Le chateau

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Life at the chateau has been pretty tough, it is not that big as chateaux go, 6 or eight bedrooms, but a great kitchen which used to be the mini baronial hall, lovely pool and grounds in a the lovely little village of Salles sur l'Hers, Did a few km on the bike through countryside made famous by van Gogh, most recently to Mirepoixwhich has a beautiful mediaeval square, My Frnch is improving beyond all expectations and even if I am averaging between one and five words in ten depending on how quickly it is being spoken. I find I can say "oui, oui"and "d'accord" at the appropriate time and the locals are very patient.

Traveling by train from Toulouse to Castelnaudray I was chatting with some French who were on a walking holiday, after explaining that I was Australian not English I said that I was trying as much as possible to speak French, "En France, on parler francais" They laughed and said that I was clearly not Anglais!

went to Carcassone for a day, lovely old town surrounded by the new town. The old one has Roman constructions still in use, the old town is a bit touristy but the season has not yet arrived so getting around is easy. I have only encountered one rude old woman, when I asked if I was on the right road to Salles sur l'Hers she answered that shed did not understand me which of course she did, when I said, "désolé, je ne vois pas votre aide auditive" sorry i did not see your hearing aid, she understood that alright! On the whole though everyone, including me has been having a good laugh at my accent!

Went to see