I could get use to this)

Visit from Sue Friday 3rd August

2007-08-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Up early, breakfast over with, out with the vacuum cleaner and all the rest of the cleaning gear. Have to have the place looking good for our visitor.

Sue arrives early, looking bright and chirpy despite the heavy traffic and with potatoes from her allotment. Mum so happy to see her and of course, us as well. She really looks forward to her visits.

We drove into CC to visit the organic markets in the main town square. Mum being given the ride around in the chariot so we didn't tire her out.

Great selection, roast beef for Sunday lunch and seedlings for Sues allotment.

A walk around town and a decision to drop the goods off at home and then make for one of Mums favourite places for lunch ,the Cliff House Hotel & Restaurant. Great location perched on the Cliff overlooking the beaches. The new owners,only one week there endeavour to keep it going the way every one has been use to. Strangely the previous owners had retired to the north of Scotland, I wonder why they wanted to get that far away from the place!

A good lunch was enjoyed by us all which we followed up by leaving Mum having a snooze, sitting in a very comfortable looking armchair in the sun and us out for a walk along the top of the cliff. Activity everywhere, hang gliding, kite flying, children running around and of course the ones lazing about in the sun.

For us it was a bit of a walk and then a stretch out on the bench overlooking the sea and a chat ,so Mum could have some time to rest.

Time up, it was back to the car and off to PYO. (Pick Your Own)

Let loose with our plastic buckets we were into the strawberries carefully selecting just the best.

Then a purchase of runner beans as long as your arm and a bucket full of raspberries.

Home for afternoon tea and Sues departure for the trip back to St.Margarets

A good day, the weather had been sunny and warm and very enjoyable.

Destination Lyme Regis August 2nd.

2007-08-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Day of rest for Mum (or so we thought at the time) so we were off and away at 930am. Overcast but not too cold. Up to Wimborne where we had visited on a previous trip, a beautiful and interesting town, then headed down to Bridport and West Bay. It started to spot with rain as we skirted Dorchester, this all being Thomas Hardy country.We have previously visited his cottage so we didn't have to try and find it, for some reason they make it quite hard to find.

The country side was magnificent, the last of the combined harvesters were out in the rain finishing their work as we drove across the crest of a range with the neatly divided fields either side of us. Single lane road, so many photo opportunities but no where to stop and jump out of the car to take them.

We drove into Bridport, a historic market town and right into a spot on East Street where all the activity was. Time for a coffee so we struck lucky with the Chez Cuddys and enjoyed a decent cup of cappuccino.It now started to really pour down and since we had not brought an umbrella with us or raincoats we darted in and out of doorways as we made our way down the street. Woolworths coming to the rescue where we bought a cheapo umbrella which enabled us to at least not get too soaked. Unfortunately it all got the better of us and we made a dash for the car.

Sitting all snug we stayed until the rain eased and decided to drive on to West Bay.

So much to say about this place you'll just have to look at the link.

What a great place, fishing boats, walking tracks,beaches,holiday sites and alas huge apartment buildings being constructed on the harbour front.Not yet overdeveloped but I could see what could happen if the developers have their way.

This was near the end of a walk that they advertise as 1000 kilometres and 1000 experiences.Starting in North Somerset along the coast through Devon,Cornwall back into Devon and ending in Dorset at South Haven point.Some of Britain's most spectacular coastal scenery. (The South West Coast Path) Check it out. (Bob, Lyn is this a walk we could do?)

Beatrice was interested in the fishing boats and checking out the catch they had just brought in.

We also chatted to the RNLI life guards who were having a day off because of the rain. We looked over the beach with just a couple of bedraggled fishermen trying their luck which he told us the day before when it was hot and sunny had 900 people on it! Not a spot of (gritty sand to be seen)

The two of them were kept busy as it shelves quite steeply and its easy to get swept out. No rubber duckies or water skis here, they have to run along the beach with the surfboards and then jump into the water and paddle out to them. They're trying to raise the money to get some equipment.Shows how lucky we are in Australia with all the gear our lifesavers have at nearly all our beaches they patrol. I asked about the surfing and must have sounded quite one myself as he asked if we had brought our boards over with us. Beatrice had to spoil it all by saying we weren't surfers!

