Today I flew back from Toulousse and arrived at Steph's at about 2.45 pm. The only disappointing thing about being in Real (pronounced re-arl) was the lack of internet continuity. Poor old James had to write up a legal report and send it back to his office in London causing much consternation because it simply wouldn't go through.
The temperatures were debilitating - over 40 degrees on the hottest day, but each evening we ate outside (about 9.30 pm) to enjoy the 'cool' of the evening. It was a bit of a rude awakening today, to arrive back at Heathrow to drizzly rain and 14 degrees. It doesn't auger well for the wedding in Wales on Friday, either.
It's been a super 12 days with the family - I realise at times like this just how much I miss having family around ... but friends are equally important, and when I'm over here I miss everyone back at home. There just seems to be no solution.
As I mentioned in my first blog from France the wildlife was astonishing. Thankfully I didn't meet up with, nor hear mention of anyone else doing so, any snakes; however there were hornets, wasps, bees, spiders, lizards and goodness knows what else The hornets are becoming a problem over there and can be quite dangerous causing anafalactic (well, how would YOU spell it?) shock - evidently they simply don't know when to stop stinging - and as we all know, three bee stings in Wales were quite sufficient for me. The wasps around the pool were prolific and Hannah received three wasp stings one afternoon.
And one morning I awoke and saw about 20 guinea fowl pecking away on the patio area. As soon as they saw me, they jumped up on to the brick wall and one by one darted away through a bush - only to emerge in 3s and 4s - scurrying over behind a tree to await the arrival of the next three of four. Once enough had gathered, they repeated the action to the next tree and when all were gathered, the whole lot shot off (on foot) towards the swimming pool. Sadly my camera battery chose that moment to go flat, so I can't show you that.
We had some lovely day trips out, en masse. Our little village had about 6-10 houses and one church in it (which didn't open) ... there were a number of other villages dotted around the hills - none with much more to show for themselves. But we found a lovely water park where we picnicked one day - the others went swimming and pedalo riding (boats with pedals, Mama Mia style) but the heat was intense and Rosemary and I felt we should stay under the shade to look after Henry (4 months).
Another day Philip and Rosemary took us all out to a very nice mid-day meal - again al fresco but fortunately under a canopy. I was amazed how much I have retained of my schoolgirl french when reading the menu and roadsigns, but had no hope of keeping up with actual conversation. Fortunately Gabriel is very accomplished and did most of our translating.. I could always understand "ma tante" but lost it after that!!! She could have been offering me for sale for all I know, but always re-assured me afterwards that no mushrooms were involved.
On yet another day we went into a little township (a Bastille - one of 5 in the area, where fortifications were still obvious, in case of attack) because it was market day. I'd forgotten of course, that there would be live rabbits and chickens in cages etc. but managed to move away in time!
And yesterday, Gabriel, Dean, the two little boys and I went to Albi - home of Henri Toulesse le Trec, the painter. We had another al fresco meal by the river where I ordered 'un petit peut de glace' which seemed to achieve its required effect, when one scoop of icecream in a glass appeared. However Nye (aged 2) order his 'crepe chocolat' equally successfully, so it rather burst my bubble!!!
After a full midday meal, we shipped the males off on a canal boat ride (hope you picked up that little pun) while Gabriel and I went to visit the museum showing several dozen of Toulousse's (first names now) painting. Funny little man he was.
There was an onsite manager at the 'house' who came over daily to empty the dishwashers, check that we didn't need anything and make suggestions of where we could go. She also cooked two evening meals - the last one, last night, in recognition of my 'last day'. She made beautiful meals, but I've got to say that each of my three nieces are extremely competent 'chefs' in their own rights and each day we were treated to croissants, pain au chocolat and pain au raisin fresh from the bakery each morning (thanks to Will) and top class lunches and evening meals (9.30/10.00 pmish - after the children had gone to bed).
I'm sure there's lots more I haven't recorded - but all in all, it's been a great 12 days - initially marred only by my constant migraines, but in retrospect I think it was just the conclusion of what's been a pretty rough spin of poor health over the past 5 weeks.
Tomorrow I leave for the wedding in Wales. Who knows what the internet reception will be like.
Time will tell!!
Vive la France - but perhaps not QUITE the temperatures there!
x
No comments:
Post a Comment