speakfrench

Weekend de Wendy et Kim dans la baie de Somme

2011-11-25T08:12:00.019+01:00

Dans cet article Wendy nous raconte son weekend dans la baie de Somme , la baie la plus belle du monde . Elle fait partie du patrimoine mondial ( UNESCO) et après avoir lu et vu les photos on a vraiment envie d'y aller passer un petit weekend aussi!

Notre weekend gourmand en Baie de Somme

Avec notre bateau aux Pays Bas, on fait la traversée de la Manche très souvent et nous achetons nos billets en gros à l’avance. Cette année il nous restait une traversée qu’on ne voulait pas perdre, alors on a décidé de faire un petit weekend dans un endroit qu’on ne connaissait pas : la Baie de Somme.

J’ai appelé divers hôtels et ils étaient tous complets jusqu’à l’année prochaine. Bon signe – cela vaut la peine d’y aller ! Enfin, grâce au site web de TripAdvisor, j’ai trouvé « Chez Mado », au Crotoy, où il restait encore une seule chambre. J'ai sautée dessus.

Nous sommes partis de la maison à 7h du matin et une fois en France, nous avons fait une petite escale à Auchan à Boulogne-Saint-Martin, où nous avons retrouvé pleins d’autres anglais qui y étaient allés en car pour profiter des bons prix sur l’alcool !

On a repris l’autoroute vers Le Crotoy, mais un petit creux nous a amenés à nous arrêter à Rue, une petite ville avec des bâtiments très anciens et une excellente tarte normande !

Une fois arrivés au Crotoy, nous avons trouvé l’hôtel sans problèmes. Un accueil professionnel nous attendait dès l’arrivée et notre chambre avait une superbe vue de la baie.

Vu qu’il fait nuit très tôt au mois de novembre, nous sommes vite resortis pour faire une promenade. Le brouillard s’était plus ou moins dissipé et on a fait une longue promenade le long du mur qui entoure une sorte de réservoir. Plus le soleil baissait, plus le coucher du soleil était magnifique.

En plus, on a eu la chance d'être les témoins du petit « mur » d’eau qui se forme quand la marée rentre et s'engage avec force dans un canal de plus en plus étroit.

Le Crotoy est une ville charmante de la belle époque, bourrée de marchands de poissons et de fruits de mer et de restaurants, dont Chez Mado, un restau renommé, bien à la hauteur de sa réputation. Avec l’apéro, on nous a servi des amuse-gueules chauds, faits maison. Pour le repas, on avait choisi tous les deux la Kermesse aux Poissons – 11 plats, vin à volonté et café. Il y avait du hareng mariné au vin blanc, des moules au vin et à la crème, de la sole et du turbot, une hure de pêcheur …. on s’est régalé!

Le dimanche matin il y avait un brouillard épais lorsqu’on s’est réveillé, ce qui fait qu’on n’a pas vu grande chose pendant le court trajet à Saint Valéry sur Somme, de l’autre côté de la baie. Saint Valéry est un petite ville très jolie, avec un centre médiéval qui m’a rappelé Rouen. On se croyait en pleine Normandie, et à une heure à peine de Calais.

On a visité la Chapelle des Marins, qui se trouve assez éloignée de la mer, sur une petite colline. Puis le petit creux s’est fait sentir à nouveau alors on est allé déjeuner au Vélocipède, dont on avait lu de bons commentaires sur TripAdvisor. Là encore, on n’a pas été déçu. J’ai pris un gratiné de carottes, de céleri et de crevettes grises, Kim une brochette de canard et une terrine de lapin. Excellent !

Lorsqu’on est sorti, le brouillard avait disparu et on a refait la promenade le long du quai – cette fois-ci avec une belle vue.

Malheureusement il était temps de reprendre la route, mais déjà on parle d’un retour au printemps. C’est un endroit avec beaucoup d’attraits – culturels aussi bien que culinaires – et si on prend le tunnel sous la Manche, un endroit à moins de 2 heures de chez nous !

A pantomine in Charente Maritime

2011-11-13T18:52:00.030+01:00

Saturday November 12th was the first presentation of a British pantomine "Dracula" performed by the theatre group called " Le theatre tricolore" British people are used to taking their children to a Christmas Pantomine but most French people have no idea of what a British pantomine is.
It is an entertainment involving the audience and encouraging an active participation in the happenings on stage. During the show most characters pause for a song. In France there is something which is a bit similar to the British Panto it is a traditionnal puppet show aimed at children called "Guignol" and appreciated by adults too. Guignol is mainly aimed at children but witty adults like him as well. Although " Guignol" is clever, courageous and generous the word " guignol is also used in the French expression " Arrête de faire le guignol " ( Stop fooling around) or as an insult ( C'est un guignol )
( A phoney, or someone who is a "buffoon" or a clown.)
The first puppet show staring "Polichinelle" was borrowed from the Italian Commedia Dell'Arte.
The panto performed in Mirambeau last Saturday had the traditionnal elements of a pantomine : comedy, music, songs, funny characters with funny names, funny costumes, audience participation - characters talk to the audience, simple story with happy ending , full of cliches, romance, big finale.
In the Dracula 's Panto ,there were the traditionnal ingredients :a girl dressed as a boy ( Richard) and playing the part of a boy who was a gentleman .The owner of an inn in the village called Rosie played by a man. She has two cooks called "Steak and Kidney" "Jack" ( son of Rosie ) was one of the character who encouraged the audience to shout out ""Watch out " " behind you " every time someone enters. And even the most serious member in the audience become unreserved and join in.
There is a friendly back and forth verbal battle between the actors and the audience which adds something funny althrough the show.
In the Dracula's Panto performed by the théatre tricolore , the story is about Count Dracula who threatens the people of the village nearby. The people of the village are concerned about neighbours who have disappeared and Dracula ( the villain ) is searching for a new fiancée. Every time Dracula came on stage he was booed by the audience. Every time he left the stage he was booed again and before leaving the stage he said : " don't boo at me, I don't like it!!"The audience booed at him again !!! I personnally think that the children and adults unrestrained in their enthusiam in taking part in the show is one of the key to the success of the British pantomine.
Twenty-seven actors performed in the hilarious show on Saturday. And the enthusiasm of the cast was self-evident. The theatre group is composed of children, teenagers, young adults and "veterans".Throughout the musical comedy there were famous songs performed by the actors .Close to you, ( the Carpenters ) love is in the air ( John Paul young ) , you're the one that I want( Grease) .
A pantomine is guaranteed to give children and adults a good time but for the unitiated and non-British theatre goer ( French theatre goers for example) , it may leave them confused and puzzled at to what is going on.
That still remains understandable because of the action involved but I am sure that some parts in a bilingual version would draw the attention of some French families. The pantomine could be a great way to combine languages.
It was our first experience of the British pantomine and we thouroughly enjoyed the show.
Congratulations to all the actors.

French version
Le samedi 12 novembre était la première représentation de la pantomine britannique "Dracula"
interprétée par la troupe du théatre tricolore. Les britanniques ont l'habitude d'emmener leurs enfants voir une pantomine pendant la période de Noël mais les français n'ont absolument aucune idée de ce qu'est une pantomine.
C'est un spectacle dans lequel les spectateurs s'impliquent et qui encourage les spectateurs à une participation active dans les évènements qui surviennent. Pendant la représentation la plupart des personnages font une pause pour chanter. En France il y a quelque chose qui est un peu équivalent à la pantomine britannique. C'est un spectacle traditionnel de marionettes destiné aux enfants qui s'appelle " Guignol" qui est aussi apprécié des adultes. Guignol est principalement orienté vers les enfants mais les adultes qui ont de l'esprit l'aime bien aussi.
Bien que "Guignol" soit intelligent, courageux et généreux, le mot "guignol" est aussi utilisé dans l'expression française " "arrête de faire le guignol" ( arrête de faire l'imbécile/ l'idiot) ou bien utilisé comme une insulte : c'est un guignol ( c'est un charlatan , un pitre ou bien un clown).
Le premier spectacle de marionnettes qui avait pour rôle principal " Polichinelle" avait été emprunté de la comédie "Del Arté " italienne. La pantomine présentée à Mirambeau samedi dernier avait les éléments traditionnels d'une pantomine: la comédie, la musique, les chansons, les personnages amusants qui portaient des noms rigolos, des costumes amusants, la participation des spectateurs, les personnages qui parlent aux spectateurs , une histoire simple avec un dénouement heureux, beaucoup de clichés, une romance et un grand final.
Dans la pantomine de "Dracula" il y avait les ingrédients traditionnels : une fille déguisée en garçon ( Richard) qui joue le rôle d'un homme, un gentleman. La propriétaire d'une auberge du village qui s'appelle Rosie jouée par un homme. Elle a deux cuisiniers aux noms de " Steak et Kidney" ( le steak et kidney pie est un plat anglais traditionnel) . Jack fils de Rosie était l'un des personnages qui encourageait les spectateurs à crier : "Attention, derrière-toi " à chaque fois que quelqu'un entrait sur scène. Et même le spectateur le plus sérieux de la salle se laissait aller et participait. il y a une bataille verbale sympathique entre les acteurs et spectateurs qui rajoute quelque chose d'amusant tout au long de la représentation.
Dans la pantomine de "Dracula" présentée par le théâtre Tricolore, l'histoire est sur le comte Dracula qui menace les gens du village d'à côté, les villageois sont préoccupés par la disparition de voisins et Dracula ( le mauvais) est à la quête d'une nouvelle fiancée. A chaque fois que Dracula entrait en scène, il était hué par les spectateurs et à chaque fois qu'il quittait la scène il était à nouveau hué, et avant de quitter la scène il disait : " Ne dites-pas "hou., hou...." je n'aime pas ça! et les spectateurs le huait à nouveau. A mon avis, les enfants et les adultes qui se laissent aller à leur enthousiasme dans la participation est l'une des clés du succès de la pantomine britannique. Vingt-sept acteurs ont joué dans le spectacle comique de samedi dernier et l'enthousiasme de la troupe est évident. La troupe de théâtre est composée d'enfants, d'adolescents, de jeunes adultes et d'anciens. Tout au long de la comédie musicale il y avait des chansons connues chantées par les acteurs et les actrices comme "close to you" des Carpenters, "Love is in the air" de John Paul Young, " " you're the one that I want" du film " Grease".
la pantomine est la garantie de faire passer une bonne journée aux enfants et aux adultes mais pour les non-initiés ou les spectateurs non-anglais, ( des français par exemple) ils peuvent être désorientés et ne pas comprendre ce qui se passe.
Cela reste quand même compréhensible grâce à l'action. Mais je suis sûre que certaines parties en version bilingue attirerait l'attention de certaines familles françaises. La pantomine est probablement une superbe façon de combiner les langues.
Nous avons aimé le spectacle du début jusqu'à la fin et c'était notre première expérience de la pantomine britannique.
Félicitations à tous les acteurs.

l'Abbaye de Sablonceaux

2011-10-27T10:02:00.040+02:00

Sablonceaux is one of a few abbayes in Charente Maritime. In September we had the chance to visit it with Père Bruno who married Céline and Samuel on September 3rd.
The Augustine abbaye was founded in 1136 Guillaume 10th
( Alienor d'Aquitaine 's father) gave his land in Sablonceaux to the church. The Augustinian abbaye was built in the 12th century and housed the Augustinian canons for 6 centuries . But it suffered from wars and dereliction for a long time. In 1905 the abbaye became a listed building because of its historic interest and it was sold to a private owner.
In 1963 André Malraux ( a French adventurer , award-winning author, and Minister of Culture) made a trip to Sablonceaux and visited the sight . When he was in the government extensive restoration was undertaken subsidised by " les monuments historiques" and the abbaye is still being under restoration . In 1986 after the owner died, his heirs decided to give the property to the diosese of La Rochelle then the diosese gave the abbaye over to the communauté du Chemin Neuf. This community was assigned with a mission . They had to set up a spiritual and cultural centre in order to welcome tourists and visitors who wanted to do a spiritual retreat. Nowadays there are guided tours and sound and light shows at night in summer. You will also have a kind and friendly welcome and you'll feel the fraternity between the members of the community. A hot or cold drink will be offered at the end of the visit.
When you come to the abbaye of Sablonceaux you will visit the abbatial church first .It is a beautiful building made of white stones characterized by two roman domes It lost its romanesque facace and two cupolas. There is a feeling of serenity inside the church which incites meditation and spirituality.
Then we visited " la salle capitulaire" ( the chapter room). This room was used for meetings and it is still used for meetings nowadays. Then the monks 'aisle, a large corridor used by the monks which led to the monks' cells, the abbaye housing which has got an arcaded gallery overlooking a 140 years old American walnut tree. This tree is listed as one of the most beautiful trees in Saintonge. The members of the community collect the nuts, plant them and then you can buy small trees in pots to plant them in your own garden!
At the end of the visit we had a cup of tea with Père Bruno who explained the various activities of the community. The abbaye of Sablonceaux welcome people from all over the world for a retreat. And everything seems to call for meditation.

PS : Difference between a canon and a monk :
A canon = A member of a chapter of priests serving in a cathedral or collegiate church.
A monk = A man who is a member of a brotherhood living in a monastery and devoted to a discipline prescribed by his order:

French translation

Sablonceaux est l'une des rares abbayes en Charente Maritime. Au mois de septembre nous avons eu l'opportunité de la visiter avec le père Bruno qui a marié Céline et Samuel le 3 septembre. L'abbaye a été fondée en 1136, Guillaume 10 ( le père d' Aliénor d'Aquitaine) offrit ses terres de Sablonceaux à l'église. L'abbaye augustinienne a été construite au 12ème siècle. Elle abrita les chanoines augustins pendant 6 siècles.
Mais elle a souffert des guerres et d'abandon pendant longtemps.En 1905 l'abbaye fait partie des monuments historiques et elle est vendue à un propriétaire privé. En 1963, André Malraux aventurier français auteur reconnu et ministre de la culture fit un voyage à Sablonceaux et visita l'abbaye Quand il fût au gouvernement de grands travaux de restoration ont été entrepris suventionnés par les Monuments Historiques , l'abbaye est toujours en cours de restoration.
En 1986 après le décès du propriétaire, ses héritiers ont décidé d'offrir la propriété au diocèse de La Rochelle ,ensuite le diocèse a remis l'abbaye entre les mains de la communauté du chemin Neuf. Cette communauté était chargée d'une mission. Elle devait établir un centre spirituel et culturel dans le but d'accueillir les touristes et les visiteurs qui souhaitaient faire une retraite spirituelle. De nos jours, il y a des visites guidées et des spectacles de sons et lumière en été.
Vous serez accueilli d'une façon bienveillante et amicale et vous ressentirez la fraternité entre les membres de la communauté. On vous offrira une boisson chaude ou froide à la fin de la visite.
Quand vous arrivez à l'abbaye vous commencez la visite par l'église abbatiale. C'est une magnifique bâtisse en pierres blanches caractérisée par deux voûtes romanes. Elle a perdu sa façade romane et deux coupoles. Il y a un sentiment de sérénité à l'intérieur de l'église qui incite à la méditation et à la spiritualité.Ensuite nous avons visité la salle capitulaire cette pièce était utilisée pour les réunions et elle l'est encore de nos jours. Ensuite l'aile des moines, un large couloir qui était utilisé par les chanoines et qui menait à leur cellule. Ensuite la galerie du logis avec des arcades ayant vue sur un noyer américain de 140 ans. Cet arbre fait partie des plus beaux arbres de Saintonge. Les membres de la communauté ramassent les noix, les plantent et ensuite vous pouvez acheter des petits arbres en pots et les planter dans votre propre jardin.
A la fin de la visite nous avons bu une tasse de thé avec le Père Bruno qui nous a expliqué les diverses activités de la communauté.
L'abbaye de Sabonceaux accueille des gens du monde entier pour faire une retraite et tout semble inciter à la méditation.

Ps : Différence entre un moine et un chanoine. Les moines vivent dans un monastère à l'écart du monde et selon les règles du monastère.
Le chanoine est un religieux vivant en communauté, habituellement sous la règle de saint Augustin, et qui se met au service du peuple chrétien dans les paroisses (chanoine régulier). Il ne fait pas la messe.

Motorbike rally October 2nd

2011-10-21T09:31:00.026+02:00

A few weeks ago , we left home to join our regular group of bikers in Cozes. Phil and Graziela had organized a very nice ride in the departement of Charente maritime and les Deux Sèvres.We left around 9.am after having a cup of coffee at Phil's our upholsterer in Cozes. There were 16 motorbikes and about 25 people.
So on that cool Sunday morning we took the direction of Saintes riding along secondary roads. Phil had chosen our route and we all enjoyed the peaceful narrow roads before reaching Chaniers where we waited for crossing the river Charente . There is a car barge that can fit a few cars and not more than 12 people for safety reasons.The boatman said that he only had 12 life jackets!!!
The Charente river is not wide. We all had fun watching the bikers get onto the barge and it took the whole group more than 30 minutes to reach the opposite bank.
When everyone had crossed we left for les Deux Sévres. We rode along forests , went past a herd of cows running all together. Perhaps they were scared by the motorbikes engines!!
After an hour-drive we reached a village called " St Césaire" and had a coffee in a multi-service shop. called " la vallée du Coran" "Le Coran" is a small tributary of the Charente river. The word " Coran" is a Charentaise word to say " courant" ( stream). While the group was having coffee I visited the beautiful roman church of St Césaire and like most of the churches in villages it was worth visiting it.
Then back to the motorbikes we continued our route but had an unexpected event. Ian and Robina had to stop because their motorbike broke down. So they decided to stop and insisted that we should continue the route without them because they didn't want to delay the rest of the group They had the itinerary so they could join us for lunch. Then after a few kilometres away we reached our lunch destination : the chateau of Javarzay and while we were getting our picnic from the motorbike cases, we were surprised to hear a motorbike coming to us . They were Ian and Robina. After cooling their motorbike for a while it started again and they were able to have lunch with us. But even if their motorbike sounded OK they decided to leave the group and ride slowly home and have it checked by a garage.
We all enjoyed relaxing in the park near a lake. Some fishermen were fishing while we were having our picnic in the shade. Time went smoothly.
Then we had a guided tour of the chateau which was very interesting. We were taught a lot about local habits and customs , local costumes and women's hats called "coiffes" ( sort of head-dress)
There is a museum inside the chateau that displays more than 400 coiffes and bonnets. The guided tour is mainly about Jean François Cail ( 1804-1871) who was a famous French industrialist and entrepreneur. He was born in Chef-Boutonne and had a brilliant career in French industrialization. He started as a factory worker making machinery for the sugar industry and then manufactured Crampton locomotives. He became a very wealthy man and lived in Paris where he had the Hotel Cail built which is today the " Mairie of 8ème arrondissement in Paris "
And when you visit the Eiffel Tower you'll see his name engraved because he also contributed to the project.
After an interesting guided tour , we left the chateau de Javarzay rode back to Cozes . On the way back we decided to stop and have a drink before saying goodbye. Most of the cafés are closed on Sundays in the area. Luckily we found one open. The owners were a bit surprised and they had difficulties in waiting on all the bikers !!! They were too many people at the same time!

Acknowledgements : Photo of Mairie du 8ème arrondissement de Paris provided by Gérard Janot under Creative Commons licence.

French translation

Il y a quelques semaines , nous sommes partis à Cozes pour rejoindre notre groupe de motards réguliers Philippe et Graziéla avaient organisé un circuit très agréable dans le département de Charente Maritime et dans les Deux Sèvres. Nous sommes partis vers 9 heures après une tasse de café chez Philippe , notre tapissier à Cozes. Il y avait seize motos et environs vingt cinq personnes.
Ce dimanche matin un peu frais, nous avons pris la direction de Saintes , roulant sur des routes secondaires. Philippe avait choisi notre itinéraire et nous avons tous apprécié les petites routes paisibles avant d'arriver à Chaniers où nous avons attendu pour traverser la Charente. Il y a un passeur qui peut mettre quelques voitures et pas plus de 12 personnes pour des raisons de sécurité. L'employé nous a dit qu'il n'avait que 12 gilets de sauvetage!
La Charente n'est pas large . et nous nous sommes tous amusés à regarder les motards monter sur l'embarcation et il a fallu plus de trente minutes à tout le groupe pour atteindre la rive opposée. Quand tout le monde a traversé nous sommes partis pour Les Deux Sèvres. Nous avons longé des forets, sommes passés devant un troupeau de vaches qui couraient toutes ensemble. Peut-être qu'elles ont eu peur du bruit des moteurs !
Après une heure de route, nous sommes arrivés dans un village qui s'appelait St Césaire et nous avons pris un café dans un magasin muli-service qui s'appelait "la vallée du Coran". Le Coran est un petit affluent de la Charente . Le mot "coran" est le mot charentais qui veut dire "courant"
Pendant que le groupe prenait un café j''ai visité la belle église romane de St Césaire et comme dans la plupart des églises dans les villages , elle était digne d'intérêt.
Ensuite , on a repris les motos et nous avons continué notre circuit mais nous avons eu un évènement tout à fait imprévu. Ian et Robina ont dû s'arrêter parce que leur moto est tombée en panne. Aussi il ont décidé de s'arrêter et ils ont insisté pour que nous continuions notre itinéraire sans eux parce qu'ils ne voulaient pas retarder le reste du groupe. ils avaient l'itinéraire aussi ils pouvaient nous rejoindre pour déjeuner. Ensuite après quelques kilomètres nous sommes arrivés à notre destination pour déjeuner: le château de Javerzay et pendant que nous sortions nos pique-niques des sacoches, nous avons eu la surprise d'entendre une moto qui arrivait vers nous. C'était Ian et Robina. Après avoir fait refroidir leur moto pendant un petit moment, elle a redémarré et ils ont pu déjeuner avec nous. Mais même si leur moto avait l'air de marcher ils ont décidé de quitter le groupe et de rouler tranquillement jusqu'à chez eux et la faire vérifier dans un garage.
Nous avons tous savouré une bonne détente près d'un lac. Quelques pêcheurs étaient en train de pêcher pendant que nous faisions notre pique-nique. Le temps s'écoulait tranquillement.
Ensuite nous avons fait une visite guidée du château qui était très intéressante. Nous avons appris beaucoup de choses sur les habitudes et les coutumes des habitants de la région, sur leur costumes, les coiffes des femmes. il y a un musée à l'intérieur du château qui expose plus de 400 coiffes et bonnets. La visite guidée est principalement sur Jean-François Cail ( 1804-1871 ) qui était un industriel et un entrepreneur français très célèbre. Il est né à chef-Boutonne il a fait une brillante carrière dans l'industrialisation française.
il a commencé comme ouvrier dans une usine fabriquant des machines pour l'industrie sucrière et ensuite il a fabriqué les locomotives "Crampton". il est devenu un homme très riche a vécu à Paris où il s'est fait construire l'hôtel Cail qui est aujourd'hui la Mairie du 8ème arrondissement. et quand vous visitez la Tour Eiffel vous verrez aussi son nom gravé car il a aussi contribué au projet.
Après une visite guidée très intéressante, nous avons quitté le château de Javerzay pour repartir sur Cozes. Sur le chemin du retour, nous avons décidé de nous arrêter pour boire un verre avant de nous dire au revoir.
La plupart des cafés sont fermés le dimanche dans la région . Heureusement nous en avons trouvé un d'ouvert.
Les patrons étaient un peu surpris et ils ont eu du mal à servir tous les motards. Il y avait trop de monde en même temps!!!