Rain on and off so we made off to the Bridport Hotel after checking out the local fish and chops places,deciding we would try something a little bit more up market. Had a beer and ended up with fish and chips and Beatrice the crab.

Park and Pay was all used up at West Bay so it was off to Lyme Regis via Charmouth, the fossil beach. We drove down to the beach area and around and around for somewhere to park. Had a look out at the rain and decided to press on to LR.

We knew it being the height of the holiday season for all the Brits that everywhere would be very crowded and we haven't been wrong.

Not too worry they warned us that parking was at a premium in the town of LR so we used the park up on the hill and walked down to the beach front. Sun shinning now and warm so we made a decision we didn't need our coats or umbrella.(Big Mistake)

Lyme Regis twinned with St Georges in Bermuda, which we both know and have visited many

Ah! here we can imagine the woman in black walking out along the Cob in the book the

French Lieutenant's Women played by Meryl Streep. Just like many people were doing. The tide was way out and every boat in the harbour is high and dry on the mud. High tide not until 8 in the evening. Massive erosion here and we read how the Princess Royal had visited LR earlier on in the year to launch a programme of beach and coastal front work planned to hold back the damage that would eventually destroy much of the area.

Clouds gathering, everyone running for cover as the rain came thundering down. We picked up our pace and made for the little alleyways and streets to find somewhere to shelter. With great luck we came upon The Terrace which not only provided us with shelter but a table by the window and a nice pot of tea for two. We watched tea by the sea, Brit style, sitting outside under the large sunshades which were now umbrellas sheltering the customers who were all prepared as they were decked out in all sorts of macs and wet weather gear. They obviously know how changeable it can all be.

How right they were, half an hour later, sky all blue,sun shinning off with the macs etc and back outside. So we continued walking up to the car park looking at all the buildings reading the plaques visiting the museum and on to the car.

We encountered all sorts of delays on our way home with a whole section of the A35 closed off and a diversion that took us way out of our way. We just followed everyone else nose to tail for miles. We passed the queues the other side which extended for 3 to 4 miles long. Glad we weren't going in that direction. Eventually we found our way back to the main A35 and on to home having our trip extended by over an hour. Thankful to be home safely. It wasn't long after dinner that I found myself nodding off , but not before Mum told me her quiet day consisted of going to do some shopping and visiting Margaret her 89 year old friend at her nursing home! Thanfully she at least went there in a taxi!.

So to Bed.

Trip to Newbury to meet Richard and family Aug 1st

2007-08-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

It was all go this morning, we all had to be up early and ready to leave the house by 10am. Its Mum really, I think she deserves to have a lie in each morning but none of that today!
Richard had sent me detailed instructions with a step by step guide from our doorstep to the exact arrival point we had agreed on.
So no trouble was anticipated. Of course we knew better as we were now locals and we had Mum guiding me from the back of the car. She does really well but sometimes we make a few a errors though we all know that they have changed all the roads since she last went that way.
(We did go through the drawer of maps and booklets Mum has and found most of them were now collectors items)
Not to worry, Newbury we are on our way. Sun shinning, a beautiful 21deg being registered outside by our fancy car indicator and the roads not too busy.
Motorway driving is great way to get somewhere but its not the way to see the country side.
It all seems to flash by too quickly at 80 + mph (said I would get the hang of it).Managed the slip roads until the turn off for Newbury which came and went before I had the chance to get in the right lane. Beatrice just got caught off guard at that moment as she was studying the map. So here we were past our turn off and on the way to London!
No, we were going to be alright as the next exit was really the one we we had been looking for so we felt quite smug that we were doing OK. Mum had been unable to help as she had adjusted her cushion and had been having a (oooh I must have dozed off) moment.
On the A35 and follow the signs into downtown Newbury.

What a history this place has! Right now it was back to the directions, feeling quite confident in their accuracy we pressed ahead.Just as we passed the turn off I was advised that was the road.On until we could do an about turn . There it was, the car park we were looking for, or so we thought as it was meant to be a multi storey one. No, this was just an open space but on asking a local, it had the right name it had just not developed into a multistory. How we were we to know they had named two car parks the same, or almost the same. We made a decision it was good enough for us! No disabled spots, never mind, we did OK. Out with Mums chariot and off to stand at the entrance to keep an eye out for Richard, who was 15 minutes away. Sun really beaming down now and Mum was getting her quoter of vitamin D.

