Hello all. Back again. Never thought would miss internet so, so much.... Why, oh why, are the French not into it?
We have arrived at Villereal in the Lot and Garone area and the village is lovely. A really old medieval place with a large covered market in the centre of it. Still want to have lunch out on Sunday and everywhere was closed. Sunday is really a family day in rural France. C'est la vie.
I don't think I enthused about my short visit to La Rochelle. We felt we were on a holiday within a holiday. beautiful sunshine, by the sea. Ile de re is fabulous. Lots of people. Civilisdation at long last and we arrived on St. Jean's day, which is party night. We even followed a Brazilian band around town. Reminded me of Jacinta. We loved it there.
Not much of interest to tell, but we are having a great time and always surprised that everywhere we get to, there is loads to see. here is amazing, there is so much to visit that we are not sure if 4 weeks are enough.
We did a 4 1/2 hour walk around Civray too last week and blisters apart - I had to walk bare foot by the end of it, it was great... We got a bit lost too.
French coming along slowly. Managed to have my hair cut and book a waxing, so can't be bad.....
Au revoir, vive Brasil, vive La France and au revoir England.....
Tuesday 29 June 2010
Monday 21 June 2010
I am still here.....
Darlings....
I know from the e-mails that everybody has been worried about the lack of update. Unfortunately we have lost the connection at the mill and it does not look like we will get it back. Won't bother you with the details. I find it amazing that even within 1 1/2 hours from where we are, which is the distance to the nearest larger towns, there is no internet cafe, so, if you don't have it where you are, you've had it.
The weather has been atrocious, but must not complain,a s at least we have not had the floods that have afflicted the folk down South. We are actually going to be very near where it happened, but not until August... It was a national disaster here. The rivers every where we go are really high but coping. We have stayed in quite a bit because of the poor weather, but, have also visited everywhere of interest nearby. Unfortunately this region is about walks and outdoors, so, in general life has been quiet.
We went to Limoges on Saturday - lovely medieval town - and had a nice meal at long last. Needless to say however that the choice was: cow's cheeks (again), tripe, snails or beef bourgingnon.... Needless to say, we chose the beef, even though I can't spell it... The only thing I can say, is that I am living the french way as the place was heaving with French families.
I am sorry, but nothing of interest to tell. We are still having a good time and have decided that with the money we saved by not eating out (because the food does not appeal) and not being out (because of the weather), we are now enjoying a couple of nights at La Rochelle on the coast and have, albeit limited, access to internet. Battery is running low.
Weather is beautiful and tomorrow we will spend the day at Ile de Re.
Will update again, when I can.
I know from the e-mails that everybody has been worried about the lack of update. Unfortunately we have lost the connection at the mill and it does not look like we will get it back. Won't bother you with the details. I find it amazing that even within 1 1/2 hours from where we are, which is the distance to the nearest larger towns, there is no internet cafe, so, if you don't have it where you are, you've had it.
The weather has been atrocious, but must not complain,a s at least we have not had the floods that have afflicted the folk down South. We are actually going to be very near where it happened, but not until August... It was a national disaster here. The rivers every where we go are really high but coping. We have stayed in quite a bit because of the poor weather, but, have also visited everywhere of interest nearby. Unfortunately this region is about walks and outdoors, so, in general life has been quiet.
We went to Limoges on Saturday - lovely medieval town - and had a nice meal at long last. Needless to say however that the choice was: cow's cheeks (again), tripe, snails or beef bourgingnon.... Needless to say, we chose the beef, even though I can't spell it... The only thing I can say, is that I am living the french way as the place was heaving with French families.
I am sorry, but nothing of interest to tell. We are still having a good time and have decided that with the money we saved by not eating out (because the food does not appeal) and not being out (because of the weather), we are now enjoying a couple of nights at La Rochelle on the coast and have, albeit limited, access to internet. Battery is running low.
Weather is beautiful and tomorrow we will spend the day at Ile de Re.
