canoeing on the Dordogne

Just had a most fab day yesterday and felt really adventurous - for me anyway, since I am not very good with water.. We went canoeing down the Dordogne and it was amazing. Tons of people doing the same obviously. The pace is so gentle and the scenery just incredible, gives you another view point of the castles and the landscape in general. Our time in the Dordogne is coming to an end. We move on Friday to Carcassonne for one night and then the Pyrenees. We loved this area and would recommend it.

Food definitely improving, getting a bit tastier and with more options. This is the area for fois gras and duck in general, but good.

I haven't mentioned the market. Villereal has two a week and they are quite colourful. You can buy clothes, fresh food and even wine. A few of the local domaines set up stall and sell the ones by the bottle or boxes and you can taste them too!!!!

We visited the Chateau Montbazillac we also did some "degustation" and you could get quite drunk on it if you were that way inclined. Unfortunately I can't take it and Alan is driving, so just a small taste each. Happy days.

landscapes

Just thought I should put something in about the changing landscape as we move on from region to region in France. Whilst the Loire area was truly beautiful, it was mainly flat and covered in vineyards. As we moved along to Pointou Charente, the landscape became slightly hillier and more crop plantations start to appear with the vineyards almost disappearing from the map. Corn seems to be big here.

Now, in the Lot and Garonne, the landscape is becoming more and more mountainous with the first gorges and valleys starting to appear. There are a lot more vineyards again, particularly around the Bergerac area -well know for it- with a prevalence of sweet wines ( Montbazillac is very near us). There are lot more crops too - corn, walnuts and the sunflowers are just beginning to open. Absolute amazing to see hills covered in bright yellow. It does wake you up. Gorgeous. Haven't got photos yet.

The food is also improving and we can say we have had more good meals around here than in the last two places put together. Nothing memorable yet. Duck is big here as is fois gras - duck's liver pate for those of you than don't know. Haven't tried it yet as I am not in favour of the force feeding of the birds to enlarge their livers...

Anyway, we have another week here. Have seen loads of beautiful things and have loved the landscape too. It is our favourite so far. Am really relaxing now and getting into the holiday/retirement mode.

What can i say: England is out, Brasil is out and even Argentina ( am not crying over this one). All I can do is to support Germany now? they have played the best so far...
Weather still wonderful here and I am truly getting into this retiree life. Loving it really. Already thinking about the next and the next, and the next trip... Let's hope the money lasts. France is quite expensive and the more I travel the more I realize that England is a bargain for cost of living. Although, much cheaper the entrance fees here for castles and stuff...

I have now seen a few social housing projects and like England, they build them all the same - pretty bungalows with lots of land though (in the rural areas) and believe it or not, all painted in "magnolia". Whomever invented that coulour, must be a very rich person by now.

Food still improving or am getting used to it??? We potter around here and there and try to go out most days. I get bored if I don't. I have loads of pictures to post, but still can't get the hang of doing it in this blog. Can't wait until i get to Roquebrunne, where we will have broadband at the apartment. Will allow ustime to play. I might still cahnge my blog to the facebook one as it seems easier to use and I have lots more travel to do in future. I hope...

Must go. Miss my chums.

another day in paradise.....

Well, am really getting into the French way of living. Went to Castelnaud in the Dordogne Valley the day before and it was fab..... Food is improving slowly. Also went to Bergerac yesterday and what a nice surprise it was. lovely town. Even bought 2 dresses.... Was having withdrawal symptoms from lack of shopping, but quickly recovering.

Am running out of adjectives to describe France. It is great really, if you are into medieval villages, countryside, wild flowers, rivers. right up my street.

Ready for the Brazilian football tonight. Will watch at home. Had lunch at the Square today and pretty good it was too.

Will post more tomorrow.
Vive la Coup de Monde and vive le Bresil....