Vendanges septembre 2011

2011-10-10T10:06:00.027+02:00

On Sunday September 25th, we all met at Jeanne and Daniel's house for " les vendanges"
Jeanne and Daniel are keen organic wine growers and their red wine is excellent.
So on Sunday morning we left home around 7.30am and met Graham and Sandra to show them the way to Daniel's house. Although we drove to Daniel's last year we found it difficult in reaching their house especially the last 500 metres that's why we arrived just in time.
A few kilometres away from his house lies Daniel's vineyard. It is not a large vineyard but he usually makes about 1500 bottles a year.
The weather was gorgeous. Daniel had taken into account the weather forecast!We were about 12 people to pick up the grapes. So using clippers and buckets we started picking facing each other. The grapes were ripe and very juicy but some bunches were damaged by the rain in the previous weeks. So Daniel asked us to shake each cluster so that we only kept the healthy parts.
This year as we were not as many pickers as last year we didn't have any carriers so Daniel decided to leave the trailer ( le tombereau ) in the centre of each row.
This way we passed our buckets on to the person closer to the trailer .It took us some time to empty the buckets and that's why we had to leave 4 or 5 rows behind. Daniel and Jeanne had to collect the rest of the grapes the following day.
We all had a good time and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere. Picking is a fun , festive and unique experience. And for Graham and Sandra it was their first experience.
The work is hard and by 1.oopm we were all exhausted. But certain types of work such as picking grapes have a romantic appeal that surpasses the extremely difficult labour involved. Daniel suggested leaving the last 5 rows behind because it was late and time to return to the winery. He already had 2 full trailers and the third was half full.
Then back to the winery Philippe climbed into the trailer and started emptying using a hay fork.
While most of the pickers were enjoying a glass of wine he was emptying and drinking his glass of wine placed in the gutter !!!. A team of men were also splitting grapes using a hand machine. The third part was to unload the juicy grapes into a large container used for the process of ageing. The final stages of the work are really hard and the women left them to the men!!
When 2 trailers were emptied we had a lovely lunch composed of lots of olives cakes , crisps for apéritif, a Mediterranean starter (tomato / mozzarella / olives) the main course consisted in a sort of "paella" , then a range a various cheese and a variety of desserts.
the wine was also excellent. The meal was in harmony with the weather which was still gorgeous at that time of the day.
Then after lunch as we had recovered we finished emptying the last trailer and tasted the grapes juice which had been in the container for about 2 hours. The juice was already 10° and very sweet. We all enjoyed it !
in late afternoon , we left Daniel and Jeanne's , kissed goodbye and signed up for the 2012 vendange!!

Dimanche 25 septembre, nous nous sommes tous retrouvés chez Daniel et Jeanne pour les vendanges. Jeanne et Daniel sont des viticulteurs bio passionnés et leur vin rouge est excellent.
Aussi dimanche matin nous sommes partis vers 7.30 du matin et avons retrouvé Graham et Sandra pour leur indiquer la route pour aller chez Daniel. Bien que nous étions déjà allés en voiture chez Daniel l'année dernière nous avons eu du mal à arriver chez eux particulièrement les derniers 500 mètres et c'est pour cela que nous sommes arrivés juste à temps.
A quelques kilomètres de leur maison se trouve la vigne de Daniel. Ce n'est pas un grand domaine mais il fait en général à peu près 1500 bouteilles par an.
Le temps était superbe. Daniel avait tenu compte des prévisions météo!
Nous étions environ 12 personnes pour ramasser le raisin. Aussi en utilisant des sécateurs et des seaux on a commencé à ramasser le raisin face à face. Les grappes de raisin étaient mûres et très juteuses mais certaines grappes étaient abîmées par la pluie des semaines précédentes. C'est pour cela que Daniel nous a demandé de secouer chaque grappe de manière à conserver que les parties saines.
Cette année puisque nous n'étions pas aussi nombreux que l'année dernière nous n'avions pas de porteurs, donc Daniel a décidé de laisser le tombereau dans le centre de chaque rang.
De cette manière nous passions nos seaux à la personne la plus près du tombereau. il nous fallu quelque temps pour vider les seaux et c'est pour cette raison que nous avons du laisser 4 ou 5 rangs. Daniel et Jeanne ont dû ramasser le reste du raisin le lendemain.
Nous avons passé tous un bon moment et nous avons apprécié l'ambiance amicale. On s'amuse beaucoup pendant les vendanges, c'est festif et c'est une expérience unique.
Le travail est dur et avant 1 heure de l'après midi nous étions tous épuisés. Mais certaines catégories de travaux telle que les vendanges ont un attrait romantique qui surpasse le travail extrêmement difficile que cela implique.
Daniel nous a suggéré de laisser les 5 rangs parce qu'il était tard et que c'était l'heure de revenir au chais. Il avait déjà 2 tombereaux pleins et le troisième était à moitié plein.
Ensuite de retour au chais, Philippe est monté dans le tombereau et a commencé à le vider en utilisant une fourche.
Pendant que la plupart des vendangeurs appréciait un verre de vin il vidait tout en buvant son verre de vin posé dans la gouttière!!
Une équipe masculine séparait aussi les grappes de raisin en utilisant une machine manuelle. Le troisième partie consistait à décharger les raisins juteux dans une grande cuve utilisé pour la vinification. Les étapes finales du travail sont très dures et les femmes les ont laissées faire aux hommes!!!
Lorsque deux tombereaux furent vidés nous avons eu un excellent repas composé de nombreux cakes aux olives, de chips pour l'apéritif , d'une entrée méditérranéenne ( tomates, mozzarella, olives ) le plat principal consistait en une sorte de paélla, ensuite une gamme de fromages variés et un éventail de desserts. Le vin était aussi excellent. Le repas était en accord avec le temps qui était toujours très beau à ce moment de la journée.
Ensuite après déjeuner comme nous étions remis de notre fatigue nous avons fini de vider le dernier tombereau et avons goûté le jus de raisin qui avait séjourné dans la cuve depuis 2 heures. Le jus faisait déjà 10° et était très sucré. Nous l'avons tous apprécié!!
En fin d'après midi, nous avons dit au revoir à Jeanne et Daniel et on s'est inscrit pour les vendanges de 2012!!!

Night walk from Port d'envaux to Crazannes

2011-09-30T09:40:00.019+02:00

Saturday September 17th a group of 1000 walkers had booked to join in for a night walk, starting from 7.00pm from the rugby club in Port d' Envaux.
This itinerary is one of our favourites. It features places of interest. The walkpath is along the river Charente for a while going past beautiful houses of character along the bank of the river. We also walked past lit hamlets and through the park of the chateau de Pomloy.
This year our group consisted in 8 adults and a 5-year-old child who was very brave and with the help of his grand-dad he didn't complain about walking such a long way ( 12 kilometres). his grand-dad had to carry him on his shoulders when he felt too tired !!
When we left the rugby club after an apéritif made of rosé and grapefruit the organizers gave us a sort of necklace for holding our plastic glass so that we could keep it and use it every time we stopped ( starter/ main course/ cheese and dessert). We all thought it was a good idea to be environmentally friendly.At that time the weather was quite nice, a
bit cloudy but the temperature was mild. After a few kilometres we reached the first stop where we had melon and a glass of vin de pays charentais. We all sat on hay stacks and enjoyed having a rest before continuing the walk. We missed the musicians in the chateau de Crazannes because they had finish playing by the time we reached the first stop and they decided to have their dinner apparently we got too late to the first stop
( it was only 8.30pm) . We were a bit disappointed. Back to the footpath again we walked through the park of the chateau and along the Charente river and that was then it started to rain so we decided to wear our raincoats. Night was falling and the head lights became necessary to enjoy the rest of the walk through the forest , fields ...
Around 9.30pm we reached the village where we had our main course . The rain was much heavier than in the forest and as we were having sausages and beans it was pouring and we couldn't sit on the benches and use the tables and relax .
However we had good fun talking with the organizers about the night walk and enjoyed the delicious duck sausages!
We left the village and it was still raining . Some kilometres away we reached the quarry of Crazannes and watched the sculptures carved in the walls. Next a few kilometres away we reached the cheese "stop "and had a rest before continuing the walk which ended at the rugby club . We eventually had dessert inside the gymnasium and enjoyed relaxing a bit before going home.
All in all we all enjoyed the night walk although it was a bit spoilt by the rain and missed the musicians. If we decide to join in next year we'll start earlier to watch either the musicians or various entertainments performed in the chateau de Crazannes.

French version

Samedi 17 septembre un groupe de 1000 randonneurs avaient réservé pour se rejoindre pour une marche nocturne commençant à partir de 7 heures du club de rugby à Port d' Envaux.
Cet itinéraire est l'un de nos préférés. Il est caractérisé par des lieux intéressants. Le chemin de randonnée longe la Charente pendant quelques temps. Nous avons aussi traversé des hameaux illuminés et aussi le parc du chateau de Pomloy.
Cette année notre groupe était composé de 8 adultes et d'un enfant de 5 ans qui a été très courageux et avec l'aide de son grand-père il ne s'est pas plaint du fait de marcher aussi longtemps ( 12 kilomètres) son grand-père a dû le porter sur ses épaules quand il se sentait trop fatigué!!
Quand nous avons quitté le club de rugby après un apéritif composé de vin rosé et de pamplemousse, les organisateurs nous ont remis une sorte de collier pour tenir notre verre en plastique afin que nous puissions le garder et l'utiliser à chaque fois que nous nous arrêtions
( l'entrée / le plat principal / le fromage et le dessert). Nous avons tous pensé que c'était une bonne idée d'être respectueux de l'environnement.
A ce moment là le temps était un peu nuageux mais la température était douce. Après quelques kilomètres nous sommes arrivés à la première halte où nous avons mangé du melon et bu un verre de vin de pays charentais. Nous étions tous assis sur des bottes de foin et nous avons apprécié de nous reposer avant de continuer la randonnée. Nous avons raté les musiciens au château de Crazannes parce qu'ils avaient fini de jouer le temps qu'on arrive à la première halte et ils ont décidé de diner , apparemment nous sommes arrivés trop tard à la première halte. ( il n'était que 8.30). Nous étions un peu déçus.
De retour sur le chemin de randonnée, nous avons traversé le parc du château et marché le long de la Charente et c'est à ce moment là qu'il a commencé à pleuvoir aussi on a décidé de mettre nos imperméables. il faisait nuit et les lampes frontales devenaient nécessaires pour apprécier le reste de la randonnée à travers la forêt , les champs ....
Vers 9.30 nous sommes arrivés au village où nous avons pris notre plat principal. La pluie était bien plus forte que dans la forêt et alors que nous mangions nos saucisses et nos haricots blancs il pleuvait des cordes et nous n'avons pas pu nous assoir sur les bancs et utiliser les tables pour nous détendre.
Cependant nous nous sommes bien amusés en parlant de la randonnée avec les organisateurs et on a beaucoup aimé les délicieuses saucisses de canard!
Nous avons quitté le village et il pleuvait encore. A quelques kilomètres nous sommes arrivés à la carrière de Crazannes et nous avons regardé les sculptures gravées sur les parois . Ensuite à quelques kilomètres nous sommes arrivés au point "fromage" et on s'est reposé avant de continuer le chemin qui s'est terminé au club de rugby. A la fin de la soirée nous avons pris notre dessert dans le gymnase et on a apprécié se relaxer un peu avant de rentrer à la maison.

Dans l'ensemble nous avons aimé la randonnée nocturne bien qu'elle ait été un peu gâchée par la pluie et le fait de rater les musiciens. Si nous décidons de nous inscrire l'année prochaine on commencera plus tôt pour voir les musiciens ou les animations variées qui sont présentées au château de Crazannes.

A wedding in Epargnes

2011-09-09T21:30:00.057+02:00

A wedding in Charente Maritime.
( English version)

On Saturday september 3rd our daughter Céline married Samuel in the village of Epargnes. It all started last year. Samuel probably popped the question last summer and they decided to get married the following year. Samuel bought an engagement ring and the next step was the marriage. Céline and Samuel organized 90% of the wedding day . We suggested a local caterer who was recommended by our friends and helped to decorate the tables. The couple chose a church service which was held after the civil ceremony. Flowers were arranged in the church the day before the wedding. On Saturday morning , the young couple were driven to the townhall in a vintage car (a 1953 Citroen traction) and our mayor was inside the townhall waiting for the bride and bridegroom. The room wasn't big enough to welcome all the guests. In a traditional French wedding there aren't any bridemaids . There's one or two witnesses who sign the Registry. After the civil ceremony which was held in a friendly atmosphere. Gérard ( the mayor of Epargnes) kissed the bride and wished the best to the newly-weds. He handed Céline the family record book and said" here's the livret de famille for the head of the family", handing it to Céline then still smiling he handed it to Samuel . The atmosphere was not formal at all and most guests were smiling during the civil ceremony. Then it was time to reach the church for the religious service. The guests arrived first and then on the song of " only time" by Enya the bridegroom and his mother walked towards the altar followed by the bride's mother and bridegroom's father , witnesses and grandmother, then last to arrive the bride's father and the bride. The bride's father walked Céline down the aisle until they reached the priest near the altar. Céline was wearing a white wedding dress with a train and a veil but her face was not covered in a veil. She was carrying a bouquet of flowers. The guests watched the procession and the service lasted about an hour and contained readings from the Gospel Bible. In France the priest doesn't ask if there are any objections to the marriage and at the end of the service the couple were proclaimed man and wife and they signed the marriage register At that point the priest and the guests applaused to express joy and happiness. Then on the music of Billy Preston " my sweet Lord" two teenagers walked through the aisle to collect money for the church. Next the priest and the guests recited our father prayer and the priest blessed Céline and Samuel. The couple eventually came out on the song " we have all the time" by Louis Amstrong and the guests threw rose petals while they were coming out. After the religious ceremony , we all walked to the "salle des fêtes" to have " le vin d'honneur" and some nibbles. It was also the time to take photos with the family and friends. My husband sang " She " a song by Charles Aznavour ( the only song he wrote in English and he never sang it in French) Then a part of the guests left for lunch and the family drove to the place where lunch was served. It was about 3 pm and the meal lasted until 8 pm. A DJ was hired to entertain the guests games were performed during the meal and the guests had to do a quizz about the young couple. The bridegroom's friends sang a song about Céline and Samuel. Then around 8pm guests who were at " le vin d'honneur" came to an evening cocktail and for a local drink made of cognac / apple or pineau/ cherry. While the guest were enjoying the warm evening outside, our caterer and his employees moved the tables to make room for dancing. Céline and Samuel opened the bal dancing on a Mickael Jackson's song and they were joined by a part of the guests to dance with them. Then a group of English friends sang the famous French song " la vie en rose" in French and in English ,May ( 83 years old) performed the French version! The disco lasted until 5 am and Samuel's father tended the bar. The next day after a short night's sleep, guests were expected to come again for a brunch. There were about 90 people and the day went smoothly . In late afternoon , most guests had to leave to go back to the places where they live and we brought th rest of the food back to the "salle des fêtes" to have dinner and ended the evening talking and relaxing with family and friends who live nearby or with the ones who decided to spend a couple of days in the area. That Saturday was the most unforgettable day of our life.

French version

Un mariage en Charente Maritime

Samedi 3 septembre notre fille Céline s'est mariée avec Samuel dans le village d'Epargnes. Tout a commençé l'année dernière. Samuel a probablement demandé Céline en mariage l'été dernier et ils ont décidé de se marier l'année suivante. Samuel a acheté une bague de fiançailles et l'étape suivante a été le mariage.
Céline et Samuel ont organisé 90% du mariage. Nous avons suggéré un traiteur local qui nous avait été recommandé par nos amis et nous avons aidé à décorer les tables.
Le couple avait choisit un mariage religieux qui s'est déroulé après le mariage civil à la mairie. Des fleurs ont été placées dans l'église la veille du mariage .
Samedi matin le jeune couple a été conduit à la mairie dans une voiture ancienne ( une traction de 1953) et notre Maire était à l'intérieur de la mairie attendant les futurs mariés. La salle n'était pas assez grande pour accueillir tous les invités.
Dans un mariage français traditionnel il n'y a pas de demoiselles d'honneur. Il y a un ou deux témoins qui signent le registre. Après le mariage civil qui s'est déroulé dans une ambiance amicale. Gérard ( le Maire d' Epargnes) a embrassé la mariée et a souhaité tous ses voeux de bonheur aux jeunes mariés. Il a remis à Céline le livret de famille tout en disant " voici le livret de famille pour le chef de famille!" Ensuite toujours avec le sourire il l'a remis à Samuel.
L'ambiance n'était pas du tout formelle et la plupart des invités souriaient pendant la cérémonie civile. Ensuite, il était l'heure d'aller à l'église pour la cérémonie religieuse. Les invités sont arrivés les premiers et ensuite sur la chanson "only time" d'Enya le futur marié et sa mère se sont dirigés vers l'autel suivi de la mère de la future mariée accompagnée par le père du futur marié, les témoins et la grand-mère, ensuite le dernier , le père de la mariée avec la future mariée.
Le père de la mariée a conduit Céline dans l'allée centrale jusqu'au prêtre à côté de l'autel. Céline portait une robe de mariée blanche avec une traîne et un voile mais le voile ne lui recouvrait pas le visage. Elle avait un bouquet. Le invités ont regardé la procession et la cérémonie religieuse a duré environ une heure et contenait des lectures de l' Evangile. En France le prêtre ne demande pas s'il y a des objections au mariage et à la fin de la cérémonie le couple est déclaré mari et femme et ils signent le registre de mariage. A ce moment là le prêtre et les invités ont applaudi pour exprimer leur joie et leur bonheur Ensuite, sur la musique de Billy Preston " My sweet Lord" deux adolescentes se sont déplacées pour faire la quête pour l'église Par la suite, le prêtre et les invités ont récité "Notre Père" et le prêtre a béni Céline et Samuel
A la fin le couple est sorti sur la chanson "we have all the time" de Louis Amstrong et les invités ont lancé des pétales de roses pendant qu'ils sortaient
Après la cérémonie religieuse, nous sommes tous allés à pied à la salle des fêtes pour prendre le vin d'honneur et quelques amuse-bouches C'était aussi l'heure de prendre des photos avec la famille et les amis Mon mari a chanté "She" une chanson de Charles Aznavour ( la seule chanson qu'il ait écrit en anglais et qu'il n'a jamais chanté en français) Ensuite une partie des invités est partie déjeuner et la famille a repris la voiture pour aller à l'endroit où le déjeuner était servi. Il était 15 heure et le repas a duré jusqu'à 20 heure. A DJ a été engagé pour divertir les invités , des jeux ont été faits pendant le repas et les invités ont dû faire un quizz sur le jeune couple. Les amis du marié ont chanté une chanson à propos de Céline et Samuel. Ensuite vers 20 heure les invités qui étaient au vin d'honneur sont revenus pour un cocktail du soir et pour prendre une boisson locale faite de cognac /pomme ou bien de pineau/ cerise.
Pendant que les invités appréciaient la soirée chaude à l'extérieure, notre traiteur et ses employés déplaçaient les tables pour faire de la place pour danser. Céline et Samuel ont ouvert le bal en dansant sur une chanson de Michael Jackson et ils ont été rejoints par une partie des invités pour danser avec eux.
Ensuite un groupe d'amis anglais a chanté la célèbre chanson française " la vie en rose" en français et en anglais, May ( 83 ans ) a chanté aussi la version française!
La soirée disco a duré jusqu'à 5 heure du matin et le père de Samuel s'est occupé de tenir le bar.
Le lendemain après une courte nuit de sommeil, les invités devaient revenir pour un brunch. Il y avait environ 90 personnes et la journée s'est déroulée tranquillement. En fin d'après midi, la plupart des invités devait repartir chez eux et nous avons rapporté le reste du brunch à la salle des fêtes pour dinner et nous avons terminé la soirée en discutant et en se relaxant avec la famille et les amis qui habitent dans les environs où avec ceux qui avaient décidé de passer quelques jours dans la région.
Ce samedi là a été le jour le plus inoubliable de notre vie.

