Catching up

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Bonjour amies,

Friday 9 May - Sabarros

Woken early again by the dogs - no lie ins for the wicked here!

Set off to the market at Loures-Barousse - when we got there it was only 4/5 stalls. After a quick walk round we decided to head back. On the way we noticed a sign for some caves and thought we would go a-wandering, We came upon St Bertrand de Comminges a commune in the Haute Garronne department. It is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France Association. I have discoverd that villages actually pay for this honour so it does not mean that you won't find even more beautiful places that don’t have this recognition, and will be less packed with tourists. In fact when we climbed up to the Cathedral it was the first place that we had been asked to pay for entry, needless to say we did not go in. The village itself was full of eateries, bars and gift shops and very few locals. It was however, an amazing vantage point for viewing the surrounding countryside. Through the beautiful Wisteria walk we watched a Red Kite soaring and diving, unfortunately I was not quick enough to take a picture - he was a sight to behold though. I loved the funky balloon sculpture - the French are so good at this. It was a lovely place and we enjoyed it, however, we have found on our travels in France you just seem to arrive somewhere seemingly off the map and find hidden gems. So if you are down here don't just head for the tourist spots. There are some scenic D routes that you can follow off the beaten track and they are well worth following. Also I include here a photo that lists all the markets in the Haute Pyrenees should you be coming this way.

At the bottom of the hill are the Roman ruins - in 72 BC the roman general Pompey founded a colony there. As well as a Basilica you can also see the ruins of thermal baths and amphitheatre. It seems that it was a very large colony. I think I must look it up and find out more as it would appear they were there for quite a time. The thing I love so much about France is the lack of restriction. you can go right in and walk around the ruins unregulated and without having to pay. They are so generous in the way they share their heritage.



Saturday 10 May - Castelnau
Went to the market - it was very nice in a pretty square. There is a stall run by some english guys selling pork sausages, scotch eggs and pork. They also sell oxo cubes! (I mean does anyone really still use these?) baked beans and tomato ketchup. I was very amused to learn that the French call them the ‘Porky Boys’ You see they have funny names for us as well!

We sat outside the Hotel Dupont and had coffee and watched everyone going by. We decided on the rest of the day being very lazy and came back and sat in the delightful garden. In fact I sat in the garden, Mr Ants-in-his Pants got the sit on mower out and did the garden and field - he now imagines himself as a pubescent farmer I think - oh dear - still he had great fun which is nice to see. I made him his favourite dinner whilst he was off out for a long walk with the dogs. Its a kind of vegetable and bean mixture with lots of garlic and tomatoes - it tasted VERY good with all the fresh produce from the market.

à bientôt
Monsieur et Madame
xx

Memoires
Roman ruins
Red Kite
Wisteria walk
Balloon sculpture
Porky Boys
Sitting outside hotel Du Pont in Castlenau
The garden and sunshine and the dogs of course
Monsieur on the tractor

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Photos

This is in Cambridge!
I am just so proud of my green fingered daughter - look at her lovely baskets.

Pain machine
Can you believe it - I have never seen one of these before

What a fab door knocker
I think Madame Sandy would love one of these!

St Bertrand de Comminges
Looking up from the Roman ruins

Hello, welcome,
yes we enjoyed it