Will update again, when I can.
Sunday 13 June 2010
random thoughts, update
Just a quick update so you don't thing I have gone AWOL.Had a great day out today at another chateau. Didn't think there was any in this area, but Alan found one called RocheFoucauld. Very interesting and a nice village too. Had the best meal out so far in the chateau restaurant. At long last. Some lovely prawns in champagne and saffron sauce. Yum, yum....
As to reaction of the French, locally, to football, you wouldn't know that there was a world cup on..... Haven't heard a whistle so far. Do they know it is on?
Found a great walk locally, just about an hour or so, if you don't want to do the 4 1/2 hours and it si lovely. You walk along the river and cross little islands. Really picturesque. Wish I could paint.
Nothing further of interest to report. Am getting into the pace of life of the village. there is definitely more life to it than Longue. Went out yesterday between matches to see what was going on in town and one of the 3 cafes/bar was open, there were about 4 English people sitting there, one of the pizzerias was open and there is a kebab van that sets up in the square at weekends... Neill would enjoy that.....
Oh, there were a few people walking around too...
As to reaction of the French, locally, to football, you wouldn't know that there was a world cup on..... Haven't heard a whistle so far. Do they know it is on?
Found a great walk locally, just about an hour or so, if you don't want to do the 4 1/2 hours and it si lovely. You walk along the river and cross little islands. Really picturesque. Wish I could paint.
Nothing further of interest to report. Am getting into the pace of life of the village. there is definitely more life to it than Longue. Went out yesterday between matches to see what was going on in town and one of the 3 cafes/bar was open, there were about 4 English people sitting there, one of the pizzerias was open and there is a kebab van that sets up in the square at weekends... Neill would enjoy that.....
Oh, there were a few people walking around too...
Wednesday 9 June 2010
daily thoughts, life and stuff
Just been out for the day to Poitiers, the nearest big town - 50 mins or so away. Nice old medieval quarter and I found a shopping centre.... HURRAY..... Shame I don't need anything and indeed can't buy anything. Where am I going to put it?? Alan v. happy as it means I don't spend.
Had an ok meal on a really nice bistro. We are almost convinced that French cooking is not much cop. We are coming to the conclusion that Brazilian and Portuguese cuisine are the best in the world. Sorry Claudia, but even Italy loses out sometimes.
The trip is fulfilling exactly what we needed and wanted. We want to find out where else in the world we could live if not Brasil or England. I am loving the experience, but so far, I would find rural France too provincial and restrictive. I need to see people about and food is big for me. I must love it too.
I realised that I have not said much about the places I have visited so far and somebody asked for impressions. We think that the Loire region is brilliant. Lots to see. We were blessed with wonderful weather which helped a lot and the people very, very friendly. Forgot to say that the roads are absolutely brilliant too. Alan is loving the driving.
We visited some wonderful chateaux and each and everyone really nice in completely different ways. Villandry has absolutely amazing gardens, Usse is picture perfect. No wonder, it apparently was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty. Angers, was just so impressive. It was built as a fortress and that is what it looks like from the outside. Huge and not that attractive, until you go in. It still has the drawbridge and inside is like what a fortified town must have looked like then. Really amazing. The moat is just enormous and was never filled with water. It was used for grazing animals and growing crops. Loved it.
Then, there is Chenonceau, the only castle I have ever seen that actually strides a river. Really impressive.And Breze, which has another castle below it in the shape of tunnels, where you can still see the ovens, the wine storage, the places where the guards stood to shoot arrows at the enemies. I really thing that they are fantastic and we still didn't see them all.
We are now in Poitou Charent region and it does not have any major points of interest. The weather has been poor for the last 2 days, so not done much. But I think the only thing to really do round here is walks. There are quite a few and we will try and do some when the weather is better. If I knew how it was, I would have chosen somewhere nearer the coast. We will go to the coast though for a couple of days. We just need to spend less round here, which is not difficult really....
I thing this is enough. Regards and vive la France.....
Had an ok meal on a really nice bistro. We are almost convinced that French cooking is not much cop. We are coming to the conclusion that Brazilian and Portuguese cuisine are the best in the world. Sorry Claudia, but even Italy loses out sometimes.
The trip is fulfilling exactly what we needed and wanted. We want to find out where else in the world we could live if not Brasil or England. I am loving the experience, but so far, I would find rural France too provincial and restrictive. I need to see people about and food is big for me. I must love it too.
I realised that I have not said much about the places I have visited so far and somebody asked for impressions. We think that the Loire region is brilliant. Lots to see. We were blessed with wonderful weather which helped a lot and the people very, very friendly. Forgot to say that the roads are absolutely brilliant too. Alan is loving the driving.
We visited some wonderful chateaux and each and everyone really nice in completely different ways. Villandry has absolutely amazing gardens, Usse is picture perfect. No wonder, it apparently was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty. Angers, was just so impressive. It was built as a fortress and that is what it looks like from the outside. Huge and not that attractive, until you go in. It still has the drawbridge and inside is like what a fortified town must have looked like then. Really amazing. The moat is just enormous and was never filled with water. It was used for grazing animals and growing crops. Loved it.
Then, there is Chenonceau, the only castle I have ever seen that actually strides a river. Really impressive.And Breze, which has another castle below it in the shape of tunnels, where you can still see the ovens, the wine storage, the places where the guards stood to shoot arrows at the enemies. I really thing that they are fantastic and we still didn't see them all.
We are now in Poitou Charent region and it does not have any major points of interest. The weather has been poor for the last 2 days, so not done much. But I think the only thing to really do round here is walks. There are quite a few and we will try and do some when the weather is better. If I knew how it was, I would have chosen somewhere nearer the coast. We will go to the coast though for a couple of days. We just need to spend less round here, which is not difficult really....
I thing this is enough. Regards and vive la France.....
Tuesday 8 June 2010
internet- can't live without
Didn't realise how much I like, use internet until I could not get hold of it. Was getting frustrated that could not write on a more regular basis because could not find a wifi connection anywhere. Even when you find it, you realise that it is not the same as sitting at home in comfort, and having time to undo all the mistakes, etc.
Loving having it here. Can cope better too with not going out, if at least I can use the time to upload photos, etc. We are still struggling a bit with it, but getting there. I think that having to wait to connect in between postings, have made it more of a chore now.
Anyway, been to the market today, bigger than Longue, but not that much to write about.
Staying in, weather overcast and we want to save some money so we can spend a night by the seaside when the weather improves. La Rochelle/Ile de Re, is about 2 1/2 hours away, and we think it is worth spending a night there, so Alan can have a drink and enjoy it.
Will keep you posted.
Ah, lots of English people about, no Brazilians as yet... Met a couple that have been travelling around for the last 2 1/2 years and although will still carry on travelling, are setting up a base in France. Early retirement too and they say they do not miss work at all. Wife however, says she is tired of living out of suitcases, thus the need for a place to call home.
Loving having it here. Can cope better too with not going out, if at least I can use the time to upload photos, etc. We are still struggling a bit with it, but getting there. I think that having to wait to connect in between postings, have made it more of a chore now.
Anyway, been to the market today, bigger than Longue, but not that much to write about.
Staying in, weather overcast and we want to save some money so we can spend a night by the seaside when the weather improves. La Rochelle/Ile de Re, is about 2 1/2 hours away, and we think it is worth spending a night there, so Alan can have a drink and enjoy it.
Will keep you posted.
Ah, lots of English people about, no Brazilians as yet... Met a couple that have been travelling around for the last 2 1/2 years and although will still carry on travelling, are setting up a base in France. Early retirement too and they say they do not miss work at all. Wife however, says she is tired of living out of suitcases, thus the need for a place to call home.
Monday 7 June 2010
moving on
Well, here we are in Civray. Had a lovely, though hot (35 c),trip down, via the b roads. Tom Tom must go mad at us. We ask for a route and then ignore its messages. It does not like it.
The villages continue to astound me. There is no noise. All the windows in the houses are always closed, no music blearing through windows, no noise of children talking, laughing, even when you go past schools. I have a theory that everybody hides when they see us coming, to see what my reaction is going to be. I keep repeating myself. Must be getting old: but where is everybody??? Come on French nation, let me know where you disappear to.
Our converted mill is lovely. Accommodation definitely one up on the last one. It was pretty dark and dowdy. This is very spacious and has a lovely little, little island attached to it, which is the garden. Cherry and fig trees included. Lovely.
Went out today to visit one of the villages nearby- Montmorillon - the Hay on Wye of France. Being Monday however, everywhere was closed, bar two cafes and a restaurant. No shops open. Food is not impressing me in France, foodie that I am, mostly disappointed....
The villages continue to astound me. There is no noise. All the windows in the houses are always closed, no music blearing through windows, no noise of children talking, laughing, even when you go past schools. I have a theory that everybody hides when they see us coming, to see what my reaction is going to be. I keep repeating myself. Must be getting old: but where is everybody??? Come on French nation, let me know where you disappear to.
Our converted mill is lovely. Accommodation definitely one up on the last one. It was pretty dark and dowdy. This is very spacious and has a lovely little, little island attached to it, which is the garden. Cherry and fig trees included. Lovely.
Went out today to visit one of the villages nearby- Montmorillon - the Hay on Wye of France. Being Monday however, everywhere was closed, bar two cafes and a restaurant. No shops open. Food is not impressing me in France, foodie that I am, mostly disappointed....
Thursday 3 June 2010
french language and food - beware....
well, I'm glad that a few funny things are happening so I can entertain family and friends....
Went for a meal at the local and almost only restaurant/bar in the village that is open all the time. To keep it cheap we always have " menu du jour", which doesn't offer much choice. Options were "tete de veau" or beef. I had had the beef already, so went for tete as I like veal.... As soon as I ordered, I remembered that "tete" is something to do with the head. Left the dictionary at home.
Then decided to stick with choice just to see what it was. Well, at least it wasn't brains,but cow's cheeks, yuk.... and boiled, to top it all. Even the owner when she took the plates away with most of the dinner still on it, said she didn't like it either....
Lesson for today: Make sure you take your dictionary all the time and if in doubt: ask.....
Weather is wonderful today after a couple of days of rain.Not too much. Getting ready to move to the next house on Saturday. Hope I will find wifi a bit quicker.
France is gorgeous, belive me. The chateaux are wonderful and the vineyards around the LOire are amazing, although too early int he year for grapes. Can't wait to follow their growth as we travel around. Have come across a few Brazilians too, but not spoken to any. We are everywhere...
Keep posted.
Went for a meal at the local and almost only restaurant/bar in the village that is open all the time. To keep it cheap we always have " menu du jour", which doesn't offer much choice. Options were "tete de veau" or beef. I had had the beef already, so went for tete as I like veal.... As soon as I ordered, I remembered that "tete" is something to do with the head. Left the dictionary at home.
Then decided to stick with choice just to see what it was. Well, at least it wasn't brains,but cow's cheeks, yuk.... and boiled, to top it all. Even the owner when she took the plates away with most of the dinner still on it, said she didn't like it either....
Lesson for today: Make sure you take your dictionary all the time and if in doubt: ask.....
Weather is wonderful today after a couple of days of rain.Not too much. Getting ready to move to the next house on Saturday. Hope I will find wifi a bit quicker.
France is gorgeous, belive me. The chateaux are wonderful and the vineyards around the LOire are amazing, although too early int he year for grapes. Can't wait to follow their growth as we travel around. Have come across a few Brazilians too, but not spoken to any. We are everywhere...
Keep posted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