Ride to Biscarosse

2011-07-12T09:44:00.026+02:00

On Sunday June 25th the group of regular bikers met for a ride to Biscarosse. We left Cozes at 8.30am to take the ferry in Royan which was scheduled at 9.30pm. On that day bikers from all over France were queuing to embark because their reunion was held in Montalivet . That is why we couldn't board the 9.30 ferry and had to wait for the next one which left at 11.00am. We heard that there were about 8000 motorbikes in the Montalivet bikers reunion. After a smooth crossing ( the Gironde looked like a lake that day) we reached Le verdon and took the direction of Arcachon. On our way we met lots of bikers waving at us as we rode past. It was a pleasant morning with mild temperatures and at that time we didn't know that the following day would be scorching !!
Around 1 pm we decided to stop and have a picnic in the shade. So when we reached a quiet village we stopped and had our lunch on banks in front of the church. We relaxed a little bit before hitting the road again. As we approached Arcachon the temperatures got higher and we had to stop in the forest to stretch our legs and have a rest. This part of france is characterized by the Landes forest and the ocean. Wherever you go you can smell the resin from the maritime pine trees.
Apart from forest roads we also rode through villages but the traffic was so heavy that we didn't enjoy it . We rode through Andernos , Ares which are villages with no interest for people who like old houses of character having traditional architecture with old stones.
Then we reached Biscarosse and the hotel where we stayed overnight.
The hotel was just in the centre of the town and the traffic was quite heavy. The rooms had air conditioning so we enjoyed relaxing in a cool environment. It was about 6 pm when we decided to swim in a lake called "Mayotte" Biscarosse is characterized by forests, lakes and the ocean. The lakes are about 10 kilometres from the town so are the beaches. As it was scorching at that time of the day we decided to ride the bikes without jackets , we rode at low speed to the lake and enjoyed swimming . the lake was about 25° but we all thought that it was not deep enough if you stayed in the supervised area , inside the markers.
So after cooling a bit in the water we returned to the hotel and met again outside for a walk to a restaurant called "*Uncle Sam's saloon ". The restaurant is a steakhouse and offers Mexican foods. we had a special menu at 35 euros per person composed of a margarita as apéritif, tortillas, chicken drumsticks, chili corn carne, barbecue ribs , two enormous cakes Californian wine ( which was not good ) and a tequila as a "digestif". Some of our group walked to the centre of the town to see the parade of men walking on stilts and walked back to the restaurant to have their dessert! The people of the Landes used stilt-walking to move from place to place in the wet terrain , the shepherds on their stilts drove their flocks across marsches and they could easily watch their sheep which were scattered over a wide surface.
Today " Les échassiers" ( men on stilts) are considered as part of the local folklore.
We all stayed up late that night there was a "bal" in Biscarosse so some of our group went dancing.
On Sunday after a short night's sleep we went to the beach and some had a swim in an 18° water. Some of our group didn't ( included myself ) as it was too cold for us ! The ocean was such a lovely blue colour that we all enjoyed the scenery. Then around 12 pm we left the hotel and took the road back to Charente Maritime. On that afternoon it was scorching about 40° and the ride was quite difficult one of our riders didn't feel well and had to continue the trip by car , so she parked her motorbike next to a café to pick it up the next day. We reached Lamarque two hours before boarding so we had drinks on the terrasse in the shade.
There was a little breeze so we all felt better. The crossing was smooth as usual in this area and we took the "green road" on our way back to Cozes. We all kissed goodbye in Blaye and rode slowly back home. We were all exhausted but all in all we had a really good time in Biscarosse which deserves another visit in the low season. Biscarosse is famous for aeronautics. Mermoz, Saint Exupéry .... met there and around 1930 Pierre Georges Latécoère reached New York City from the lake of Biscarosse using a seaplane.
Until World War II, Biscarosse was a large seabase where flights to New York or the West Indies departed from. Today air activities are still organized, and every two years in May Biscarosse welcomes the biggest international seaplanes reunion.

Ride to Cognac

2011-05-20T17:04:00.018+02:00

Wednesday May 18th
Every year we ride to Cognac to have the motorbike serviced and this is a chance for us to visit some of the most famous distilleries in the area. This year we decided to visit Otard with our friends Ian and Robina . We left quite early so that we could look round the François 1er park before lunch.
As soon as we got to the BMW garage we left our helmets and heavy jackets and asked someone to drive us to the town centre so that we could walk" light" in the François 1er park .
Instead of driving us to the town centre ( which was quite a long way from the garage) they lent us a car. ( They really do care about customer service and satisfaction unlike some garages around Paris!) So we parked the car just in front of the chateau and decided to walk in the beautiful 48 hectares park and forest close to the town. It provides a variety of sporting and leisure activities. It's a good place for a picnic and for those who like relaxing in the shade.
We took the walking route along the river Charente and enjoyed the flora. Then we stopped for lunch in the only restaurant along the river Charente called " La Courtine". We had a lovely lunch and Ian tried the famous " Tête de veau sauce gribiche" former Président Chirac's favourite dish.
Then we left the restaurant and walked back to the chateau " Baron Otard" , the guided tour scheduled for 2.30 pm was interesting because it was not only about the process of ageing " eau de vie" but also a part of French history and how lively the chateau was during the period of François 1er.
François 1er was born in the chateau of Cognac and throughout his reign he stayed in Cognac on numerous occasions. Cognac was also the residence for a small provincial court and was a genuine centre of art and literature. During his reign François 1st, greatly involved in art and literature, was the patron of many Renaissance artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci.
The State room in the chateau built by François 1st in 1517 at the beginning of his reign, is different from the other parts of the Chateau dating from the Middle Ages. The vast, brightly lit room, with its view over the River Charente, was used in the past for royal receptions and when you walk along the impressive vaulted room you can easily imagine the royal receptions.
in 1795 Baron Otard established his cognac house. The Ottar family were influential figures in Scotland near Aberdeen, reknown for their loyalty to the Stuart cause, this loyalty forced James Ottar de la Grange , the eldest son of the last earl, into exile in France as the king was driven from the throne of England and Scotland.
Baron Otard was aware of the thickness of the walls of the chateau and the large rooms it provided. He was the first to appreciate the essential role played by the atmosphere of these cellars in the process of ageing "eau de vie".
The lower vaults situated on the banks of the river charente provide a constant temperature and humidity.
We finish the visit by tasting two kinds of cognac. Today 95% of this exceptionnal product appreciated throughout the world goes to exports. Otard has also been taken over by Bacardi which is a spirits company, best known as a Cuban producer of rums. It is a multi national company which sells spirits around the world.
Then we walked around the town in the narrow cobbled streets . Cognac is a beautiful town built on the river's left bank. As it was very hot we decided to have a cold drink along the Charente river but there aren't any cafés along the Charente. We eventually found one in the museum.
Cognac is a nice place worth visiting when the weather is not too hot.

motorbike ride

2011-05-09T09:47:00.020+02:00

Sunday May 8th

On the day of La Fete de la Victoire when French people celebrate victory over the Germans and the end of WWII with a ceremony around the monument aux morts , Graziéla and Phil our organizers decided to gather about 24 people for a motorbike ride in the departement of Charente.
The departement of Charente is a paradise for motorbike rides. You ride in the heart of the countryside and the vineyards , surrounded by a rich and varied heritage.
After a stop at the petrol station we met our group who was having a coffee at Phil's shop in front of the beautiful " Halles" ( market place ) in Cozes . So at 9 o'clock sharp we left Cozes for Angoulème. We passed Pons, Archiac, Chateauneuf sur Charente, Ruffec and eventually reached our destination which was the beautiful village of Verteuil. This magnificent village is situated between Angloulème and Ruffec, a few kilometres from Ruffec.
So after about 140 kilometres we reached our destination and stopped for an apéritif along the river Charente. Phil had prepared a Cognac Schweppes ( local apéritif)to share with the group because he just passed his motorbike driving test. We enjoyed relaxing along the Charente river watching the slow and quiet stream flowing ... an old lavoir in perfect condition ( public wash-house) drew our attention.
Then after a while we decided to walk to the mill and buy some food for an improvised picnic. Around the mill there were people selling local foods and organic clothing items for example rillons charentais , organic cotton towels .....
We were all looking forward to a nice lunch composed of sausages cooked on a barbecue but after negociating with a man in charge of the special event in the village Phil came back very disappointed saying that we were too many people !!! The young lady who was selling sausages must have been very disappointed as well when she saw us leaving for another place for lunch.
So we decided to go to the flower show which took place in the garden of the Chateau . On that day the beautiful gardens (usually closed for the public) hosted lots of horticulturists.More and more people are keen gardeners that is the reason why flower shows have become so popular in France .
The Chateau de Verteuil is a beautiful private chateau which belongs to the Comte Sixte de la Rochefoucault. The castle, furnished and inhabited, remained family property of the family of La Rochefoucauld, belonged to Anne de La Rochefoucault who married the Marquis of Amodio, until her death in 1980.
De la Rochefoucault is one of the most famous families of French nobility whose origins go back to the 13th century.
After lunch composed of curry sausages, auroch dry meat a local specialty or assiettes de salaison (organic dry meat, salami .... ) we had time to linger a while and see the beautiful flower displays and as the gardens of the chateau were open to the public we had the chance to get closer to the magnificent chateau .

Then around 2.30 back to the car park , we hit the road again to visit the abbay of Nanteuil en Vallée which was really of interest. Phil had planned a guided tour in advance with one of the authority of the village ( adjoint au maire / deputy mayor ) who was in charge of the guided tour as well.
Nanteuil is a village constructed on a myriad of canals. It has a religious and architectural heritage which attracts visitors. Our guide says that Nanteuil is on the way of Compostela
( there are several ways and this one is not the most popular ) she added that lots of Dutch pelgrims walk through the village every year thanks to a guide which mentions the village of Nanteuil.
The 12th century Benedictine abbey is not in good condition but you can see the structure of the ancient building. This was a very large abbey surrounded with original buildings still remaining in good condition. We visited " la tour au trésor" According to the legend the monks kept their valuable possessions inside the square tower.
The whole property is owned by the " D R A C " ( Direction régionale des affaires culturelles)which is a public organization for the heritage conservation.
Our guide says that a team of archaeologists are going to do some excavations soon and according to her they will collect unvaluable data which will enable us to learn more about the past.
Then after the visit as it was very hot we decided to have a cold drink in the heart of the village. This kind of villages are often characterized by a nice café with terrasse just in the centre of the village. We all enjoyed a cold drink before hitting the road again for Charente Maritime.
Then back to the motorbikes we rode on the N10 for a while struggling against the strong wind.
After reaching Angoulème the group split up . We really enjoyed the motorbike rally and hope to get together again in a near future.

Talmont sur Gironde

2010-11-17T09:15:00.037+01:00

Talmont in November

On the orders of Edouard I of England
( who was nicknamed " Longshanks"due to his great height and stature) the enclosed and fortified village of Talmont was founded around the church in 1284. The name of Talmont might refer to a celtic word " Tal" which means "high" and "mon" a Latin word meaning " the bend of a river". Talmont is also referred to Talamundus, Talamone, and Talamo in some historical documents. The fortified village was built according to the plans of the ancient bastides. Bastides were fortified new towns built in medieval languedoc, Gascony and Aquitaine during the 13th and 14th centuries in order to colonize the wilderness especially in the south west.
During the "high middle ages" ( 500-987) Talmont called Talamo was a military post and then the estate of a seigneur. Talmont ended up in the Spaniards' hands who abandonned the place by pulling all the fortifications down. it was a complete disaster for Talmont.
Today there are about 83 inhabitants in the village of Talmont which is a main tourist attraction in the area especially in the summer holidays. A huge car park welcome crowds of people in July and August.
This idyllic village lies on a small promontory which dominates the Gironde estuary. The Gironde estuary takes on the appearance of a small sea. Some coves can be found at the base of the fortification of the church. In the distance you can see a marshy country and limestone cliffs where some carrelets or fishing huts are used by local fishermen who have strong ties to their estuary . The carrelets or fishing huts are one of the features of Charente Maritime.

All the cobbled streets in the village are for pedestrians only and the village is also famous for its hollyhocks which blossom everywhere along the walls of the houses .
The church, the main feature of the village which stands on the extremity of the headland was built in 1094 by the monks of St Jean dedicated to Ste Radegonde the patron saint of sailors.
Many miracles were accredited to Radegonde that is the reason why she attracted many pilgrims.After her death she was acknowledged as a patron saint. She was not canonised , and she is the only one who was declared bo be a saint by popular belief.
The church was also a resting place for the pilgrimage of St James of Compostela on the via Turonensis, because the pilgrims crossed the Gironde estuary at this spot.
The via Turonensis is one of the four ways for Compostela it starts from " Tour St Jacques" in Paris.
No two houses in the village are alike and what everyone remarks apart from the maritime atmosphere and the stunning views over the Gironde estuary is the peaceful tranquility of the village especially at this time of the year. The village is not tainted by modern developments.
When I was in Talmont last Tuesday a few tourists were just strolling about while I was taking some photos. Narrow streets open out on beautiful cottages with brightly coloured shutters some are pink, dark green, navy blue ....
Local people say that the colour of the shutters is the same as the fishing boats. When a fisherman has not used up the paint for his fishing boat, it is used for coating the shutters that is the reason why visitors car remark so many different colours. The bright-coloured shutters are one of the main features of the Charente Maritime.
In the village there are also lots of craft shops and gift shops they sell locally produced crafts and cakes.
The townhall is in the former school facing a hundred-year old lime tree ( tilleul) .And the little harbour provides a few moorings for fishermen and owners of boats. The harbour is also a haven for ducks and they are used to being given some bread crumbs !!
Walking from the village to Le Caillot would complete the visit of the village. The views from the cliff are stunning and on a bright day you can take fabulous photos of the church.
Talmont has been designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, a label attributed by a French association to villages presenting several interests and meeting certain criteria for example less than 2000 inhabitants, at least two protected monuments or sights....
There are many advantages for Talmont to be in the guide of the most beautiful villages in France because it promotes its assets and then attracts more and more people every year.
There are 6 villages in Poitou Charente which have been designated and attributed the label of the most beautiful village in France.
Mornac sur Seudre - La Flotte ( ile de Ré) - Aubeterre sur Dronne - Ars en Ré ( Ile de ré) -
Angle sur l'Anglin and Talmont sur Gironde.

Traditionnal "vendange" near Blaye.

2010-10-04T20:52:00.032+02:00

On Sunday October 3rd Jeanne and Daniel were expecting about 20 people to come and help them to pick grapes in the old tradition, that meant using clippers to collect the red grapes. We all had volunteered to help out and were happy to be helpful. So we set off at about 8.15am and drove to Blaye. A few kilometres before Blaye we arrived at a village called le Pontet and then to Jeanne and Daniel's house. We saw at once that we were in the right place as there were many cars parked around his property. Jeanne and Daniel have started their own wine production and are keen on organic foods and wine that's why they decided to become organic wine producers . They are far away from the widely recognised classifications but they are passionate about their work striving for the best from their vines year after year.
Our enthusiastic group of pickers who was composed of Daniel's Mum , brother, friends ....was ready to start picking the grapes. We reached the vineyards at 9.30am and we all took a pair of clippers and a bucket to collect the grapes. Daniel gave us the instructions , two people in each row facing each other and there were also the grapes carriers. I started down a line of vines opposite to Linda , she was much quicker than me to pick the grapes!!!
There was also a tractor trailer called a "tombereau" which was used to collect all the grapes and then they were carried to Daniel's "chai " (wine cellar) . We all had good fun while cutting the grapes and unloading our bucket into the the carrier's basket who went off with the heavy load , emptied it into the tractor trailer at the bottom of the field.
The weather in the morning was fine, it was a bit sunny. As midday approached we all had an increasing backache! However there were still two rows left and we finished picking at about 12.30am. Linda and Roy finished picking lying down! Fortunately for us the harvest was completed.
We were all very proud of our work and were invited to celebrate it. It was held in Jeanne and Daniel's future house, a large barn converted into a house. We had an aperitif composed of a glass of white wine , olive cakes and nibbles and then the men started to use a machine that removed the grapes from stalks. That was hard work because it was a hand machine using a large handle.
The process took about 2 hours to empty the two containers. Philippe emptied the two containers and didn't succeed in being replaced as no one was disposed to take his place! He entertained the other pickers who were just watching him!
While Philippe was throwing grapes to the splitting machine Paolo ( An English man who has been living in France for more than 30 years) was carrying them in a large basket climbing up to a ladder and then poured them into a stainless steel wine container. ( that was hard work !)
Then it was about 3pm we had lunch inside Jeanne and Daniel's house. It was a huge meal composed of vegetable tarts to start with , then "côtes de boeuf " cooked on the barbecue and delicious beans cooked in red wine, cheese and a grape or fig and apple tart.
Daniel brought his own wine to taste, we all liked it very much. The meal ended after some two hours with coffee. We were overcome by Daniel and Jeanne 's hospitality and friendliness.
It was about 5.30 when we kissed goodbye and left thanking Jeanne and Daniel for this moment of great conviviality .

Day out in Médoc

2010-09-29T08:57:00.041+02:00

A motorbike ride to "Médoc"

Sunday, September 26th. Motorbike ride - Royan - Pointe de Grave - Phare de Richard - Chateau de la tour de By - St Estèphe - Pauillac - Chateau Beychevelle - Lamarque - Blaye - St Ciers s/Gironde - St Bonnet - St Sorlin - St Dizant du Guâ - St Fort - Mortagne .

We set out at 10.15 am for Cozes where we had arranged to meet Robina and Ian for a motorbike ride. We had planned the ride two weeks before and therefore we were not sure about the weather. Some reports predicted cold and some rain but the day before the weatherman said that the day would be sunny. So ,we decided to keep warm by wearing three layers of clothing as it was a bit chilly in the morning. We scheduled the ferry in Royan at 12.00am , at first we wanted to cross the Gironde estuary from Blaye but they had cancelled the 12.00am ferry for the season.
We hit the road at 10.45am and arrived at Royan Ferry car park at about 11.15 am we had plenty of time to kill! But we had an unexpected encounter. An American couple ( Rose and Gary) came on a weird duo bike pushing it right behind our motorbikes so we had a chat with them while waiting for the ferry. It hadn't left the "Pointe de grave" just opposite Royan when we came to the car park!
Rose and Gary explained that they decided to take a year off for touring the world on their duo-bicycle and they left Chicago in June . We enjoyed talking with them before boarding. They gave us their business card so that we can follow their adventure on their blog. They were heading for Morroco!
We pulled out of port at 12.00pm and enjoyed the smooth crossing watching the scenery , the lighthouse of St Georges de Didonne, the long sandy beach, Pointe de Suzac, the beaches of Suzac, les Vergnes, les Nonnes , the headland of Talmont featuring the church and the white limestone cliffs of Meschers, Le Caillot and Barzan.
After a 30 minute crossing we reached "la pointe de Grave" and decided to have a picnic around the lighthouse of Richard which was on our way to St Estèphe.
That was a great spot for a picnic and Robina had brought a tablecloth ! We all enjoyed relaxing in a quiet place on the Gironde bank , no big buildings to impede our view. This part of the Gironde estuary is a bit desolate compared to the opposite bank but we rode on a scenic road along the estuary and through vineyards. After a lovely lunch with good wine we headed for the Chateau de la tour de By which was a few kilometres from a village called Begadan , we rode on narrow roads through marshland and along the estuary which provided an inherent sense of freedom.
Then we arrived at the Chateau de la tour de By , the gates were wide open so we rode the motorbikes to the entrance of the chateau. The owner told us that it was closed so we couldn't visit the "chais" ( barrel cellars ) and taste wine but he let us walk to the tower called la tour de By and we climbed to the top using the flight of stairs . From the top we had a magnificent view over the vineyards and in the distance the Gironde estuary. The chateau was a beautiful 19th century well-maintained building and the tour de By was built on a former mill.
Then on the motorbikes again! We left la tour de By and headed for the famous village of St Estèphe then Pauillac and St Julien. Unfortunately "la maison des vins" ( the house of wine) in St Estèphe was closed. Although we were a bit disappointed because most of the chateaux are closed on Sundays during the" low" season we all enjoyed riding through the vineyards enjoying the magnificent chateaux and the weather was gorgeous. We stopped in Pauillac and looked round "la maison du tourisme et du vin" where Ian bought a bottle from le chateau de la tour de By and gave it to us. ( Thanks again Ian).
So after visiting the "maison du vin" in Pauillac we set out for Lamarque and stopped at the chateau of Beychevelle which was closed. On the way to Beychevelle we rode past a beautiful chateau called "Ducru-Beaucaillou" another chateau to visit next year!!
At this time of the day , we decided to ride to Lamarque to the ferry boarding area. We reached the ferry car park at about 6.00pm and had 30 minutes to wait before boarding. So we had a drink on a terrasse overlooking the estuary.
The 30 minute-crossing enable us to admire the sunset over the estuary and then we headed for Royan . We took the " Green road" and rode past St Ciers , St Bonnet, St Sorlin , St Dizant du Guâ, St Fort and our last destination Mortagne sur Gironde. It was getting dark and the temperature had dropped. We stopped at Mortagne and kissed goodbye.
It was a great motorcycling experience.

