Happy 17th

Its BLUE APPLE day at Rennes le Chateau, which I can't be bovvered to explain ( Really, enough... google it if you don't know) (You'll understand then) 

Wonderfully, Marcus turned up, visiting from Cornwall having left these parts a few years ago - plus Fran who also quit a while back - we used to go together way back when so it was fun to trot up the hill and see what was happening. 

The church was packed and clearly some people were being contemplative, so I didn't use my flash and accordingly have no useful photos. The altar was lit so I was able to see that the Magdelene has been nearly restored and nicely done - needs a little more attention and you won't know the difference. 

The demon is still in bits, away being mended. 

If all this means nothing to you and you are curious, http://www.rennes-le-chateau.com/default-uk.htm or any of the other myriad sites.

Here is the lately dug hole... which made The Guardian.

Marcus

 The most striking thing about todays Blue Apple Day is that they didn't appear. It seems that this is the first time in 20 years they haven't come; certainly they've been there when I've been there before, though sometimes briefly. Very sorry for the hordes of esoteric tourists who left disappointed.
The other striking thing is that all the shops and restaurants were open! Never before. They just open for the day and close again till March now. Couldn't get into the Dragon restaurant - full!! - so went to see Will and Marvi and ate there in Rennes les Bains. A comparative ocean of sanity.

Fran

Marvi

Will

Brilliant fun, we chattered non-stop.
-And I've just heard from Kate C. that Marcus and I were on the local news tonight, filmed at RlC, France 3. Gosh.