Wednesday 31st October-Christchurch

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Wednesday 24th October-Paris

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .