Blogs from Poitiers, Poitou-Charentes, France, Europe - page 2

Friday 8th - Sunday 10th July 2011 On today west across country to stay at a friend's French property for the weekend. We have stayed here most summers over the last 12 years and know and love it. Peacefully located in the heart of the French countryside but within easy reach of numerous local amenities and attractions and with lots of outdoor space for the boys to explore it has been ideal for family holidays. We are grateful to have been given the opportunity to stay. Our only excursion on this visit is to the local town of Couhe and its magnificent medieval market hall to pick up provisions for the weekend and a bottle of Huile vierge de Noix ( virgin walnut oil ) from a local producer to take home. We also catch up ... read more

Today we followed the River Loire until lunchtime, a delightful drive through a succession of little villages, with occasional chateaux, sometimes sharing the road with cyclists transporting fresh baguettes - perhaps for lunch. Around Saumur several villages were built against and into the limestone hillsides edging the river and often included caves. With grapes growing close by, the caves are used for storing wine and we also saw references to mushroom growing in the caves. One delightful feature of French towns and villages at this time of the year is the abundance of flowers in window boxes, hanging baskets, urns, in street garden beds and on roundabouts. Colours are mixed with French flair and the result is stunning. Roundabouts are often used to showcase aspects of the area or town in a very decorative and imaginative ... read more

Continued… I bit down and did the only thing I could do - I emailed an emergency help request to every SERVAS member in Poitiers, leaving only my phone number for them to reach me - and located the town’s hostel as a backup measure. Then I hit the road. I had to hurry, as it was already 2pm, and the ride was at least three hours to Poitiers. I was lucky to have a clear sky and no rain, and that was enough for me. About 70 kilometers West of Poitiers I rode through one of the most beautiful towns/landscapes I’ve ever seen in my life. If I have ever seen a place to start a bed and breakfast, this is the place. I’m looking at a map right now… it looks like it must ... read more

I’m through with flying I’ve just had a few days in Bolton, with daughter Einor and family. Saw Bolton Premier Productions’ cracking version of ‘Scrooge’ while I was there, and of course the star of the show for me, among many others, was Elinor in a flaming red wig and fat suit, as Mrs. Fezziwig. I travelled courtesy of Ryanair. It was no fun. First of all, some weeks ago, they changed my departure time from Liverpool from a manageable 9.00 a.m. to a much less friendly 6.15 a.m. Admittedly I had the option to cancel or to change, but what to exactly? So - taxi to Liverpool Airport from Ellie’s house, leaving at 4.10 a.m.: £45.00. With 20 minutes to go before landing, the captain announced that due to fog at Limoges, we would land ... read more

We woke up to the best buffet breakfast today! Pastries, bacon, sausages, all types of cold meat, churros, different juices and even wholemeal bread! How could they get dinner so wrong and breakfast so right? Ah we don’t care and devour it all! Today was the longest drive on the whole tour. 610kms!!! I am somewhat thankful that I am sick as I slept most of it from Bilbao to Poitiers. Our lunch stop was at Bordeaux. As it was a special holiday, most things were closed. Only a few restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops were open for trading. We bought bbq chicken rolls from a take-away place and ate in the park with Michael and Luisa. The lady who served us couldn’t speak English so there was a lot of pointing, nodding, and thumbs up ... read more