Night walk from Port d'Envaux to Crazannes

2010-09-22T20:28:00.025+02:00

On Saturday September 18th , about 900 people started a night walk from Port d' Envaux. The meeting place was in the rugby club where we had an apéritif before starting the 11 kms walk.
So after a "kir" and some crisps, small groups of walkers set out and walked along the river Charente for a while. The scenery along the river was beautiful. We went past some pleasure boats moored along the river bank. It was sunny at this time of the day and the temperature was mild. We walked along the river for a few kilometres and arrived at a private chateau called le château de Panloy This beautiful chateau dates back the 18th century and is usually closed at 6.pm but the owners opened the park to enable us to walk through in order to reach a path which led us through a marsch. Then a few kilometres away we arrived at our first stop to have a starter composed of melon and a glass of wine. After relaxing a while we came to an other private chateau " le chateau de Crazannes" where a small group of theatre actors performed a short composition of Molière, one of the most famous French playwright in the 17th century. Then two of the three actors performed a short and ironic sequence showing an old man sitting on an old toilet chair talking to his young wife . The text was libertine and humorously coarse but people laughed a lot.
Then after the short theatrical performances we left the park and reached the Charente river again . Some fishermen were fishing along the river while we were walking past. It was getting dark at this time and we decided to wear our head lamps which were very useful . After walking a few kilometres we reached a village where in the distance we could make out some smoke coming up Actually we reached the place where we had the main course of our dinner composed of a sausage cooked on the barbecue and some " Mojhettes charentaise" ( beans) with a glass of charentais wine . We were happy to sit and have a hot meal .
Then back to the route again it was pitch-dark at this time of the day and we walked through the pitch-black woods fortunately for us we had our lamps Some walkers had to give up walking because they had forgotten to bring their torch Next we came to the bottom of an open excavation where we could admire the beautiful white rocks. We were told that lots of châteaux in the area were built with the white stones from Crazannes. The quarry is no longer in use it was closed after World War 2 because concrete has increasingly replaced the beautiful white stones and the quarry was no longer lucrative.
Then we had to climb some stairs in order to get to the top of the quarry. The scenery at night was breathtaking. Then on this part of our itinerary three actors performed a verse composition about the sculpture carved in the white rocks of the quarry. Today the quarry is used by sculptors around the world and the quarries are a part of the sights to visit in the area so a tourist attraction.After an interesting visit of the various excavations where some sculptors carved their works we came to a hamlet where we had some cheese and a glass of wine. It was about 11.30pm and most of the participants looked a bit tired. Then two kilometres away we reached the starting point and ended up with a fruit salad and a piece of galette charentaise. ( sort of large shortbread).
We were asked whether we enjoyed the night walk and being entertained by a theatrical group . We were really impressed by the organisation and the choice of the itinerary which enabled us to discover magnificent castles, hamlets surrounded by a lovely setting.
A night walk not to be missed next year!

a night walk around Chaniers

2010-08-30T15:47:00.022+02:00

On Saturday August the 28th a large group of people were ready to start a night walk around Chaniers. Chaniers is a small town near Saintes. The river Charente is one of its characteristic features. We all met in front of the townhall to collect our tickets because a three-course meal was included in the night walk. No prior experience is expected and there is a reasonable cost to participate ( 8 to 10 Euros per person) We were told that there were about 500 participants. When we came to the townhall our friends had already arrived . So as soon as we got together we had an "apéritif" composed of Kir ( white wine and blackberry syrup) or orange juice. Our enthusiatic group decided to start the walk at about 7.00pm , some people were ahead others behind us.
We walked through a narrow street in Chaniers until we reached the river Charente.Then we walked along the Charente passing by a lovely sandy beach where some children were swimming. The river Charente also offers a great opportunity to observe wildlife. Birds and waterfowls use the Charente river as a stop over on their annual migration. We walked past the
" Moulin de la baine " ( a mill called " La Baine" ) and looked round the old wheel. There is a nice restaurant in the former mill and in summer the tables are set on a bridge so you can feed the ducks from your table!
After walking a few kilometres we arrived at our first stop where we had a sandwich composed of rillettes the scenery was peaceful and relaxing. The river Charente, was at its best, the sun was gradually going down. Then after having the starter and a glass of wine we continued our walk and went along fields and the river Charente. After a while we crossed a main road and reached an old church covered with weeds. The church was well-preserved but abandonned by the clergy and the authorities. What a pity! We were all impressed by the magnificent building and stopped to admire the architecture.
Then on the path again! for a few kilometres again until we got to a large clearing, but before reaching the place where we had the main course of our diner we could see a huge smoke coming out in the distance. We had a lovely barbecue and enjoyed our dinner surrounded with a vegetable garden and the wood. The dinner was composed of "échine" de porc
( pork loin )and beans. We were all impressed by the organization no paper plates and plastic cutlery. Real plates and cutlery and tents to protect ourselves in case it rains., actually it was the second night walk we've joined in and we were all amazed!
After relaxing and chatting with other people we went back to the track again. This part was a bit hilly so it took us some time to get to the top of the hill. At that time of the day it was cooler and we had to wear an extra clothing. Sometimes the night offers an excellent opportunity to see beautiful landscape by the light of the moon. That night it was pitch dark in the forest.And after the sun went down we could barely make out the track especially in the forest. We wished we had brought our torch. Fortunately for us our friend Graziéla had a small torch and we managed to complete the walk . For those who wish to gain some noturnal exercise and enjoy some night walking don't forget to bring your torch!!! because we need to be more vigilant at night. Then we reached a hamlet where we had cheese and wine again. We continued the walkway along which the organizers had placed some candles which added something spiritual about the night walk. It was breathtaking!
We completed the walk in about 4 hours and finished our meal in front of the townhall. We had an apple pie and a coffee for dessert. If you have never had the opportunity to do some night walking then don't miss this one as it's an altogether different experience. No wonder there were so many people!!! And I'm sure they'll be more next year!

2010-08-03T22:03:00.010+02:00

In this story Caroline talks about a lovely place called " Les Monards"

Depuis les sept dernières années, j’ai la chance
d'habiter aux Monards, près de l'Estuaire et entourée par le marais, avec toute sa faune et sa flore. Le village des Monards est un petit port de pêche typique de l'Estuaire de la Gironde. En été c'est un bel endroit pour les pique-niques, un beau rivage où les familles peuvent regarder les allées et venues des pêcheurs dans leurs bateaux minuscules.

Certaines personnes viennent pour manger au restaurant « l’Auberge des Monards », qui offre un bon rapport qualité-prix, particulièrement leur assiette de fruits de mer le Mardi ! Et maintenant il y a une nouvelle terrasse à l'extérieur, donc vous pouvez aussi observer l'activité du port.

Peu de personnes savent qu'un peu plus loin sur la route vers Chenac se trouve la vieille minoterie, qui a arrêté de marcher dans les années soixante. Notre voisin – M. Hémono – passe beaucoup de son temps et profite de son habileté pour la rénovation du vieux bâtiment, qui ressemble à une cathédrale en bois à l'intérieur. Dans un placard il a trouvé un sac de farine de la deuxième guerre mondiale, pendant la période où cette minoterie a été occupée par les allemands.

En face de la minoterie il a créé un beau lac et a planté de nombreux arbres qui fournissent beaucoup de couleurs spectaculaires en automne !

PS : une minoterie est un moulin

2010-07-26T22:50:00.005+02:00

In this story Karen explains in French why she decided to move to Charente Maritime.

J'habite maintenant à Chenac avec mon mari Jim - mais nous avons commencé nos aventures en France pas en Charente Maritime mais en Charente. Pourquoi la Charente ? C'est une longue histoire !!

En 2000 nous avons vendu notre maison en Angleterre et nous avons trouvé une très jolie maison dans le nord de l’Angleterre. Malheureusement juste avant de déménager, la propriétaire de la nouvelle maison a décidé de ne pas vendre sa maison. Nous étions sans domicile !

Mon mari a eu l'idée de venir en France pour acheter une maison - les prix étaient plus bas , la campagne très belle, la mer était proche....- et parce que nous passions nos vacances en Charente avec mes parents, nous avons commencé notre recherche dans ce département. Je n'étais pas sûre de vouloir vivre en France définitivement parce que j'ai compris que j'aurais des problèmes pour trouver un emploi (mon français est trop mauvais ) Mais mon mari m'a rassuré que tout irait bien !! En été 2000 nous sommes venus en Charente et un agent immobilier nous a montré trois maisons le premier jour. La deuxième maison était belle - dans la campagne, pas de voisins, rénovée, construite en 1869- un coup de coeur. En un quart d'heure mon mari a décidé de l'acheter et dans la même journée il a fait une offre !

Donc en Novembre 2000 nous avons déménagé en Charente dans un petit village qui s'appelle Nonac ( 15 kms de Barbezieux)

Pendant 8 ans nous étions très contents là bas mais pour moi la maison était un peu isolée et j'ai suggéré la possibilité de déménager plus près de la cote.

Après quelques mois nous avons vendu notre maison et nous avons acheté notre maison a Chenac. La différence entre les deux maisons est énorme- la première était vieille, avec des granges et un grand jardin - ici nous avons une maison plus petite, une maison de plain pied, construite en 1973. Quelle différence !! Mais nous sommes très contents ici dans la campagne, entourés par les vignes et les tournesols, près des plages et la ville de Royan.

Nous espérons rester ici pour quelques années mais dans l'avenir peut-être nous aurons plus d'aventures en France ou en Angleterre !!

Night walking

2010-07-04T22:19:00.021+02:00

On Saturday July 3rd a small group of 7 people who had planned to join a nocturnal hike gathered in Tesson to experience a night walk . Actually we started walking at about 7.30 after an "apéritif" in front of the foyer rural in Tesson. Some hikers had an orange juice others had a "kir" (a drink composed of white wine and rasberry syrup).The walk started just in front of the church and the footpaths were well signposted. The organisers had planned everything ( a three-course meal composed of Rillettes on a piece of bread as a starter, cold meat with crisps as a main course, an ice-cream and coffee for dessert.
After leaving the village of Tesson we walked past vineyards and fields. We went past some inhabitants who were relaxing on their terrasse watching the groups of walkers and enjoying the fresh air of the early evening . There were about 200 participants. And we started our route at our own pace. Some were far ahead of others, whilst some were far behind others.
After walking about 3 kms we reached the first stop and had a slice of bread with "rillettes" and some pickles to go with them. We all sat on very comfortable hay bales.
We also had a glass of red wine followed by a glass of water in order to continue our hike!!!
Then we continued along the track and walked through a woodland we also walked past a beautiful lizard ( orange and green) We all stared at the unusual animal and after a few minutes it decided to leave us to hide in the dark wood.
Then the path was quite close to the A10 so we could hear the background hum of the mortorway. Fortunately for us this part was very short and we were soon in the forest enjoying peace and tranquility. On the next part of our itinary we met some organizers who helped us to cross a main road ( the Saintes road) . We were soon in the vineyards again . We stopped in the vineyards and had the second course of our dinner. It was composed of cold roastbeef and pork and a packet of crips, served with a glass of wine and some water to keep our body going in the hot summer evening.After relaxing and chatting with other people we started the third part of our walk. At that time of day the sun was setting and we could enjoy the delights of the countryside in a different way.
There is something unmistakably spiritual about walking after the sun sets. The scenery looks different , more peaceful and tranquil.
Then a few kilometres away we stopped to have cheese and a slice of bread served with the inevitable glass of wine!
We eventually started the last part of our itinary in a semi-darkness but by the time we reached the departure point the night had already fallen. When we came to the foyer rural it was around 10.15pm. We all had an ice-cream and a cup of coffee. The church was beautifully illuminated and as silent as its stones.
It was the first time we've experienced the outdoors in the evening and we really enjoyed it. We all thank the organisors who had planned everything from sign posts on footpaths and bridleways to catering and security on the main road.
The next night walk is in Chaniers on August 28th.

A trip to Lac de Vassiviere .

2010-05-26T08:52:00.017+02:00

On Saturday May 22nd a group of 16 people gathered in Cozes for the first motorbike rally in 2010 . The weather was gorgeous. We all met at Graziella and Phil's shop ( the upholsterer's) in Cozes. At about 9 O'clock we set off for Jonzac, Chevanceaux, Marton, Chalais, Aubeterre, Riberac. We stopped at Riberac for a coffee. Then we left Riberac and took the direction of Brantome. Bantome is a lovely town on the river Dronne. Lots of tourists were just strolling when we drove past the magnificent old buildings. Then on the road again! Thiviers, St Yrieux la Perche, Coussac Bonneval, Meuzac, St Germain les Belles, Linards, Chateauneuf la Forêt, Eymoutiers and Beaumont du Lac We had our picnic in front of a pond and enjoyed relaxing in the field . The scenery was impressive and peaceful. Some cows were grazing a few meters away while we were having our picnic. We tried to sit down on the grass where there was no cow pat! Next we set off for the Lac de vassiviere and rode along long and winding roads in the small mountains which reminded me of les Vosges in the East part of France. We enjoyed breathing the different smells from the sap of fur trees and pine trees in the forests. We arrived at our hotel around 5 pm . The hotel was located in a exceptional spot , just a few meters fom the Lake. We decided to walk along the lake . The Lake of Vassiviere is one of the largest artificial lakes in France. It is a reservoir of 10 kilometres square situated on the Plateau des Millevaches. It provides water supplies, hydroelectricity and leisure facilities. The lake nestles in a haven of green countryside near the village of Beaumont -du-lac. This lake benefits from an unspoilt natural environment. The lake also offers a varied range of water activities, from sailing to canoing through fishing, bathing, pedal-boating and water-skiing. For keen fishermen we were told that the main fish in the lake was the pike.
There is an island in the centre of the lake dominated by a chateau. The island is connected to the shore by a causeway. The lake was constructed after World War II and opened at Christmas 1950. It is the product of two barrages in the valley of the Maulde River, an important tributary of the Vienne River.
We enjoyed our walk along the lake surrounded by a wonderful wooded setting.
Then in late afternoon we decided to have an "apéritif" on the terrasse in front of the hotel. The evening went smoothly . We had a nice dinner
( salade limousine, cuisse de canard confite and dessert.)
We went to bed around 10.30pm to recover from our long ride and be ready at 8 am for breakfast. So after breakfast we set off for a ride around the lake and stopped to look at the barrage. Dominique, one of the motorbike riders has got a house in the area so he was our guide until we reached his house which has belonged to his family for 4 generations We had a lovely picnic composed of
traditional food - paté en croute, cheese and gateau aux noisettes ( nut cake)
The nut cake was out of this world!
Then after a deserved rest enjoying the quietness of the little hamlet we took the direction of Angoulème. We rode on the main roads to get back to Cozes at about 6 pm. One young couple had booked a "Talasso" in Royan and they were supposed to check in late afternoon. We rode through Confolens, Angoulème, Cognac, Pons and Cozes. We stopped just after Confolens to stretch our legs because after riding 120kms we were all exhausted and our muscles were stiff!
We reached Cozes around 6 and kissed goodbye.
Our trip to Lac de Vassiviere was a great experience.

Festi Cozes 2010

2010-05-06T08:29:00.024+02:00

On Saturday April 24-25 Cozes was the place of country music and horse performances. Every year at the same time, the festival focuses on equestrian jumping , cross-country hiking, line dancing and some keen organizers involve themselves a lot during the 2-day festival.
On Saturday when we arrived, the sun was shining, and lots of regular visitors were gathered around the beer tent. Some were queuing to order their "côte de boeuf" for the" dinner champêtre" which took place under a large tent.
We had arranged to meet with friends to have a potluck dinner.
The men cooked the "côtes de boeuf" on an outdoor barbecue and for once the women were relaxing expecting to have a beautifully-cooked piece of meat.

This year the country music band was a famous local band called " Les Binuchards" In Charente Maritime they are as famous as "the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, ....." in the 1970s.
The Binuchards group is composed of Binuche who sings, plays the violin, the bouzouki ( which is a mainstay instrument in Greece.) , the banjo and the wheel fiddle. He is also a sommelier. Richard plays the bass guitar, the contrebassine ( which is a musical instrument used in American folk music) sings as well. He is a maître d'.
JC plays the electric guitar, the acoustic guitar and he also sings in the band. He is also a chef .
Jean-Marie plays the drums. Then the group is also composed of Jean-François in charge of audio signal, Bruno in charge of light, Yves ( equipment...) and Coco sells the CD's and T-shirts.
Their trademark is represented by a snail formed with two fingers for the feelers and a hand for the body of the snail. They are all natives of Gémozac and Binuche who is a poet, a musician and a storyteller has been a troubadour for more than twenty years He went to Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Africa and recently has been to Brittany his second native home land.
Binuche was courageous and bold enough to sing in the Charentais dialect about ten years ago and he wrote lots of juicy local stories about the local way of thinking and living He is also inspired with the French society's weaknesses.
The Binuchards'music is a festive music influenced by Celtic, rock and Cajun music. Their songs provoke laughter and provide amusement. Their performance is always a success, they are full of energy, a communicative energy and the performance in Cozes was a success .
To conclude here's a list of definitely essential vocabulary to understand some of the
Binuchards 'songs.
Les baignassoutes ( les touristes)
Les cagouilles ( les escargots) = snails
Le cananbis ( le canabis)
cheur ( tomber) = fall
nigher ( noyer / se noyer) = drown
buffer ( souffler) = blow

La route à trois grammes.
J'ai pris la route à trois grammes,
Pour éviter les gendarmes,
Les chemins et les palisses
Pour éviter la police.
J'ai bu deux ou trois Pastis,
C'est sûr je suis positif,
J'ai beau expliquer aux flics
Que je suis pas un alcoolique,
j'ai essayé le pétard,
La Tourtel et un peu tout
Mais je préfère le pinard
Et la bière de Bercloux.
J'ai branché mon GPS
Sur le route de l'ivresse,
Je passe à travers les vignes
Et les chemins de traverses,
Qu'elle est la route la plus sûre,
Quand t'as soupé un vin pur,
T'as déjà un gramme ou deux.
Tu peux bouffer des croix bleues
Et moi qui n'ai plus qu'un point
dessus mon permis à points
Même si j'avais trois cents points
Dans six mois j'aurais plus rien.
Pour mettre des contraventions
Les motards ont le bras long,
Faut toujours faire attention
Aux radars et aux ballons
Alors comme j'en avais marre,
D'être toujours un peu tricard
J'ai acheté un camping-car
Et une bouteille de Ricard,
Je dors avec mes trois grammes
Pour éviter les gendarmes
Je dors avec mon Pastis
Pour éviter la police.
Acknowledgements : Photo of the bouzouki provided by Matt.ohara under Creative Commons licence via Flick

The most devastating storm ever experienced in France.

2010-03-10T17:22:00.016+01:00

During the night of February 27th /28th a violent storm named "Xynthia" hit the Vendée and Charente maritime. It brought considerable damage and killed about 60 people.
The day before the storm, we had been advised of violent winds by Météo france which had issued a red alert for our department. They said that the winds would bring considerable damage but on the other hand no evacuation measures were taken for those who lived near to the ocean.
In the south of Charente Maritime where I live , the strong winds didn't cause any serious damages to the people who live on top of hills and far away from the Gironde. We were very lucky compared to the people living near the ocean.
On Friday night Météo France advised people to stay inside the houses and wait until the winds decrease in intensity.
My husband and I had planned to drive to St Jean D'Angely just an hour-drive from our house but we cancelled our dinner date to comply with Météo France recommendation.
The winds started to blow at about 10.pm but reached their climax from midnight to one o'clock in the morning. Wind gusts reached up to 160kms per hour.
Then we decided to watch a film to loosen up. There was "Gangs of New York" on that night but we really had some difficulties in concentrating on the film as there was such a loud noise inside our house. Early in the morning we were just deprived of electricity but were reconnected by noon.
Along the coast, surprised by high tides some families had to be rescued from their roof-tops. Unfortunately some drowned in their homes. The collapse of the dikes on the Atlantic ocean coast led to multiple drownings in the houses, often bungalows built under the sea-level and in estate close to the sea.
The main natural danger in France is
flooding but some retired people's dream is buying a house close to the sea. Living close to estuaries, rivers and the sea can be a threat to millions of people around the world during a period of extreme variability.
There are very few houses along the Gironde from Meschers to Talmont because the area is subject to the risk of flooding. However the village of Les Monards facing the little port was flooded by water coming from the port and the main road. The owner of the restaurant said that they needed about three weeks to restore the kitchen which was badly damaged.
In France flood-proned areas are protected by levees. Most of these works were built in the 17th century in the time of Napoleon and they were built in stages from escavated material.
Inadequate levees couldn't resist a combination of strong winds and a high tide ( coefficient 102 on Sunday morning)
A few years ago the system of vigilance alert didn't exist , in the space of 12 years Météo France scientists have really made progress and now we are warned of a potential danger.
Satellite observation and more powerful computers have enabled them to anticipate strong winds and tropical cyclones. However they hadn't anticipated that the sea walls would be destroyed and that water would swamp homes which had been constructed in high-risk flood areas.
People were overtaken in their sleep by rising water and emergency staff searched for survivors for a week.
Local people blame the French authorities for neglecting maintenance of the levees which were inadequate in the night of February 27th /28th and what wasn't emphasized by weather services was the fact that the winds would be combined with a high tide.
If only people living along the coast had been strongly advised to leave their house.....