I was gazing off into the blue when there eas a hoy!across the from cross the road, surprise, Michael and Marian, glad to see they found are car park, so we must be in the right one! Kisses and hugs all round, we all look the same except Marian had grown her hair as was looking very stylish.

Now for Richard

Mad called to say they were at the Northbrook Multistorey, we of course were at the Northbrook place car park, directions given they set off to find us.

All together at last! More kisses and hugs. Johnnie looking really great.

Decisions decisions as we set off down the Newbury shopping mall to find aplace for lunch.

The eight of us invaded a suitable looking place which could accommodate us all and we could enter with the chairs.

After lunch a very pleasant walk down to the Kennet canal/ Avon river to see the narrow boats.

(Click the link and read all about it.) It would be great to take a narrow boat and travel the canal.

Marion managed to high jack a passer by to take our group photo so we gathered together to mark the occasion.

Time for goodbyes and are journey home. We managed to find our way into Newbury and so traced our way back successfully.

A stop off at the Lyndhurst Tea Gardens for a welcome break and a pot of tea. The drive through the New Forest was as spectacular as usual. Thought again of Keith & Kate as this was where they stayed in their caravan on their last visit.

Arrived home exhausted, ready for a bit of TV and a good nights sleep. And so to bed.

Have to be up early tomorrow morning to get the housework done and be ready for Sue's visit.

Tuesday 31st July Drive to Pagham and Beyond

2007-07-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Mums day of rest so its Beatrice & I let loose on the roads for a drive to Bognor and where ever else we might end up.

Impressed myself my getting on to the right roads without any U turns and on to the motorway heading for Southampton.

Getting the hang of the Ford Focus and am remembering that its a manual and you have to put the clutch in when you are stopping or else it stalls! Just got to get the hang of which side the indicators are and of course the radio.

Drove into Pagham area trying to find Dursley where the aunts use to live and where when we were children we spent some summer holidays. More by luck than skill we found Barrack Lane and the house just as I remember it. Parked the car in the little shopping area and walked to the end of the lane and on to the beach. Pebbles, no sand,just pebbles. We crunched our way down to the sea and spread ourselves out on the warm stones. We know the water was very cold as we watched two young girls with their bodyboards make quite a few attempts to brave the freezing water. They eventually made it.

Walked along the beach and found the pathway we use to take and up back past the house to the car.

It was time for lunch so we found a great pub and a two meals for the price of one suited us fine.

A drive into Bognor passing the old pier that had been half destroyed by the storms 10 years ago, to the end trying to find somewhere to park. Bognor was full up as the sun was shinning and it was at least 21degC. The beach goers were out in their thousands.

Saw Butlins, I felt it was a place to avoid though I understand it is very popular and has been there since the end of the war though much changed.

We kept on driving and decided to visit Arundel Castle and village.Home of the Duke of Norfolk for the last 900 years.( You would have thought that he might have done something about moving by now wouldn't you.)

By the time we arrived it was too late to tour the castle so we decided to take a walk around the joint and then on into the village.

Stopped by the river Arun and the boat shed,looked into the antique shops had a ice cream and wandered back to the car to complete our 10000 steps for the day!but not before we took a second look at the yellow car that was chugging its way down stream,obviously having taken a wrong turn but seemed to be making good progress. Quite a handy idea really if the roads are all jammed up.

Had enough for the day and we thought about the drive home which was going to take us a couple of hours. In fact it was trouble free except for the areas where they had sign posted (! Queuing) The speed limit is 70mph but I must have been the only one doing that as I was being left behind, I'm getting the hang of it though and will have another go at it tomorrow when we catch up with Richard and family in Newbury.

Arrived home about 6.30pm, Mum had a drink ready for us and had a cooked beautiful meal and was looking quite glamorous as she had been to her hairdresser, on the buggy of course.

Wrote the blog up and so to bed at 1030 tired and ready for a good night rest. Wow this travelling is so tiring.