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Published: August 24th 2010
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CS:
Moulin Rouge on the outside, red whirlwind indoors. The decor is plush and universally red, from the wallpaper (what we could see of it) to the waiters' neatly fitting jackets. Our choice of the belle epoque menu was a good one since the four course meal was delicious and it assured us good seats and good service.
When the entertainment first started as we were enjoying the meal, a man and woman tag team 'singing' popular songs, we gradually became a tad alarmed. The man in particular needed significantly more practice before he would have made it through 'I've got talent'. No need to fear, once the meals were done and the place was crowded to the rafters with the extra guests who arrived for the show, the stage was revealed and much more besides.
Not so much ballerinas as acrobats, the lovely ladies (so many they could not be counted) and the six or eight fellows, strutted, wiggled and jumped through endless costume changes and dances for nearly two hours. Between the most complicated set changes we were entertained by two gymnasts who could make their lean bodies work like they were made of rubber, and a
very funny ventriloquist who manged to get his dog and several members of the audience to say outrageous things.
The costumes were bright and brilliantly designed. The skill involved in using so much material to hide so little was clearly perfected, particularly, of course in relation to the 'girls'.
A wonderful show indeed complete with traditional Can Can.
Having made our way there by Metro we had been advised to return by taxi so we did. Already people were crowding into the venue for the next show, due to start at 11.30pm and outside Montmartre was popping.
The next day we were on our way to our boat. Arriving in the sleepy little town of Vermenton by train we confirmed another immutable law by walking in the opposite direction from the one we wanted. Easy to do from the station when there was not a soul about and no sign of any water. Our skip CJ (otherwise SS) headed for the pub. The port was actually close by but again when we arrived at the base all was locked and shuttered. The French take their lunch time siestas very seriously.
Once contact was made with Mike
and Leslie everything was seamless. The boat is beautiful and wonderfully appointed. The instructions were delivered in efficient style, a quick trip to the supermarket with Leslie's help and we were away.
Tackling our first lock solo was a bit tricky but in no time Skip had it scunned. CJ/SS maneuvered the huge barge with aplomb (with one or two bumps at the start). The motley crew learned the ropes and we were all soon taking it in turns to jump off and on at the right times and helping the lock masters and mistresses negotiate the gates. The pictures tell the story.
We managed three locks on our first afternoon and then Skip effortlessly steered us into a lovely mooring in a picturesque little town called Cravant.
Our plan is to head north to Auxerre and then turn around and head south to Marigny sur Yonne.
The next day we braved the Boucherie to buy BBQ makings, and the other few shops to buy supplies, wines, ice-creams and bread in that order.
On the go again we cruised into our next mooring, a pontoon in a village called Vaux, up the river from our
preferred option, Champs sur Yonne, which we could not get to because there was no bridge. We cycled into Champs instead, a mere 2k. Another pleasant evening, the boys worked the BBQ and we quaffed the very cheap but tasty wine we had procured in Cravant.
On to Auxerre, the largest, and most northerly stop on our course. An extraordinarily beautiful river town with the famous Cathedral, Abbey and third church (St Peter's) visible in one sweep from our mooring. Here we get water, power and a washing machine - luxury!
A walking tour around the town followed by traditional Bourgonian food at a local restaurant and our third day concluded happily.
Election day in Australia saw us visiting the wine district of Chablis. The weather has changed to very hot but we are promised rain tomorrow. Our wine tour was interesting and informative and the countryside continues to be largely 'chocolate box' scenery. We double back to Bailly tonight ready for another visit to the red wine district in the morning. Oh what a life!
PP:
Well, ahoy there me Hearties!! The delights ashore were getting too attractive for the scurvy crew. Even more so
for the scurrilous Skip!!? All of those skimpily clad girls at the centre of Montmartre - some kind of “Moulin Rouge” whatever that is!! Should have got in the local Gendarmerie to get the whole crew rolling toward our “sea” voyage the next morning. But luckily none were too bleary eyed to catch the train unassisted. Vermenton and the rolling waters (not) of the mighty(really calm!) Yonne river and the Nevernais canal system. CS has told you the rest. Just to note that all of the scurvy crew and the scurrilous Skip were given the task of visiting churches in Auxerre to make up for the decadence of Montmartre!!
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bev fitzgerald
non-member comment
a cheer up post election
thank you for cheering me up. I needed to see those beautiful photos and hear your tales of adventures. I have been in post election deep depression!! I well remember Moulin Rouge! And Montmartre. Fitzgerald and I were conned into having our portraits sketched by one of the ubiquitous artists of the area. Fitz ended up looking like Hitler and I looked about 16!! The trip sounds lovely. Saw Denise on Monday. Minka has settled in well. Sleeps with Jess each night, wanders out to the back yard and back in again, some 'meowing' but overall settled in well. Jess loves her. We had our writing group at Kathryn's. You were missed. Alexis had a story for the Repulican competition and my "look into my eyes' story had a review. Not sure where to send it but need to ponder on it. We've made some executive decisions in you absence. We eventually convinced Kathryn that we all bring a plate for our lunches to avoid the marathon efforts of past. And that we have an alcohol kitty and the person who hosts buys the wine, juice whatever. Hope that's OK from your point of view. I think it will be easier. The next meeting is at Alexis in October. Look forward to seeing you on your return. xx Bev