Is Haiti actually cursed?

2010-01-13T17:05:00.017+01:00

Haiti, one of the poorest country in the western hemisphere has just been hit by the strongest earthquake in more than 20 years. Seismometers recorded a magnitude of 7.0. Thousands are feared dead with many more homeless and displaced.Haiti is an impoverished country with 63% of its population undernourished and only 25% having clean drinking water.

Haiti is used to weather-related disasters . It is sitting atop a natural fault line and the nation is battered by hurricanes. The country was still recovering from a series of 4 hurricanes.

Haiti is also a country of rampant violent crime, widespread diseases not to mention hurricane destruction.Haiti is located approximately 750 miles southeast of Florida which it shares with the Dominican Republic. The climate is tropical with average temperatures ranging from 27° in January to 30° in July. Like in all Caribbean countries, hurricanes are common.

Haitians are said to be a warm, loving and surprisingly joyful people under the circumstances. They share and help each other with what little they have.

History of Haiti

Haiti is a Creole and French-speaking Caribbean country. The capital is Port-au-Prince. They gained their independence through a successful slave rebellion. Haiti is the only predominantly Francophone independent nation in the Americas.

At first Haiti was exploited by the Spaniards for its gold and those refusing to work in the mines were slaughtered or forced into slavery. Europeans brought infectious diseases with them that were new to the Caribbean. Diseases were the main cause of their decline and the Spanish governors began importing enslaved Africans for labour. The first inhabitants became virtually extinct. Then the island soon was settled by French buccaneers. One of them Bertrand D'Ogeron succeeded in growing tobacco. Bertrand D'Ogeron attracted many colonists from Martinique and Guadeloupe and then indigo and sugar cane plantations were established. There were lots of political struggle at that time and eventually France and Spain settled hostilities by a treaty in 1697. France received the western third St Domingue in the Dominican Republic so a lot of French colonists established plantations due to high profit potential.

From 1713 to 1787 about 30.000 colonists emigrated from Bordeaux. It quickly became the richest French colony in the New World due to the profits from sugar, coffee and indigo industries.
The French revolution contributed to social upheavals in St Domingue and the French and West Indies expatriates bankrolled and armed opposing groups. In 1888 US Marines supported a military revolt against the government. In 1912 Syrians in Haiti participated in a plot in which the presidential palace was destroyed. The USA occupied the island from 1915 to 1934.

From 1957 to 1986 the Duvalier family reigned as dictators. Many Haitians fled to exile to the USA and Quebec ( Canada). In 1986 protests led the US to arrange for Duvalier to be exiled to France. In 1990 the former priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide won the election. Following a coup d' Etat in 1991 Aristide was flown to exile.

Due to political turmoil and unrest lots of Haitians are being forced out of their home country. Haiti ecology has been significantly damaged since its independence in 1804. Only 7% of the country original forest remains unscathed by deforestation. Most of the trees have been cut and used as firewood for heating and cooking.

Roman Catholicism is the official religion but voodoo may be considered the country's national religion.

Most people in the world were left broken hearted when they learnt about the earthquake which caused an unknown number of casualties. The French government have begun working to mobilize and dispatch without delay urgent aid to Port-au-Prince. But Haiti's lack of building codes, emergency codes, and strong infrastructures slowed down relief efforts in the previous disasters and the country is still recovering from a series of four hurricanes that wiped out any progress and development.

Ackowledgements : Photos provided by Vanberto ( advertising), M eriksson ( palace) sifu Renka ( boat) joel abroad ( sugar plantation) Ianloic ( mamie picking indigo) and UF digital collection ( gaz propane)under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr

Pam's story

2009-12-29T09:52:00.021+01:00

The war and especially the London Blitz brought many evacuees and school children to seek safety in places like the south coast of the United Kingdom. Pam was 3 at that time and in this story she recalls her life and war experiences.

The Shiny Spoon

The family 1931
The outbreak of war September 1939
The evacuation September 1939
The Blitz
The second evacuation
Our move to Devon ( Introduction to Dad's family)
Life at number 57 St Edmonds Road and then 4 St Edmonds Road.
The Shiny Spoon

The Shiny Spoon.The Shiny Spoon was a symbol of all our yesterdays, our family's yester year.The story of the spoon started its life during the dark days of the Second World War, no-one knows where it originated from although different members of our large family give differing accounts of how it was obtained and became an important part of our every day living, sadly no-one knows where it finished its well earned life with us, it just seem to disappear at the end of the war however its memory lingers within the family circle of those who shared its being.

So to start at the very beginning is to understand the importance of the Shiny Spoon to us as children, uprooted from our home and father, and living in a strange town among a community that even spoke differently to us accent wise.The family consisted of Mum, Dad, and four daughters, this was in 1939 the outbreak of war. There was of course a large extended family of grandparents and aunts and uncles whom all lived in close proximity to us, typical of the pre-war era in London where we were all born blessed in the church for safe delivery with our mother and all christened.The outbreak of war was to change all this not just for us but for millions of people worldwide, however this is about our family and how it affected us and of course the involvement of shinny spoon later in our lives during the war years.During the period known as the "phoney war" the government decreed that all young children of a certain age were to be evacuated to the safety of the countryside away from the dangers of the cities, because of the fears of gassing and bombing. We were parcelled up with small suitcases and gas masks around our necks large labels tied to our persons, with our names and destination. Small human parcels separated from our parents and extended families to unknown territory, so we were lucky than a lot of children as we were together three sisters on the journey to Kent.How young, we, innocents of war, our eldest sister Ivy was 8 years old, Pat was 6 years and I was just 3 years of age, the youngest daughter Sheila born 1938 was a babe in arms and stayed at home with our parents. Mother had instructed Ivy to look after us little ones and not to let the family be split up. What a responsibility for a mere 8 year old, but Ivy took her charge of the small sisters seriously and not only insisted to the billeting officer that Mother stated that we must stay together but refused to budge until Mother's instructions were carried out. Time passed slowly in that small church hall somewhere in Kent, as families were unable to house 3 very young children until finally a very patient billeting officer managed late at night to find 3 families living next door to each other willing to house 3 very tired young evacuees. This was the beginning of how our status changed, because we now had another label that of evacuees that was to stay with us for the next 5 years of the war.

The Evacuees

The government of the day decided that certain members of the population should be evacuated to relative safety outside the big cities and towns. Children above all, were thought to need protection. No one was compelled to go but the authorities offered plenty of encouragement and in the month of September 1939, there was an exodus of children, the official evacuees numbered about one million. The mass evacuation took place during the period of the "phoney war" of the children to the rural areas, it has been recorded that there was an unreal quietness in the street of houses of towns and cities, akin to the fable of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Evacuees were billeted on people who had spare room. The children were not always welcome as one expected and indeed there was alarming discrimination by some of the host families in the rural areas. On arrival there were "pick your evacuee cessions" host families haggled over the most presentable children, whilst sicklier and unclean children were left to last. Larger family groups who wished to stay together were also left to last. So, true was this in the situation where we choose to stay as a family, a luxury not afforded to us and we too was left to last.

The plight of the young evacuees during the "phoney war" has never been addressed officially, we were uprooted from loving parents, siblings, extended family and our roots. The host families accused the "townie" children of thieving , swearing, bed-wetting and general smelliness; they filled a number of complaints. The children had come in disproportionate numbers from the slums and back streets of Britain's large towns and cities. However, the majority of the evacuees were labelled under the category of "those evacuees" and sadly we the children didn't ask for refuge from the terrors of war. On the contrary we were chosen by the government " to be protected". in fact it was the Third Reich that was aiming to invade the territory of the population.

It is rather alarming that even today in this 21st century, years since the war ended, that the peer group of our day still think of the plight of the evacuees as something that their families had to endure. They were labelled as a generation of unclean children with poor hygiene habits, whom deliberately set out to infest the rural population head lice-scabies-impetigo, and not forgetting wet-beds and bad language. It is not surprising that the city-bred children soon became homesick and disorientated. The majority trickled back to their homes and families. When no bombs fell during the period of the "phoney war" there appear to be no justification for the mass exodus, but this calm was soon broken by the Blitz, the lull was over by 1941 and the worse about to begin.

Some children later remembered their experiences with fondness, and for some it changed their lives forever, but generally the whole episode was a failure. Even country districts suffered. The county of Kent, south east capital of the capital, was known as "bomb alley" because it lay on the flight path to London. When Mum visited our host families she was informed of the danger on their doorstep. " That's it", stated Mother" you are all coming back home to Lewisham" we were delighted to be going home and into the loving arms of our Dad and grandparents. Our sister Pat said :" I think that lady wanted us to go back to London" her host family had caught Pat dancing on their whitewashed copper in the outhouse.

So, we all trouped back to London and the Blitz. The summer of 1944 brought the heavy Bombing and for 56 nights, London was bombed from dawn to dusk. The population of other great ports and cities knew similar terrors, every-day life was violently disrupted, and all were united to help out neighbours with cups of tea and words of comfort. But how the population suffered, on Saturday 7th September 1941 nearly 2000 people were killed or injured in London alone. People who remember the Blitz talk about the harrowing experience of shrapnel dancing off the cobbles. The Thames aglow with blazing barges and flames reflected from the wharves, their whole world turned into a red glow from the burning fires.

As the Surrey Docks burnt, brave men such as our granddad and uncles continued to work, building ships for the war effort. Fire fighters worked day and on through the night to dampen the fires and rescue the trapped people. The skies above throbbed with the whines of ennemy aircraft, young airman barely out of school engaged in dogfights. People, who lived these horrific times, would have their own stories to tell, their memoirs of their experiences of wartime in our country.

So, once again Mother was advised to evacuate to the safety of the country. But this time she was staying with us on our return visit to Kent. The second experience of our evacuation from London proved to be quite an experience, personally I remember very little of it, I was still very young, a toddler of four years old, our mother was only 29 years of age, and had gone through so much already. She had endured separation from her three young children and now to put them once again in a place of safety she had to leave her husband and her parents in the jaws of the ennemy in London. At any time our Dad could be called up for military service, life was very hard in those grim days at the beginning of the terrors of war. The billet we had in a village in Kent was in a very old house, whose owner was a very eccentric recluse named Miss Pankhurst ( no relation to the famous Emily Pankhurst of political fame i.e: Votes for women). Miss Pankhurst had previously been a maidservant to the owners of this house. As the couple were childless she inherited the property and had continued to live in this large haunting house with just her chickens for company, this seclusion was soon to be interrupted by the influx of evacuees from the Towns and Cities. No person was exempt if you had a spare room you had to give them refuge from the bombing.

The move to Devon.

Dad's sister lived in Torquay, she and her husband had been evacuated there in 1940. Aunt Keziah wrote to our Dad suggesting that we all went to Torquay, to billet with her and uncle Charley. The payment for billeting evacuees was 10 shillings a week, a grand sum in the 40's. Our parents decided to go to Devon with the children and to stay for a while with Dad's sister Aunt Guide ( Kezieth) was our auntie's real name. The decision that Mum and Dad made was very brave as apart from going to Kent to pick hops our mother had never been far from home ( except when we were evacuated to Kent ) our Dad was well travelled, he had spent his youth in the Merchant Navy. He had run away to sea as a teenager when his mother died and had seen the World by the time he married in 1931; it must have been a terrible ordeal for mother taking her children many miles from her home and close family at a time of peril for the whole Nation. Desperate times call for such desperate action.

So once again belongings were packed into bags, gas masks shouldered and off to Paddington Station and into the unknown for our family. I know this all sounds very dramatic but if you think deeply about this one realises the drama of it all. As previously stated our Mother hadn't perhaps even seen the sea before or travelled so far on a train, the decision to leave her Mum, Dad & siblings was terrible for her at this time of war. London was being bombed heavily and she may never see them all again, she and her family were being ( in her own words uprooted) this is how strong she felt about it. Our Mother was just 30 years of age.

On arrival at Paddington our Dad decided to travel with his family to Torquay and see them safely to their destination. Whilst in Torquay I understand a landmine dropped on our home and it was destroyed, so Dad had made the right decision by the grace of God. We arrived at Plainmoor with just the clothes we stood up in, plus a few belongings, we were not officially evacuees but must have looked like refugees fleeing from our roots into the unknown. Our aunt's house was in the centre of Plainmoor in a street called : St Edmond Road, it wasn't a very big home for so many people, but Mum was grateful to feel safe after all of her traumas. Let me introduce you to our Dad's sister and her family. Aunt Keziah was one of 8 of our Dad's sisters. She was evecuated to Torquay at the beginning of the war and lived at first with a family in the Westhill area of Torquay. Her husband uncle Charles known as uncle Charley had 6 brothers and 1 sister, their mother was from County Cork, Ireland. At the house lived aunt , uncle and their 5 daughters and 1 son.

57 St Edmonds Road.

Uncle Charley had lost an eye. I'm not sure where? He also suffered from consumption, so between his coughing and his glass eye he seemed to be a strange figure to young children. The glass eye was sometimes kept on the mantle piece ( fascinating) it sometimes followed you around the room. He was however despite his disabilities a kind man. I'm sure that auntie did love him very much.

Our own family shared two bedrooms at the back of the house, the back yard was a forecourt shared by 4 houses and there was communal toilets used by all. Poverty has no boundaries however we felt safe in this little house in Plainmoor.Looking back I think that it was our auntie's kind and generous nature that made you love her. She was a very large lady with voluptuous breasts that seem to also embrace you when she gave you a cuddle. Her laughter was infectious, for as she laughed was with whoops of large decibel sounds that went up and then down. As a child one was mesmerised, awaiting her next breath. Aunty Keziah's laughter made you laugh at the sheer joy of it. Our mother was her friend and confident, she always came to our Mum share her troubles and somehow our Mum gave her strength. Aunty always said that she made her laugh and in those dark days it was difficult for any parent to laugh. Mum and aunty complemented each other and remained good friends throughout their lives. Later when we moved from number 57 to St Pauls Road, aunty used to pop across to Mum for a little chat, and if we were very quiet we would listen in to their talk. One our sister Ivy, was very intent listening to every word; aunt drew breath as mother retired to use the toilet. Well, our Ivy said " Go on aunty Guide", "all hell was let loose" you cheeky little sod" retorted our aunt. Ivy got a clip around her ear so we never heard the last of that story, over the years there would be more to come. Aunt Keziah was beloved by us all and remembered with sweet memories of her kindness.

Sometimes we would be sent for a bus ride, Mum used to give us two pence each and say go for a bus ride. What we did was to catch the number 50 bus to the strand for 1 penny and then ride back round the circular route for another ride. The bus conductor was really fed up with us after 10 minutes and glad when we got off. Not once did we think to walk around the strand or something similar, Mum said go for a bus ride and that is literally what we had done. Many days in the long lazy summer holidays we would go on the beach, some beaches were closed off with barbed wire in case of attack from the ennemy, some beaches were used by the military so we were refused access. At times we just didn't have the money to visit out of area places even as far as Paignton.

57 St Edmonds Road.

Soon we had to move from our new home in St Edmonds Road, mainly due to overcrowding and Mum needed her extended family with her. Requests were made and the landlord who owned almost all the property in the street found Mum a house further along the road. The house was N°4 St Edmonds and it wasn't much bigger than N°57 but it would do for more family members. So, mother sent for her two younger sisters ( our aunt Joan and aunt Eileen) . Mother had written to them and said "we have a lovely house, with a staircase going up one way to the bedrooms and a staircase going up the other way to the other bedrooms." Well, what she really meant was that in the front parlour inside the cupboard was stairs to the back 2 bedrooms, the staircase to the back 2 bedrooms was through the back room and in the under stairs cupboard. Aunt Joan was a teenager who had just seen the film "Gone with the Wind" and imagined it like the staircase where Scarlet O'Hara said her good byes to Rhet Butler. Can you just image !!!! What a shock she had on arrival at our new home. Joan stated in later years that she had never seen such deprivation as the property that we as evacuees had to endure at the beginning of our time in Torquay. Soon all was well again and it wasn't long before nany ( Harriet) also joined the family, grouped in that small house at N°4 St Edmonds Road. I will tell you that it was nothing like the story "Camomile Lawn" on the TV. At that part of the road where we lived, were large families who had lived there for most of their lives , as their families had before them. Pre-war few residents bought their own homes so it was a landlord's paradise. People lived in slum type of houses without much authority to change their circumstances and of course little income to overcome the poverty that existed in this area, as well as London, hard times were everywhere. The local community had little tolerance towards the Evacuees they resented the "invasion" of "foreigners" on their patch. Every type of infestation / infection was on the blame of these LONDONERS. Our mother was known as the London woman with all those kids, when in fact most of the families residing near had larger families than us. It was just prejudices of something different happening in their small world. We were accused of taking their houses, their jobs, infesting them with lice/impetigo and scabies, in fact had there been an outbreak of leprosy we should have been blamed! In truth, there was ignorance of others needs, but this is life and so it still sadly continues in the world we live in today.

Harriet Barden ( nee Bird) born either June/August ( I think in London). The reason for the query on the month of her birth came about when she was due her old age pension. Nanny always celebrated her birthday on June 24th and then suddenly it was changed to August 24th. The reason for this may have been that her parents registered the birth late, but Nanny still could have been born in June. Her parents came from county Cork in Eire, well she always said that her mother was born there, she had as far as I am aware only one brother named Jack. Harriet married Alfred Barden in 1910 and our Mum was born on 18th February 1911. Ivy Barden was the eldest of a large family, I believe that Harriet & Alf had in least 9 children, only six survived to reach adult hood. Three children died of the Flu; sometime during the twenties/thirties. I think it was two daughters and 1 son. Ivy the eldest daughter and first born was Harriet's friend and confident, and the pattern continued into the next generation. Our sister Ivy ( the first born) was our Mum's friend and confident. I'm not sure what would have happened if the first born had been a son, who knows perhaps Harriet fitted into this role with her own Mother as she also was the first born.

So, what do I remember mainly about my grandmother Harriet, going to the pictures to see mainly James Cagney gangster films, this occurred during my childhood in Torquay and also in London when I was a Student's Nurse. She never lost her love for the cinema and at the New Cross cinema, there was always a live show of nudes before the film. Nan didn't like this. The nudes never moved and you only saw the top half, Nanny used to sit there waiting impatiently for the film to start ( although she may have seen it many times before) she would call the nudes trollops, telling me to close my eyes. Sometimes at the end of the film and after the National anthem, Nanny would try to persuade you to watch the film over again, she was fascinated by the big screen. Her other enjoyment was her true Detective Books, she always had a pile of them down next to her bed, she even read late into the night with the aid of a small night light ( similar to a candle). I think she must have had good eye sight as I never saw her wearing glasses. I always remember Nanny's uniform of cross-over apron and the hair net. Her daily dose of Epson Salts, taken with her first cup of tea in bed, she would put the salts in the saucer and pose with her little finger upright and drink from the saucer, the first mouthful of tea & salts. As a child it was fascinating to watch and as I slept with her as I didn't scratch myself or fidget, so despite laying like one of those statutes all night I always had a birds eye view of her tea drinking habits.

In 1930 the entertainment centred around the local areas. For example, the working classes mainly used the pubs after work, and on special occasions of celebrations. It was important also to entertain indoors. To have a get together as family and sometimes special friends, I am not sure if this culture was more common to Town people, as this is where our roots came from. I think it was because it was easier for town people, as they lived so close to each other, and only the very few had any mode of transport. I have many childhood memoirs of grown-ups melodies with words that had great meaning to them, but of little understanding to me. What was important that as a child you felt the emotions that went into the voice of the singer, and every singer had their own special song to sing. Others present always knew that was Ivy's song or Nandad's special melody.

The Shiny Spoon.

The shiny was symbolic of our childhood for the following reasons. When our family arrived in Torquay we had few belongings. A small suitcase and the clothes we stood up in, we were fleeing from the bombs in London. Mother was given information to contact the E.M.U.C. In 1939, just before the start of the Second World War, the misses Madge and Kathleen Whitehead moved to Torquay from London Ref. They formed the local Evacuated Mothers Union Club one of the first of its kind in the country, lucky for our family it was in our area. It provided invaluable in helping those who had been evacuated to settle in . When London children started to arrive in large numbers, to escape the Blitz to settle in, these good ladies formed "The Sparrow Club". Mother came home with several items, including cutlery which contained the Shiny spoon. This spoon was put into use every day, as the table was laid, we all took our turn of using the spoon. The brightness of the spoon in those dark days gave us hope of a brighter future and sharing it gave us all an important lesson in life. It symbolized the kindness of others to their fellowman to a family who had lost except their love and respect to each other, such a simple shiny spoon. As a family still surviving life we still ask what happened to our shiny spoon that shared our life during the long war years, and gave us all such hope. NOBODY KNOWS.

To be continued...

Acknowledgements : References : LI Metallic Oblisk publications 1994 Pictorial Torquay. Photo of church in Kent provided by Feuillu under Creative Commons licence via Flickr. Photo of Scarlet O'Hara from the film " Gone with the Wind"

A day in my life

2009-08-16T10:34:00.001+02:00

This article is about one day in my teaching life in Paris and tells how I started up teaching English. I now teach French to small groups of English people in Charente Maritime.

