Back home

 Marseilles was fab, had a great time and the sun shone - return by train from Carcassonne, 38 euros each on the geriatric discount card, three and a half hours each way of high speed fun and comfort and marvellous views.

Always good to be home though :)  despite that the market was fairly dismal in the rain. And then our Holly left for Blighty and pastures new. So sorry to part with her... though she is as always engagingly positive.

Fortunately Norbert and Louise gave us a totally splendid tea in their mountain eyrie which prevented any tristesse. Who could be sad with home-made scones and jam and fattening stuff, with a picture window overlooking Esperaza and the ever-changing mountains beyond?

Norbert and Louise and a classical tea 

Anyone in Esperaza with kids or who is concerned about the changing school system; there is a demonstration outside the school tomorrow morning (8.30 am) to protest about the suppression of the post that will cause two classes to merge, leading to one being overcrowded and not adequately taught due to the mixed age groups having to co-exist.

When I asked what good would it do, that a handful of folk hung out early in the morning in a small French village to complain about a national policy, I was told that a decent show of force would mean press coverage and that in turn would have an impact.
-----Their future is in your hands :)