I am a French native , and I’ve been teaching children and adults English for a long time (private lessons). I started up as a favour to an acquaintance and through word-to-mouth went from 2 school friends of my daughter’s to 20 students. I got caught by the teaching virus and I’m wondering if I could do anything else now. Most parents have become friends so I can infer that teaching English has enabled me to meet people and enlarge my circle of friends.
I usually get up at 7.00 and start my day with a couple of cups of tea - without tea I’m not myself! I have some toast while I am watching the TV news. My week is quite varied. Every day is different. Today , Tuesday, my first student is Pat. She’s 50 and started learning English 3 years ago. She comes twice a week for a ninety-minute lesson. It is mainly a conversation class using a variety of role plays I’ve adjusted according to the level of my students. We use two worksheets, one for the student and the other for me. The student’s worksheet doesn’t have my script but only his or hers written in French. They have to translate the idea into English (not word for word). Before acting the parts, we write the new words and expressions, review some grammar points involved in the conversation and make a list of words according to the topic.
I know that some teachers disapprove of using L1 but this method has turned out to be quite efficient as far as my students are concerned. In addition, we generally have lots of fun acting people in various situations. I am convinced that making the students laugh is the key to success in learning a foreign language.My second student today is Françoise. She’s a friend of mine and started learning English two years ago in order to communicate with people around the world when she visits new countries. We generally review tenses and make a list of vocabulary about a chosen topic. I usually use a Cambridge First Certificate book I am familiar with for exercises. Comprehension is her weak point so every other Tuesday she listens to conversations taken from the Cambridge First Certificate Papers and answers my questions. I also use Cambridge Young Learners Papers for my younger students.My third student today is called Jeremy. He’s 20 and in second year at university. He wants to work in industry so fluent speaking is necessary. Lots of young people in France have realized that learning English can improve their chances of getting a better job.Jeremy has been learning English with me for two years - his level was so low that we started from “scratch”! So we had to do basic grammar, tenses, lists of vocabulary. He’s made a lot of progress thanks to his efforts and we are going to prepare for the TOEIC test.It’s 6.00 and I have finished my classes. Now I have time to surf the net and prepare my lessons for Wednesday, which is an exhausting day. Each lesson is personalized to the needs of my students, and texts, comprehension questions, and role plays are chosen according to their interests and language ability.Tuesday usually goes smoothly and I find these three-hour and a half classes quite relaxing. That’s why I’ve chosen it for Another day in the life of…My husband gets home at about 8.00 pm - when he isn’t stuck in a tailback on the Francilienne motorway! Then we have dinner and spend the rest of the evening talking and watching TV until 11.00 pm. Lights out at 11.30 if we don’t fall asleep while we are watching a film!

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by : Al Lanni ( Eiffel Tower), Pedrosomoes 7 ( Paris old métro), Hugues Mitton ( Conciergerie), Wallig ( Berthillon), Paula Moya ( Iles St Louis) and Peter Rivera ( Opéra)

Ride along the Charente River

2009-08-10T19:12:00.030+02:00

On Sunday August 9th twenty-two regular bikers gathered in Cozes for a ride to Cognac, Gensac la Palus , St Simeux, Trois Palis...

The weather was dreadful, but everything had been booked in advance so we couldn't postpone the rally. When we left home there wasn't much rain . We all met in front of Phil's shop, just opposite the old Halles. Some bikers were already soaking wet. We left Cozes at 9.30am later than scheduled because of bad weather and headed for Pons. Some wise bikers decided to wear their rain suit , I wanted to wear mine but felt so uncomfortable that I decided to take it off. What a bad idea!! Then a few kilometres away it rained so heavily that we had to stop in front of a supermarket to protect ourselves from the rain. We were all soaking wet! And we all had to wear our rain suit. Then we headed for Cognac riding on the main roads as the weather was still dreadful . We stopped at Gensac La Palus and visited the motorbike museum . The owner is a former bike racing champion and he has collected more than 200 motorcycles. He explained with details the history of some famous motorbikes. He's a passionate man. Then now wet and cold, we headed for

St Simeux, crossed the bridge over the river Charente, the scenery was breathtaking but it was still raining . We came to " Le chai" restaurant in Mosnac la voute where we were expected for lunch.

Ali and Stuart , the owners welcomed us very warmly and lent a pair of shoes to Phil who was really wet! We had a lovely dinner for a very reasonable price. The chef is English but the cuisine is French. We really had a good time relaxing and drying ourselves in the restaurant. After lunch the weather was getting better . Daniel who has got a trike and a trailer played some music on the car park. Then we left the restaurant and headed for Trois Palis in order to visit the Chocolate factory. Our guide expected us a little earlier and thought that we were coming on our bicycles. When she saw the helmets she was a bit surprised! The visit was entertaining, we tasted some home-made chocolate and had fun teasing our guide. We left Trois Palis in the late afternoon and rode back to Cozes. Some local people watched the long parade of motorbikes waving goodbye. On our way back we stopped at the Leclerc supermarket car park in Pons to kiss goodbye and everyone rode back to their house.

All in all we had a nice day out but we do hope sunny weather for the next motorbike ride.

Walks in the south of Charente Maritime

2009-07-09T08:10:00.020+02:00

This walk offers a superb means of enjoying the coastline of Meschers and the beauty of the estuary.

starting point : La plage de Suzac
Going : Moderate
Time : about 4 hours

Start the walk just in front of the restaurant called "la plage" where you can park your car. Then walk along the beach , you can take off your shoes and enjoy paddling at the same time! Then at the end of the beach turn left. this part is slighly steep until you reach a junction don't turn right , it's a private footpath leading to a house on top of the cliff. Bear left and then right you will walk past log cabins, continue walking the obvious track until you reach a little cove called "Arnèche"This secluded spot ( in low season) is beautiful. Walk along the cove and then climb a flight of stairs to reach the footpath along the estuary. This section of the walk is distinguished by breathtaking views over the estuary . After a while the path takes you to the main road ( Royan - Meschers) continue ahead and then turn right to reach the "plage des Vergnes". Now you will walk along the sea to the end of the beach and then enjoy paddling again in the water for a while .At the end of the beach turn left at the bar and take the tarmac road which takes you to the main road again. Keep on the road until you reach a roundabout and take the "do not enter" signed road and keep on the road as it continues alongside the "corniche" . This is an attractive walk which enables walkers to see beautiful houses on the cliff and it is worth taking in the view from the corniche. Then after a long way you will reach the harbour where you can enjoy an ice cream and have a rest watching the sail boats coming back to the port. Then keep going on the obvious main road until you reach the church. Turn left , go past the post office , the super U . Turn right at the crossroads , then at the first junction turn left past the cementery of Meschers and continue walking to the next crossroads then you will bear right and go past the camping sites there's a road sign saying Royan. Keep walking along the narrow tarmac road as it swings left to the roundabout . You will walk on the same itinerary as the beginning of our circuit, a few metres away on the main road you will reach the plage des Vergnes . If it's high tide you won't be able to walk along the cove called "Arnèche" and will have to walk along the main road for a little while and turn left to join the footpath to "La plage de Suzac"

I do like this walk which offers a diversity of spots.

Walks in the south of Charente Maritime

2009-07-04T09:24:00.018+02:00

This walk is characterised by walking through open fields so don't pick a hot day because it requires some steady climbs in the blazing sun.

Starting point : Chez Carré

Distance : 15 kms

going : moderate

Start the walk at the hamlet called" Chez Carré" and follow the tarmac road which goes past "Le Banchereau" and "Romefort". Turn left at the crossroads, walk past a Charentaise house " Chez Doublet" Traffic is very limited. Continue until you reach a narrow tarmac road on your right, Follow the narrow road, then turn left , keep ahead , walk past the hamlet called "La petite vache" then as you emerge into the open field follow the track you reach the hamlet called "La grande vache" . Shortly after passing "La grande vache" you will soon come in sight of a Roman bridge where you can have a rest for a while in the shade .Then a few hundred metres ahead turn right and walk along the tarmac road, walk past the Charentaise houses on your right and take in the view over the Gironde Estuary , Meschers , Talmont... After a while the narrow road emerges onto another tarmac road. From there you can consider returning to the departure point or taking a detour to the village of Talmont. If you turn left you will see the church of Talmont and if you turn right you will return to the starting point. The day we did this walk was so hot that we decided to turn right and return to the starting point. This section of the walk steadily and gently climbs but you may enjoy extensive views over the estuary, carry on up to a footpath sign and then continue walking on the obvious path , you will pass through a small wood before reaching the road that goes from Arces to Epargnes. Cross the road and take the footpath just ahead. Now walk past the farm on your left. The track continues to climb gently for a long section. Keep going and in the distance you can see the village of " Javrezac" and the water tower of Cozes. Keep to the track and then turn right. You will not walk through Javrezac. Then continue along the track through vineyards until you reach the tarmac road signposted Epargnes, walk along the road for a few metres to the crossroads, at which point, turn right. Then at the next road junction turn left , past the beautiful Charentaise house " Chez Doublet" and at the next junction turn right , walk past " Romefort" and follow the road to "Le Banchereau" , take in the view over the Gironde estuary, continue the same tarmac road until you reach the starting point " Chez Carré" On the one hand this itinary gives you the opportunity to observe birds of prey such as Milans, buzards...But on the other hand this is a walk which perhaps should best be attempted by the relatively fit as there are some long steady climbs.

Walks in the south of Charente Maritime

2009-06-15T18:04:00.018+02:00

This circular walk features panoramic and breathtaking views over the Gironde Estuary and Talmont marshland. It also makes it a good walk to do in the winter with the opportunity to spot the birds on the marsh.

Arces to Talmont
Starting point : Arces ( townhall)
Distance : 15 kilometres
going : Moderate
Walking shoes

The starting point is in Arces just in front of the townhall where you can park your car. For our circuit turn left on the main road and walk for a few hundred metres until you reach a footpath on your left. Keep to the walkway to a farm called " La Brande" Then keep ahead and follow the yellows arrows. The walk is completely flat and well-surfaced. Keep going on the obvious track until you reach the main road which goes to Arces on your right and Barzan on your left. Then turn left and a little way on the road leads to the hamlet called " Maisons neuves" Walk past the hamlet and turn right following the yellow waymarks. Follow the track to the farm called" Les Piloquets" This length may be a little overgrown so a bit uncomfortable for those wearing shorts. Keep to the walkway in the open fields after a while the path rises steadily as you approach the top of the hill where you can see an "obelisk" on your right. From this point the views are simply stunning. Pick a bright day for this walk and reward yourself with some magnificent views over the estuary ( 180°). Then keep to the obvious walkway down until you reach the red and white marks called" GR360". The path is a bit steep on a short length but then it is flat until you reach the farm and Gites de France called " Le porteau du bas"Leaving the gite behind you ,continue to the main tarmac road. Beware of the traffic which can be heavy in the summer. Cross the road and keep walking on the tarmac road leading to the village of Talmont. Talmont which lies on a headland is famous for its romanesque church overlooking the Gironde Estuary. It is a popular place. I personally like the charm of this village. After having a rest in Talmont, walk to the main road which goes to Royan on your left and Mortagne on your right. Beware of the traffic again , cross the road and keep walking until you reach the red and white signposted footpath then after a while ( it's quite a long way) you get to a fork then turn left.This length avoids use of a stretch of the main road which goes to Arces. Continue the track then bear right you get to a narrow tarmac road and walk through woodland. This part is also characterised by trees in water ( it's just like a small Bayou in Louisiana) Keep to the track now it rises steadily till you reach the hamlet of "Villeneuve" Walk past the hamlet leaving panoramic views over the Gironde behind. Then walk along the main road for a few hundred metres and turn left to the hamlet called " Liboulas". Follow the red and white waymarks and take the cul-de-sac road just ahead it is also a cycle track, a few metres ahead keep to the track which goes through vineyards , keep walking for a while and then go past Arces cementery. In the distance you can see the beautiful romanesque church worth visiting. This is an attractive walk offering tremendous views over the Gironde Estuary and it also offers the opportunity to spot some birds in the marshland.

Acknowledgements : Topo-guide en Charente Maritime. PR du pays Royannais

Ride to Rochefort

2009-05-11T14:50:00.028+02:00

Last Sunday about 35 people joined in the motorbike rally. This year Robina and Ian ( An English couple ) bravely joined in the 100% French group. So As early as 9.00am we gathered in the old "Halles" in Cozes and left at 9.30 am. The weather was not promising at all , it was very cloudy and we all expected some showers during the ride to Rochefort. We were wrong !!!We were very lucky it didn't rain (just a few little drops of rain) in the morning. At the beginning we rode along the Gironde to Royan passed the lovely sandy beaches and headed for Ronce Les Bains. We went past Bonne Ance bay which is a lovely place. This part of the road is really pleasant. After riding about 35 kms we stopped at Brouage which is a lovely place in history. Established in 1555 the harbour of Brouage was the first European place for trading in salt. It is also famous for the French navigator Samuel Champlain who was the co-founder of French settlement in Acadia and Quebec. He established a trading post in Quebec and since then the relationship between Brouage and Quebec hasn't stopped.

But gradually the harbour silted up leaving the town stranded and useless as a port. Therefore it fell into ruin.Today it is a place for visitors and the walls of the remparts of the citadel are in good condition, it also offers visitors a fantastic view of both the village and the surrounding area. There are various shops selling clothes, traditional wooden toys, home-made confectionnery, baskets, cloths, hats , soaps and regional products.After visiting Brouage we headed for Fouras where we had our picnic. We all sat on benches in front of the tiny harbour and the beach and enjoyed an "apéritif" brought by Phil who likes having fun and joking, we enjoyed a nice olive cake made by Graziéla. It was very friendly and we had a good time all together. Then after lunch we headed for Rochefort and stopped to visit the "Hermione" some chose to visit Pierre Loti's house and others went to the "applied crafts museum" We chose to visit the "Hermione" which is the name of a frigate on which embarked La Fayette for America to join Washington and the American settlers rebelling against British tyranny. A team of passionated people have undertaken the reconstruction of the "Hermione"

The reconstruction started in 1997, once the "Hermione" fully completed it is planned to sail it again on La Fayette's path from Rochefort to Boston.

Reconstructing the frigate La Fayette took to go to America is a way of paying homage to the great man and keep the memory of a great adventure of solidarity between people.

Rochefort is also a lovely town, it's a new town of the 17th century as they say. It has changed a lot We went to Rochefort when we were young ( personally with my grandmother when I was 12 and my husband was in the army in Rochefort)and it was a dull garrison town. Today Rochefort is nothing like Rochefort in the 1970's . There are lots of shops and cafés with terrasse, restaurants, interesting places to visit...

Then after visiting "the Hermione" we all met in a café with terrasse and had a drink. The weather was gorgeous quite warm at that time. We left Rochefort and headed back to Royan.

We stopped at a former bridge called " Le pont tranbordeur" ( transporter bridge ) It was built between 1898 and 1900 and abandoned in 1967 in favour of a vertical lift bridge which was replaced by the high bridge you can see today. We waited to be embarked on the cabin to cross the river Charente. We all enjoyed this part of the ride and didn't mind waiting for a while before being embarked. The crossing was smooth and quick.

Then on our way back we stopped at Jany and his wife's house and had a drink sitting comfortably around their swimming pool. They have a lovely house and they friendly invited the whole group for a drink. Most of us hadn't met before.

The group began to split up after Jany's and we rode back to Cozes. The way back was great. The temperature was similar to temperature in July, August. We kissed goodbye in Cozes wishing to get together another time for another rewarding motorbike day out.

Walks in the south of Charente Maritime

2009-04-30T09:29:00.037+02:00

This walk features stunning views over the Gironde estuary and it offers different lanscapes in the countryside. It requires substancial climbs but they are steady climbs. The views from the top repay the effort.

Chez les Guilloux to St Seurin d'Uzet

Starting point : Chez les Guilloux

Distance : 20 kilometres

Time : 3 and a half hours

Going : Moderate

Walking shoes or sneakers

The walk starts at the hamlet "Chez les Guilloux" opposite a former beautiful "maison de maître" in a derelict condition. The owners gather waste ( unbiodegradable waste and although some components have economical value and could be recycled they just keep piling them up. )This rural family is marginal , have no toilet , bathroom or modern equipment.They live the same way as farmers used to 60 years ago. Don't be repelled by their waste and keep the track , after a few minutes the path is unspoilt and nature has recovered its beauty. Then follow the trail down the hill until you reach a larger track. Turn right and continue walking along the bottom, alongside the forest and fields. There's a canal called "Le canal de Mocquesouris" but you can't see it from the path. Then follow the track up the hill to a junction then turn right to the direction of " Laborde". Follow the track leaving the hamlet of Laborde behind you. After a few minutes you get to the spring water supply called " la source de Chauvignac"

Water is treated for drinking water and it is said that it is the best drinking water. You can visit the spot by calling "the compagnie des eaux"Continue the path leaving behind the spring water of Chauvignac, turn right and walk along the marsh. In the distance you can see Barzan church. Then you come to the tarmac road called" la route verte"( If you turn right you get to the little port of "Les Monards" which is a nice place to have a rest. It is not included in the 20 kms!) Turn left and a little way on to the right stands a windmill. From the windmill, looking ahead the view is dominated by the estuary. Walk along the tarmac road which goes to Chenac ( (take care although not a busy road it does carry some traffic) and a little further on turn right through the vineyards, it rises steadily as the track approaches a "Charentaise house" overlooking the Gironde. Then keep on the obvious track ahead. At this point continue to descend, take care on this length. I recommend picking a bright day for this part of the walk because it can be a little muddy in winter or after heavy rain. Keep to the track and after a short way turn right. The path climbs gently and steadily as you approach the top of the hill and eventually reach the hamlet called" Le petit Chenac". It is worth taking in the view which is simply breathtaking. From there you can consider returning to the departure point or taking a detour to the village of St Seurin d'Uzet and have a rest or a picnic, the little port is worth seeing. After relaxing a bit take the same narrow tarmac road to return to "Le petit Chenac" . After passing the hamlet again turn right continuing uphill to the village of Chenac. Then go past the cemetery. At this point , as the road swings right, bear left and follow the signposted road" Les petites Dougnes" and " Les grandes Dougnes" . The narrow road emerges onto hamlets. After passing the hamlets keep going ahead uphill. You can see the houses on top of the hill ( the walk's starting point ). Follow the path and then you eventually join another tarmac narrow road leading to the hamlet of "Chez Carré" The walk finishes after passing the hamlet .

Country music festival 2009

2009-04-22T09:26:00.018+02:00

Last Saturday and Sunday there was the annual country music festival in Cozes. Every year people gather to show their motorbikes and trikes and horses , ponies offered entertainment. This year the equestrian part was very interesting. The show consisted in a series of different performances in front of keen spectators. As usual we were all awed and amazed at the magical partnership of horse and rider, the elegance of dressage offering a great show.

There were also lots of line dancers all facing the same direction and executing the same steps at the same time . The weather on Saturday afternoon was quite good so lots of people enjoyed having beer around the tent bar. More stalls than last year selling country jackets, hats, belts , leather motorbike suits were displayed . And a couple of Indian musicians performed their native dances and songs.

This year a rock band was invited to entertain people. There were no people dancing. The country music band from last year was much better.

On Sunday morning we joined a group of walkers and enjoyed walking through fields and forests. We met the horse riders and have a sandwich and a glass of wine. The view overlooking the Gironde was breathtaking. But as it was cloudy we didn't take any photos. To come back to Cozes Phil drove us , we sat in the back of the van ( 10 people!! hiding like illegal immigrants)

Fortunately for us we didn't meet any "gendarmes" along the way!

On the whole we found that the 2009 festival wasn't as good as the previous ones but we all thank the organizers who involve themselves in such events to entertain people in the countryside.

Changing lives

2009-04-01T17:54:00.043+02:00

We're in the process of moving out of Noisy le grand a Parisian suburd situated on the east side of Paris where we've lived for 30 years ,to a hamlet of about ten houses situated in the south of the Charente Maritime. Noisy le grand has changed a lot in 30 years lots of concrete buildings everywhere, our neighbourhood is still quiet but there are more and more people living on our street. Born and bred near Paris my husband and I wanted to change lives, escape the rat race, the stresses of the city for peace and especially slow down to village speed . We also have been suffering from the effects of air pollution for years and have become more sensitive to pollutants : irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. In 1999 we looked for a house or a farmhouse for sale in Brittany in order to restore it. Most Parisians look for a house to buy in Brittany because it's not far away from Paris! But after visiting expensive ruins we opted for a piece of building land and had the framework of our house built. We didn't want to ask our bank for a loan so we decided to complete the house ourselves : insulation, floors, partitions, electricity and plumbering. What an adventure for novices!

My husband bought a multitude of books about plumbering and building and collected a number of tips from various forums on the internet. Nine years later there's still some works to be done but they mainly consist in walls and ceilings decorations.For nine years we've been learning about living ( temporary) in the countryside, local habits and people. We were warmly welcome by the friendliness of some local people others were a bit suspicious and I must say that Parisians are not liked. They're being stereotyped as wearing wellies everywhere as soon as they leave the house and showing off driving expensive cars!The first year we didn't have a mower to cut the grass or I should say the weeds, a neighbour offered his help to cut the grass with his tractor, we paid Euros 135 instead of Euros 16. The following years we weren't ripped off !! Anyway it had to be done and we didn't know anyone at that time!In the summer we used to stay 3 weeks to build our house and to turn up to village functions as much as we could. You have to make the effort to involve yourself in local life. Personally I think that moving out to the countryside is similar to migrate to another country! What a change!

Living in the country means no pollution, noise, congestion and crime. Our breath is often taken away by a sunset or by stars at night. Some people say that the country is boring . There isn't as much entertainment as in a big city like Paris but entertainment also means "money" and living in a city is more costly. Yes there are better schools so bigger opportunities for young people in big cities. It is said that children are more skilled academically and more open-minded but on the other hand the kids in the country are closer to nature and more mature than the kids in the city.Our house is surrounded by vineyards so we can't complain about farmers'untimely activities. Some cut hay at midnight! and one of the best feature of the area is the proximity of the Atlantic ocean which offers a diversity of activities. Choosing a right place to live can be a tough choice. Some people are suited for village life others will never settle. While the city provides changes and enables people to keep up with breakthrough of technologies the countryside offers quiet life and now we enjoy having breakfast watching a hare running through our garden or some egrets having a rest. In France there are fewer and fewer places that are "out in the middle of nowhere" supermarkets or medical services can't be too far away. in addition the internet has also reached small villages in the countryside so we can take advantage of modern life living in the great outdoors It's great for relaxing one's soul. If you changed lives like my friend Brenda ( see her article about moving from Malborough to Brie sous Mortagne) and I , please don't hesitate to share your experience with us and write an article on epargnes@hotmail.fr I'll be happy to post it on to the blog. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Acknowledgements : Special thanks to Xavier and Marie France who lent us their van to move our furniture and for those who would like to get practical boat experience and eventually a boat licence , please feel free to contact Xavier on : 02 43 44 20 40

Photo of Noisy le grand provided by tempoworld under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr

Mayotte

2009-03-04T14:08:00.038+01:00

Mayotte is one of the four Comorian islands and an overseas territory of France which is composed of three main islands : Grande Terre, the main one, Petite Terre where the airport is located and the rock of Dzaouzi, linked to Petite Terre by a causeway.

Mayotte is situated between Northern Madagascar and Northern Mozambique. An election on becoming an overseas department of France is scheduled for 2009

All about Mayotte.

Because of the volcanic rock the soil is relatively rich in some areas and there are a multitude of plants, most of them come from Africa and Madagascar brought by cyclone winds ,sea tidal currents and birds. The vegetation of Mayotte is extremely dense and the trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats are called "Mangroves". The Mangrove proliferates along bays. Today most of the wild is composed of exotic flora such as manioc, banana trees, pinapple trees coconut, mango tree, clove tree ,nutmey and breadfruit tree .....The interior is covered with coconut tree and breadfruit tree forests. Breadfruit is very rich in starch and is a staple food used in many recipes ( served as a vegetable with meat or in cakes )..

There are many plantations in Mayotte ( banana , ylang ylang ... ) The ylang ylang flower is a small flower of the canange tree. It is used for perfume, soap and shower gel. Its fragrance is quite strong and its distillation is a part of Mayotte economy. Ylang ylang is also used as a treatrment for nervosity, sleep disorder, menopause and as an aphrodisiaque. Mayotte's economy relies on agriculture, ylang ylang , coffee, vanilla, copra , cinnamon , cococut production. France plays a major role in the export business.The island flora consists of numerous spice plants and the south of the island has a lot of baobabs.Mayotte is also famous for its " Lagoon" which is the world's largest lagoon. For those who don't know what a lagoon is , it is a lake of salt water that is separated from the sea by a reef or an area of rock or sand. The diversity of the lagoon is unique. It is a paradise for snorkelling as it offers a nice reef with cool caves and people like exploring the reef and paddling in the lagoon.As for the population , it is composed of Malgaches, Moheliens, Anjouannais, Grand Comoriens and Zanzibarites. French is the official language but is only spoken by 35% of the population , mostly by children who go to school. The inhabitants are muslims ( 97% ) .
Mayotte has a various wildlife: wild pigs, civet cats, lemurs... can be seen and a multitude of birds like herons, egrets, tropic birds, kingfishers and humming birds. Zebus and goats are also seen constantly around villages. But on the other hand Mayotte is not a paradise for cats and dogs. They're tortured, cut up, burned alive by people and children and leaders don't apply the French law.
As regards pollution of the natural resources, Mayotte rivers are unfamous for their pollution and fresh water must be protected. Rivers are used for washing linen and cars and the inhabitants use them for dumping ( electrical appliances ect...)
Mayotte is also a paradise for sea mammal watching one of them is called the dugong and is the only sea mammal which is herbivore. It is very long and weighs from 250 to 350 kg. It lives about 60 years and like the elephant it is an endangered species. As regards culture , the carnival is a major event in the Mahoraise life. People dress up with masks and make up and come together to sing and dance in the streets, throw confetti and sometimes watch a parade. Shops in Mayotte are specialized in wickerwork and other various handicrafts like jewellery.To conclude I would say that although Mayotte is extremely expensive as everything is imported from France , with an average annual temperature of 25° and many sites for diving and watching whales and dolphins, Mayotte is an ideal island for holidays , but due to the distant location tourism is not very developped.

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by Maeli ( beach) Zatigs ( ylang) Planete vivante ( mangrove and animals) michel @ ( lagoon) under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr

Special thanks to Stéphanie in Mayotte who provided info and Mélanie who gave it to me.

2008-12-02T21:32:00.002+01:00

For those still interested in the French lessons, please contact me on : epargnes @hotmail.fr

Walks in the south of Charente Maritime

2008-12-02T13:46:00.010+01:00

In this series of itineraries we will describe some fabulous walks around Cozes, Epargnes, Mortagne, St Seurin , Floirac , Meschers, St George de Didonne ...Some of them combine walks along the top of the cliff with a stroll overlooking the estuary and others combine walks in open fields with walks in marshes and forests.

Les Monards to Talmont
Distance : About 15 kilometres
Time : 3 hours
Going : Moderate

This one is an easy walk which offers fantastic views over the Gironde estuary. The walk starts at the village called " Les Monards" There is a good car parking along the little port in front of the restaurant. You start the walk on your right following the sign post ( GR 360 ) there's a map just at the beginning of the track. You pass through the village and then reach a narrow road to get to the top of the cliff. This walk can be taken in winter because it isn't muddy. Walking along the cliff offers various views which make you linger for a while to take photos. After the hilly section the walk is nice and easy , the sea is on your left and vineyards and sheep grazing on your right. Then you reach Barzan plage, go past the houses turn left and you get to the cycle track which goes along the bay. The birds here are plentiful. Among the bird species are wildfowls,waders, dunlin and curlew. Then keep walking along the cycle track and turn left, climb up to the top of the cliff again. From there you'll have a magnificent view over the widest part of the estuary on your left and the vineyards on your right. The walk then continues to the village of Talmont where you can relax in one of the cafés with a terrasse before going back to Les Monards.

This is a fabulous walk. The track skirts the marsh, vineyards and open fields. For a small part of the walk the main road parallels the path but the traffic is not busy. This itinerary is one of our favourites, a pleasant walk which can be done all year long.

Acknowledgements : Photo of Talmont (first on the right) provided by Arnaud Abelard under creative commons licence via Flickr.

French lessons

2008-10-25T19:43:00.002+02:00

For those still interested in the French lessons, please contact me on : epargnes@hotmail.fr

Unspoilt places

2008-09-26T18:29:00.016+02:00

The Gironde estuary

The Gironde estuary is one of the largest and best conserved estuaries in Europe. It is about 65 km long and from 3 to 12 km wide and it is formed by the merging of the rivers Dordogne and Garonne. The Gironde continues its course from the maritime part which begins at the pointe de Suzac and the Pointe de Grave including the Cordouan lighthouse and Bonne Anse to the fluvial part of the estuary which includes lots of islands ( Ile de Patiras, Ile Sans Pain, Ile de Fort Paté, Ile Margaux, Ile verte ...)Navigating the Gironde can be dangerous because it is subject to very strong tidal currents.

The estuary provides a mixture of land and water. It is lined with sandy beaches and coves. Cliffs are also part of the scenery. There are walks along the cliff tops which reveal breathtaking views of the estuary or the river Gironde as people say. In the cliffs we can also see some cliff dwellings. The caves were dug out of soft limestone and were the places for protestants persecuted during the War of religion.

Carrelets which are traditional fishing cabins with suspended nets can be seen along the banks of the Gironde. The estuary is also famous for its production of caviar but due to overfishing stocks of sturgeons declined and sturgeon fishing has been banned for years.

The estuary is also a place for the migration of the fish population. It is characterised by a small number of species but in large numbers. There are shrimps, elvers, maigre, lamproies ( sort of eel) and sturgeons which are now a protected species.

It is also an important site for migration and a nesting place for birds. Grey herons, cormorants, black-headed gulls.. can be seen. It is the home of thousands of ducks which come to feed and rest in natural habitats.
There is much wildlife in the area ( foxes, badgers, deer, wild boar...) and most local people and visitors do hope that the most beautiful and unspoilt estuary in Europe will conserve its beauty and natural settings.

A trip to Reims

2008-06-23T15:26:00.006+02:00

In this article Loic ( 13 years old) describes his trip to Reims. He went on a school trip and enjoyed visiting the cathedral and the Palace of Tau.

Recently, I went to Reims to visit the famous cathedral and the " Palais du Tau" . It was built in the 13th century. It is a gothic cathedral and the Kings of France were crowned in this cathedral. It is a UNESCO world heritage. It is also very famous for its many statues but inside the cathedral it is dark.

Then I visited the Palace of Tau. the Palace was the residence of the Kings of France before their coronation. After his coronation, the King had a banquet in the Palace.Inside the palace we saw lots of tapestries, statues and reliquaries associated with the coronation of the Kings. Inside the Palace there was Charles X's royal long train. We also visited the royal chapel.

It was great and very interesting.

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by Merrylegs 2006 ( Reims cathedral) Obib ( Details of side door) Duanellis ( the front of the cathedral) under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr

A trip to London

2008-05-25T17:32:00.015+02:00

In this article Françoise describes her busy long weekend in London.

A month later, having just recovered from our trip to Roma we decided to spend a few days in London, my 13 year old son wanted to visit it for a long time.On the first day we travelled by Eurostar ( Paris - London just an hour thanks to Greenwich time) the hotel was near St Pancreas and we left the bags . The kids were already hungry because they had seen a "McDonald's" golden arches. So a hamburger later we took the direction of the centre of London and the river Thames.
At 2.00pm we caught a double decker sight-seeing tour ( the ticket could be used the following day) It was a good idea for the kids because they didn't want to walk a lot and the weather was very bad that weekend. ( rain, cold, even snow!) So we could see the sights from a comfortable bus : the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham and at the end of the tour Trafalgar Square. After having a hot chocolate we walked back to the hotel and walked along little streets and Regent's Street. We had a break in a pizza restaurant ( nicer than lunch!! ).
On the second day it was snowy so the changing of the guards was cancelled. What a shame!!

So we took the city sight-seeing tour for another trip this time ( there are three kinds of them).

We went to the river Thames on a boat trip to the Tower of London but before that we had lunch in a pizza restaurant.

( It was too cold to have sandwiches in a park and it's so difficult to please 4 kids and 3 adults that have different tastes!!)

The tower of London which includes the crown jewels was perfect for visiting on a cold day. It looked like an adventure for the kids who could be knights for a day.

6.00pm was the closing time so we went back to the hotel on foot. We saw St Paul's cathedral and had a great dinner in Chinatown. Everyone agreed on the same kind of food and when we were full we said goodnight.

On the third day we tried the city bus. Great. 3.50 Euros per adult and free for kids all day long and on a double decker. We stopped at the British museum to see the mummies ( better than the Louvre) After the museum we saw Big Ben , the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. There wasn't a flag on top of the palace so the Queen was not there for a cup of tea with us! Never mind! We went to Harrod's, it was fabulous! The girls were fascinated and we were " flat broke" After a short walk in Regent's Park to look at the squirrels we were pressed for time so we ran to the hotel, picked up the bags and ran to St Pancreas. Whew!! we were on time but the train wasn't. The police were in the tunnel and we had to wait an hour and we were not sure to get back to Paris at that time because Nicolas Sarkozy was expected to arrive in London the following day.

Whew!! after a while all was OK.

Goodbye London.

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by Robert Stokes ( Houses of Parliament), edgley Cesar ( Trafalgar Square), Aditi Pany ( London sightseeing tour), Wallig ( Tower of London) , Susiedepinger ( Chinatown), OliverBruchez ( St Paul's cathedral), SantiMB ( British Museum), christine (bpc) ( Harrod's) and DG Jones ( Regent's Park) under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr.

A trip to Venice

2008-05-18T17:32:00.009+02:00

In this article Kilian describes his short trip to Venice.

A few weeks ago I went to Venice for a swimming training. I've been swimming for competition for six years now. So we travelled to Venice and visited this wonderful town.

On the first day we left the hotel and caught a bus to get to the railway station then we took a train to Venice. After that we visited St Marco Square and walked in the narrow streets.

for lunch we had a picnic

( sandwiches) in a garden.

In the afternoon we were separated in four groups and we went shopping. The weather was very hot.In the evening we had to take a train to get back to our hotel and then we went swimming and trained from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.
I haven't seen much of Venice so I would like to visit it again by boat.

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by RoyalOlive ( Venice) , MichaelBravo ( Piazza St Marco) and Poppyseed Bandits ( swimming pool ) under Creative commons Licence via Flickr.

A trip to Italy

2008-05-13T15:29:00.012+02:00

In this article Françoise describes her trip to Roma.

At the beginning of March, I went to Roma with a friend. It's very easy by train , we left Paris in the evening and arrived in Roma around 10pm.
First we got to the hotel and left our suitcases. Now Roma was ours!!! We started visiting

St Peter's basilica, the Vatican and of course the Sistine Chapel. As we just had a sandwich for lunch and we were very tired our reward was a delicious dinner at the "trastevere" We had Risotto and spaguetti alla vongole , huge and unhealthy portions but so good!! and then back to the hotel it was enough on the first day.

On the second day we decided to visit the

"Colosseo"and the surroundings. We walked along the Tiber River ( quieter than the streets ,actually Roma is a very noisy city) and then we walked over two bridges to get to the Tiberian Island.

We visited the Colosseo, the forum, the Palatin ( very antique remains). They are very impressive. On our way back to the hotel we saw the Maximilian's mausoleum ( one of the lattest kings of Italy) derogatorily called " the sewing machine" by the Italians. After a whole day visiting we had a excellent dinner at last in a pizza restaurant where I had a specialty called

" Suppa di Brodo alla Romana" ( veal stock soup) and back to the hotel we fell asleep like a light because of walking so much, actually it was the most exhausting day of our stay in Roma.

On the third day we decided to visit sights casually ( well, impossible when you're in Roma!!) so we just visited Piazza di Spagna, del populo, Campo di Fiori, Fontana di Brevis , Piazza di capitol, lots of churches too ( there's a church every other 5 metres) walked along lots a streets and the icing on the cake was a famous ice-cream ( gelatto) in a famous gellateria. That night the streets in Roma were very quiet because there was a football game on TV!

It was a a very nice stay, Roma is a very interesting place ( lots of sights to see : churches, ruins, piazza...) the problem was we wanted to see everything in a short time so it was exhausting but we really had a great time.

Ackowledgements : Photos provided by : wenzday 01 St Peter's Basilica, cfinke The Sistine Chapel, ControVento Trastevere Roma, BrittanyLEIGH Tiber river, delta air delta Gellateria ,AndyBell piazza di Capitol , and icomei Colosseo Roma under Creative Commons licence via Flickr.

A weekend in Boulogne sur Mer.

2008-04-29T11:06:00.017+02:00

In this article Loic describes a weekend in Boulogne sur Mer.

At Easter I went to Boulogne sur mer and visited the " Nausicaa " which is a big aquarium.

First we looked at clown fish, star fish and jellyfish. We continued our tour of the lagoon and looked at the coral reefs. Then we watched the sharks swimming with grace over our heads. We watched some Californian sea-lions in the water and on the rocks. We patted some skates in a touch tank. They lived with turbot, cod and dogfish. We also visited the environment friendly house. We made some experiments and played games to learn how to respect our planet. We visited the submerged tropical forest.In this part of the museum, we could see caimans, a Mississipi paddlefish and birds. The museum was created to raise public awareness about the importance of managing the oceans and their resources.Later in the afternoon we visited the castle of Boulogne sur mer which was surrounded by ramparts. We saw paintings, Egyptian mummies and catacombs.I had a great weekend.

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by jeronimo's Eye ( sealions), Setaou ( touch pool), Gbworx ( corail) JL62 ( méduse)Bertha 0210 ( cathedral) HitnRunTony ( paddleffish) under Creative commons Licence via Flickr.

Country festival in Cozes.

2008-04-22T17:07:00.019+02:00

On April 19/20th , Cozes offered a great family and friends day out. Every year Cozes a small town south of Royan is pleased to welcome people to its country music festival. Lots of volunteers spend countless hours of time, effort and enthusiasm to the success of this memorable weekend! When we arrived on site line dancing was in full swing. We met our friends at the beer tent and enjoyed watching the line dancers. There were also a good variety of stalls selling clothes, jewelly, western wear, belts, hats ...and vintage cars, motorbikes and trikes were displayed. This year my article will emphasize the horseback rides and educational demonstrations for axample our friends watched a rider who had his horse perform a dressage number for visitors . We noticed that horses love to be photographed and cuddled! and people's common love of the horse is very effective in forming bonds of friendship.

Horses and poneys looked at their best and the latter waited for kids to be ridden. Francesca on the photo looks confident on her first poney ride!This kind of event is also a day of togetherness with grandparents and children and horse and poney owners like to share this festive time with all the visitors.

At around 7.00pm we left the festival and went home to have a rest for we had left Paris at 4.00am and needed a break before going back to the country festival for the live country music concert. On Sunday morning I joined a group of walkers. We left Cozes at about 10.00am and walked across scenic country taking in spectacular views which are so unique. The rural countryside offers unspoilt and beautiful nature trails which avoid paved roads. However we didn't walk along nature trails because it had rained a lot and it was slippery . We took some quiet narrow roads and had a good time talking about flowers and nature. We walked past hamlets following the itinary planned by our guide Graziela. The scenery was breathtaking and we were lucky because the weather was quite good. We reached our final destination " Les Monards" at about 11.30am . There we met the horseback riders who were having a rest with their horses. We all had an excellent "snack" composed of bread and paté , homemade cakes, coffee or a glass of wine. I didn't have time to walk back to the departure meeting point because my family was waiting for me to have lunch. But I promised to join in for a future walk.Cozes has been running the country festival for a few years now and I'm sure its success is due to its friendly live aspect.Horseback riders and walkers enjoyed being off the beaten tracks and our region is ideal for riding and walking. And France was the country where equestrian travel was reborn and most highly developed. The common love for horses adds an additional bond with local people.

PS : Thank you Catherine for the photos.

A trip to Great Britain.

2008-04-13T15:04:00.026+02:00

In this article Sirine ( 14 years old ) describes her holidays in England. It was her first trip to Plymouth and she enjoyed it very much.

During my holidays I went to a language school in the south of England. I spent my holiday in Plymouth near the sea. I stayed nine days there.

I was a bit anxious because it was the first time I'd met people who didn't speak French at all. But my host family was really nice and warm-hearted. They had two cute sons, Brinley and Kieran who were six and nine years old. There were used to being a host for foreign students and therefore were very nice. I got on well with them. Every morning I studied English from 9.00am to 12.30 pm. I enjoyed it very much because I had the opportunity to learn a lot of things. On the first day I was frightened because I got lost in the middle of the city! I came late to school because I'd missed my bus and had taken the wrong bus! I managed to get out of that difficult situation by asking an English passer-by my way. But on the following days I paid careful attention to get on the right bus!

Every afternoon we went out and visited the city. We were lucky because it didn't rain and it was very sunny however, it was windy because we were near the harbour.

We visited the famous harbour where the Pilgrims had left for America. Plymouth is a new city. In fact, the town was almost entirely destroyed during the Second World War by the Germans. However, there remains some lovely places to be visited near the harbour.

We also went bowling and to the cinema. We watched a very good film

( in English of course) but I didn't understand everything.
We also visited a huge aquarium and we saw sharks, turtles and we touched skates as well.

It was wonderful.There are also a lot of pubs and big shopping centres. Besides, the city of Plymouth is reknowned for its "gin" which is the best of all. We also went to Cornwall with my family to visit a park called "Eden Project"( a complex that houses plant species from around the world ). We walked in the villages of fishermen. It was very interesting and beautiful.

During my stay, I noticed that the English ate a lot, because I could never finish up my plate and we often had dinner in front of the TV so we couldn't speak together. Actually my holiday in Plymouth just flew by. It was great and I really enjoyed myself.

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by : diolbygraham ( Bus Plymouth) ,Paul Keleher ( Mayflower II) werewindle ( Plymouth), Marxchivist ( Meet the Pilgrim Fathers), Sleepless in Sommerset ( Plymouth aquarium) Kinicol ( aquarium) Bhicks359 ( turtle), Dysanovic ( The Eden Project Cornwall) under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr.

Ride to St Emilion

2008-04-06T15:51:00.018+02:00

On Easter Sunday ( 23rd March) twenty-six people joined in the first motorbike ride of 2008. It was a freezing cold morning but we didn't postpone the rally as the weather was promising. And we were right. We gathered in front of the market hall in Cozes at about 9.00am. The sun was shining and the sky was flawless, blue without any clouds.
Warmly dressed we all headed for Blaye enjoying the "Green Road" along the river Gironde. The hilly scenery was magnificent. We rode past vineyards, marshes and fields. Blaye is a fortified town surrounded by ramparts. We stopped at a tiny café inside the " citadelle" and most of the riders had a cup of coffee. Some preferred a hot chocolate at Euros 4.30. The price was unfairly high, so we all got the impression that we had been ripped off!! Some cafés, restaurants, shops... tend to overcharge consumers at Easter and during the holiday season. But nothing could spoil our enthusiasm and we cheerfully set off for Libourne. We rode past chateaux and vineyards which reflected centuries of history. We got to Libourne at 12.30 according to schedule and had a lovely lunch. Prawns to start off with followed by lamb and beans ( traditional on Easter Sunday) then cheese and pudding. We really had a good time relaxing , talking and enjoying ourselves.Then back to the motorbike again, now to St Emilion which was within a few kilometres of Libourne so it didn't take long to get there.

St Emilion is a famous town surrounded by strong walls. Many of the buildings and monuments were damaged by wars between the French and English and the town was looted. St Emilion's history goes back to prehistoric times and is now a World Heritage site. Not only St Emilion is known for its architecture but also for its wines which are reknowned and enjoyed all around the world. It is a medieval town which stands proudly at the top of a hill overlooking the Dordogne valley. The town was built in the shape of an amphitheatre. All the houses have the same warm colour. The roofs are all the same and covered with Roman tiles. The town was named after the monk Emilion, a travelling confessor, who settled in a hermitage carved into the rock in the 8th century. It was the monks who followed him that started up the commercial wine production in the area. The growth of the wine trade related to St Emilion brought a new prosperity to the region and also brought tourism. We didn't have time to visit all the sights but we strolled along the steep and narrow streets. A shop advertising a " Petrus" at

Euros 10,000 drew our attention but we bought a bottle of St Emilion at Euros 8 which was lovely ( We tasted it on Easter Monday).We also walked past the Monolith church which sets on a rock. This building is spectacular. The town of St Emilion blends in the surrounding landscape and you would spend hours relaxing and admiring the natural setting. It is really worth visiting.

We left St Emilion at 4.30pm so that we could get back to Cozes around 6.30pm. After an hour riding past vineyards and beautiful chateaux ( the road was called " la route des vins" " the Wine road") the temperature dropped reaching 4 or 5 ° and we were all very cold. We stopped at Jonzac to stretch our legs and headed for Cozes. As soon as we noticed a road sign saying Epargnes ( the village where we live )my husband honked the horn to say good-bye and we got home as quickly as possible to warm ourselves in front of the fireplace. All in all it was a great day.

Our Easter (mis)adventure.

2008-03-31T11:53:00.007+02:00

In this article Wendy describes her journey back to Folkestone after a lovely weekend on their sailing boat. What an adventure!!

Easter in the snow on our boat in the Netherlands had been lovely
and on Easter Monday we cheerfully loaded everything into the car to come home. Having Tom (my 20 year old) made the whole process much quicker than normal, so we planned to stop for some chips and mayonnaise en route. Tom was just on his last trip from the car back to the boat, down the pontoon, when he put his hands into his pocket and ping, the car “key” (in reality an electronic card not much bigger than a thick credit card) fell out, bounced off the pontoon and into the water!
Although the water was clear and relatively shallow, we were unable to see the key. A magnet supposedly capable of carrying 64 kilos recovered nothing more than an old cigarette lighter. Meanwhile, Kim inflated the dinghy and leant out of it for ages at a very dangerous angle, even borrowing a face mask at one stage to get a clearer view of the bottom, but after more than an hour, and with the blizzard now starting again, we were forced to admit defeat. We had insurance for this type of event after all.
Wrong! A call to AA insurance confirmed that we were not covered for loss of keys, on the basis that we should carry a spare set. However, Kim had only ever been given one set of keys as the car is a lease car and we couldn’t contact the lease company until the Tuesday morning. Still, we could see the funny side and headed off into the village for another excellent meal, where it was decided that I would leave very early the next day and get home in time to have the spare key sent by courier for me to drive back over with on Wednesday, if necessary.
Wrong again! I left the boat at 5.30 in the morning and got the first bus into Goes, only to find the ticket office closed. I bought a ticket from the machine to the first big town on the mainland 10 miles away. A month long programme of engineering works in the area, meant that buses were replacing all trains and being the first working day of the new arrangements, it was pandemonium. I was even interviewed about it by a Dutch radio reporter!
Things did not improve much after the 50 minute bus journey. Again the ticket office was shut and when I asked the Dutch “Can I help you” man how to get to Calais, his response was, “That’s a long way to go!” He advised me to go to the next big town, Roosendaal, which is on the InterCity routes, and ask there. By this time I had just missed one train, so had to wait 35 minutes for the next one.
Roosendaal was a large station and looked promising, but once again the information offices were shut and the best I could manage was a ticket to Brussels, with a train leaving in 4 minutes. I made a breathless dash across the station, only to find that the Brussels train was running 20 minutes late. By this time, Kim had contacted the lease company and it was agreed that the key would be sent by 24 hour courier to Holland, to arrive by 1 pm on Wednesday.
It was still barely 9 o’clock UK time when I got the train to Brussels, so I rang the kennels to say that I would be “a bit late” picking up the dog and settled back to enjoy the journey. At Brussels Midi station I immediately set about finding a functioning information office and was surprised to be greeted with the same disinterested shrugs and “booofs” as I know from living in Paris. Eventually an only slightly more interested lady looked it up and told me that I had to go to Lille, change stations and get on a train at 11.57, arriving in Calais at 13.10. Excellent, I was going to be home by 4.30 latest.
Wrong again. I have changed stations at Lille before so knew my way, but whichever way you look at it, it is still a long way to walk in 12 minutes. I entered Lille Flandres station alongside platform 13 with 2 minutes to spare, only to see from the board that the 11.57 left from platform 0, right at the opposite side of the station. By the time I reached the train and jumped into the first carriage seconds before it pulled away, I was feeling quite ill but still chuffed that I would be in Calais by 1.10.
Yes.. wrong again! I soon had the feeling that this train was not going where I wanted to go. Eventually the ticket man came round, looked it up in his book and informed me that the only 11.57 from Lille goes to Amiens (not that far north of Paris), from where I could get a train to Boulogne at 14.35, arriving 16.00, and from there a train at 16.31 arriving in Calais at 17.15.
From this point on the journey ceased to be fun, but I did at least manage to just catch a train to Calais leaving 30 minutes earlier than planned and after a brisk walk to the ferry terminal, had bought my ticket by about 5.30. I was told that the next crossing was in 2½ hours, arriving in Dover at 21.10. I wasn’t happy but could do nothing about it. Whilst waiting I was accosted by a youngish chap of obviously non-UK origin wanting 20 euros for the crossing because his hotel room had been broken into (I later heard him recounting that he had been mugged!). I then realised that SeaFrance had a sailing an hour earlier, so I tried to get my money back from P&O but was stuck behind another “dodgy” but much older individual who claimed that he worked for “British Rail” and could get a reduced ticket. Ten minutes later and he stormed off shouting abuse, eventually buying a full-price ticket with SeaFrance.
The contingent of foot passengers in the laughingly named “departure lounge” for the crossing, consisted of me, the chap who had been mugged or whatever, another dubious looking chap with a black bin bag who took ages to get through immigration, the bolshy British Rail worker and another chap with a patch over one eye who looked like he hadn’t seen the inside of a shower for weeks! A motley crew indeed.
Fortunately we docked in Dover on time, but as foot passengers we had to hold back at the end until the footbridge was lowered. As I was standing waiting, I was accosted by an American lady who proceeded to tell me that my announcements were not loud enough and that my toilets were smelly - obviously mistaking the sailing jacket I was wearing for a SeaFrance uniform!
I eventually walked in the door at 8.50, only just over 15 hours since I had left the boat, jumped into my own car and went straight to the pub up the road where Lucy and her friend had been waiting for 3 hours because she didn’t have a key to get in. But if you think it ends there, then you are…
Wrong! After much chasing and complaining to Parcel Force, the “24 hour” delivery eventually arrived at the marina at 2.30 on Friday afternoon, almost exactly 72 hours after it was picked up, with Tom and Kim arriving home at 10 that evening. For a few hours, even Kim didn’t talk about going back to the boat!

Acknowledgements : Photos provided under Creative Commons Licence by " an agent" ( Lille Flanders) and left-handed-male ( ferry) I also thank Wendy for the photos.

Council elections

2008-03-04T15:33:00.017+01:00

LES ELECTIONS MUNICIPALES

COUNCIL ELECTIONS

The Municipale Elections in France are fast approaching, with only 5 days to go before the election for a Mayor so candidates are busy campaigning and persuading voters to vote for them. In some families speculating about who the winner will be can be the subject of conversations at the moment!
A Mayor and his municipal councillors play an important role in running a city, a town or a village, in various areas. A Mayor is elected for six years and municipal councillors lay down guidelines for municipal policy. They adopt the budget, manage municipal assets ( schools, equipment etc..) and deal with unofficial services especially in small villages.

A Mayor carries out the decisions of the municipal council and implements the budget. He also ensures the conservation and management of the commune's natural environment and issues building permits. A Mayor is also responsible for security and public health.

As the State's Representative, the Mayor is the registrar of births, marriages and deaths. He is also entitled to exercise special powers in connection with the repression of crime but he needs the Prefet's approval when acting in the capacity of the State's representative.

All elections involve issues and the best candidate is the one who proposes ideas for solving them.

As the campaign enters its final week, there are colourful posters in every available space thoughout the town, you can also meet the candidates at market places delivering leaflets and talking to shopkeepers. This will probably be the first and the last time you've met them!

In towns or big cities the amount of money a candidate has available for spreading his message can be decisive , a famous candidate stands a better chance than an unknown candidate. That's why means of communication like leaflets, posters, internet... play an important role in increasing the candidate's popularity.

Some mayors are also active members of a political party. There are about 60000 inhabitants where I live ( a suburd near Paris) and most people vote for the candidate who stands for a political party and not for a man or a woman who is involved in his/her town, in the local economic and social issues and in people's daily life.

I personally think that electing a Mayor should have nothing to do with a political ideology.

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by Iceman 75 ( Tiny townhall) and Dynamique et Solidaire Michel Fanget ( François Bayrou & Michel Fanget Clermont Ferrand 2008)

How do we celebrate Christmas?

2007-12-19T18:06:00.000+01:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !

In this series of articles Swati, Florian Ludivine , Sirine, Loic and Lara describe what they usually do or are going to do for Christmas. Here's the first article written by Swati. ( 13 years old )

Every year I go to my aunt's parents' house to celebrate Christmas. They live in Cholet ( in Vendée) and have a large garden and a big house. We usually go there by car.
We celebrate Christmas with my uncle, aunt, cousin, grandfather, mother, father, sister and my aunt's parents. We have a nice Christmas dinner because my aunt's parents always order food from a caterer. We open our presents after dinner and we always play with our cousin. she's so sweet! Her name is Cyrielle, she's three years old and her birthday was on November 15th. We don't sleep in my aunt's parents' house, we stay in a hotel and in the morning we come back to my aunt's parents' house.

But my parents don't like to have to drive back to their house in the morning. So this year we are going to celebrate Christmas in a gite so everybody will be in the same house and will have breakfast together. We will also open our presents in the morning. I think it will be better !
I love Christmas!!
Here's the second article written by Florian.( 13 years old )

Every year we celebrate Christmas at home. We decorate the Christmas tree. We put up baubles, tinsel and lights.
We don't have a special meal because my mum ( who is a nurse) sometimes works in the hospital at Christmas.On christmas Day we open our presents. I usually stay up late on Christmas Day because I play with my games ! Merry christmas!

Here's an article written by Ludivine ( 16 years old )

I generally spend Christmas with my family. We have a huge dinner together composed of snails, foie gras ( goose liver) and turkey. We have a good time, we laugh a lot and speak a lot!This year I'm going to Loriol which is near Valence for Christmas. My uncle and aunt will be there too. We usually go to church before having dinner then we have a huge dinner and it lasts until the early hours of the morning. My mother and my aunt walk back and forth between the dining room and the kitchen. We all have a good time.
At midnight, the meal is generally not over but it is the time when we give presents to each other. We thank everyone and the night before Christmas we remain seated at the table eating for hours! But when my cousins are there we have fun throughout the night.
On New Year's Eve we invite the family over and we have a big dinner together. We have fun and watch TV at the same time to be informed of the time. A few seconds before midnight we start counting down to midnight then we wish each other a " Happy New Year".

After that my cousins and I go out on the street to let off some crackers. On the next day we cook a big dinner and call our friends.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Acknowledgements : Photos provided by Smaku ( Christmas tree ) , Glynnish ( Foie gras), Dincordero ( Happy New Year), Trajesh ( crackers), Bizzy gail ( Christmas table ) and Imelda ( Christmas presents) under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr.

The following articles are from Sirine ( 14) and Loic ( 12).

In my family we usually celebrate Christmas with my grandparents and some friends. My mother cooks a big dinner composed of turkey or mediterranean recipes. Every year, in December we buy a Christmas tree, my brother and I decorate it with orange and red ornaments, a yellow star on top of the tree and beads. We put the presents under the tree just before having dinner on Christmas Eve. then we have dinner and talk a lot until about midnight. After that, we give half of the presents to each other and the second half of the presents on the following day.

On christmas Day, we get together , family and friends and have a big dinner.But this Christmas is going to be special. My relatives from Tunesia are coming round and are staying for two weeks. We are going to have a huge dinner composed of sea-foods and all kinds of salads and meat and my mother is going to make a huge " bûche de Noël" ( Swiss roll). We are going to talk a lot, play games and perhaps dance. Anyway we're going to stay up late.

We're planning on giving the presents the day after Christmas Day. I'm looking forward to it!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!!

The following article has been written by Loic.

We usually stay at home for Christmas. My family visits us. On Christmas Eve, we have a big dinner. We have the traditional French dinner on Christmas Eve. We play games and listen to Christmas carols. Before Christmas we buy a Christmas tree and my parents and I decorate it, we put up ornaments, tinsel and lights. We usually have an Advent calendar filled with small coloured-figures.This year on Christmas Eve we're going to my aunt's in Maison-Alfort ( near Paris). The family is getting together for dinner. I am going to make a cake. Then on Chrismas Day we're going to my grandmother's and my mother is going to cook. We're going to open our presents on Christmas Day and are going to listen to music and then watch TV.
We're going to talk a lot.

I love Christmas because it is the time when we give presents to each other and when my family gets together.
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

Ackowledgements : Photos provided by Netz Kobold ( sea food) , Barbara Rich ( Caviar), Heniusia ( oysters), QuanNguyen ( bûche) Vespabelle ( Advent calendar) and Kris de curtis ( ornaments) under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE !

This article is from Lara ( 15 ) the Christmas dinner is not her favourite dinner!!!

I celebrate Christmas Eve with my family. We eat a lot of disgusting things. I don't like the Christmas menu, I hate " Foie gras", I hate chestnuts.... The only thing I like is " Buche de Noël". So this year I don't know if I will eat anything yet it depends on the menu. We usually have a Christmas tree and I decorate it with tinsel, various ornaments and a star on top of it but this year we don't have any christmas decorations in the house because no one in my family wants to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

This year I am going to celebrate Christmas in front of the television . But on New Year's Eve I may meet my friends and have fun with them. I may go to my friend's Lorene and we will have fun. There will be 8 people especially friends from my former school. We are all in different highschools now so we have a lot of things to tell each other.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

A trip to Alsace

2007-12-04T15:28:00.000+01:00

The Christmas market in Strasbourg.

Christmas markets are traditional in Alsace and most of the towns have their local Christmas market. These markets are becoming more and more popular throughout France due to the festive season atmosphere they evoke. The Christmas market in Strasbourg is the biggest in France.Last Friday we drove to Lorraine and stayed in a hotel in Phalsbourg, a picturesque town in Moselle which lies not far from the ropes of the Vosges. It is about 40 kilometres from Strasbourg and it is a Vauban fortified town well-known by lots of people who read a book called "L'ami Fritz" written by Herckman and Chatrian in 1864. The two men met when they were school boys and attended the same secondary school in Phalsbourg.On Saturday morning, our coach driver headed for our first destination which was Obernai in Alsace. Obernay is a beautiful town characterised by breathtaking timbered houses. Obernai is also famous for its beer production.We started our guided tour by visiting a gingerbread bakery. As it is a small business we were allowed to meet the few employees who were busy making the various gingerbread figurines and traditional Christmas decorations. We couldn't resist buying some personalized gingerbread hearts!!Then we continued our tour visiting the church where some nativity scenes created by Canadian artists were displayed. Some were so unusual that my husband and I have decided to make one for Christmas.

After a traditional lunch composed of "Choucroute de poissons" ( Fish and sauerkraut or sour cabbage) and a delicious white wine ( Alsace is also famous for its white wines), we headed for Strasbourg.The biggest Christmas market in Strasbourg lies around the cathedral and Place Broglie. Lots of visitors from France and Germany flock there to do their Christmas shopping. There are hundreds of stalls selling homemade handicrafts, toys and Christmas decorations. Crib figurines and wood carvings are also displayed and the atmosphere is festive. Difficult to resist buying some table decorations!!And you can smell various aromas from hot chestnuts, grilled sausages, onions, cheese to the aromas of gingerbread and "vin chaud" ( hot mulled wine) that keeps the body going in the cold winter air.
Then as we were a bit tired of walking about in the crowds, we decided to stroll along the waterway to get to the most picturesque part of old Strasbourg " la petite France".

Fishermen, millers and tanners lived and worked there. The half-timbered houses date from the 16 and 17th centuries and their sloping roofs that open out onto lofts were the place where hides were once dried.

In the early evening we headed back for Phalsbourg to meet a group of people who had decided to go hunting. Hunting plays an important role in the life of people living in this part of France.

We all met around a bonfire to praise the brave hunters and honour their wild game. A branch of pine tree was given to each hunter as a trophy and the ceremony was very impressive only interrupted by horn players. Most people think that the " trompe de chasse" and the " cor de chasse" is the same instrument. The two instruments are so much alike that you can't tell them apart. However each instrument has specific features. For example the " trompe de chasse" is a bit longer than the " cor", the inner part of the bell is black and last but not least the tone of each instrument is different.
In the evening we all met in a traditional restaurant for a traditional dinner: Flammenkuche, bakehof and an Alsacian pie with cinnamon.

We all had too much to eat and said we would start a diet on Monday!!

After a good night's rest we continued our tour and visited a baker's workroom. We watched how Christmas cookies were made. Very interesting. Christmas cookies are based on family traditions. They are cut into various shapes related to Christmas. In France some people leave a cookie and a cup of coffee on the table for Santa Claus on Christmas eve.Finally we ended up that busy weekend in the hotel/restaurant where we stayed at and had a delicious meal before driving back home. On the way back to Paris we had a strong gale and pouring rain so it took us more time than we had expected to get home but we were indoors by 7.45 pm. All in all we had a brilliant weekend in Alsace . Vive l'Alsace!

Special thanks to Marie-Laure ( our guide on Saturday) Hervé ( the hunting organizer) Aline and to all the people who contributed to make these two days the most enjoyable.

Acknowledgements : photo ( sparkling christmas tree ) provided under Creative commons Licence by KaCey97007 via Flickr.

Last sailing of the season

2007-11-16T15:25:00.000+01:00

Wendy and Kim have a sailing boat and they go to the Netherlands every weekend during the season. In this article Wendy describes their last sailing for 2007.
A great weekend .
Last weekend my husband, Kim, and I went to our boat in the Netherlands. We caught the 6 pm ferry from Dover to Dunkerque and were sitting on the boat with a cup of tea (me) and a beer (Kim) by 10.30 pm. It was a bit cold but we have an electric heater and the boat is not very big so we soon got it warm.
On Saturday morning we walked into the village and got rolls at the baker’s and some ham, cheese and vegetables at the little supermarket. It was very cold and grey and we weren’t sure about going out for a sail, but as it was probably the last sail of the season, we decided to wrap up warm and go. There was quite a good wind and the sailing was really good. We sailed for about 6 miles, then came back. On the way back to the marina, the sky started to clear and it was lovely. We arrived back at the marina just as it was starting to get dark.
In the evening we cooked dinner on board the boat. We had steak and kidney pie, brought from England, with roast potatoes, sugar snap peas and carrots. We also had a bottle of Italian wine which was excellent. After dinner we watched some TV and went to bed.
On Sunday morning we had a lie in, especially as the clocks had gone back an hour. Then we got up, went to the showers and started clearing the boat. We needed to take home all linen, bedding, cushions, books ….. in fact everything that might be affected by damp during the winter. It took ages to carry everything to the car. We then gave the boat a good clean and set off for home at about 2 pm. Unfortunately our ferry was late because of bad weather in the channel, but we were still indoors by 8.15 pm. All in all it was a brilliant weekend.

Acknowledgements : Photo of steak and kidney pie provided by gazzat under Creative Commons Licence via Flickr.