exit strategy, again

Photographed the Auberge from the other side of the Faby - which is bone dry - never noticed the little cave affair under it before. 

Had a birthday meal with the captain there, since I'm not in Manchester. It was delicious; 

Given nothing was planned and my life is in chaos, it was a jolly good birthday! According to Facebook I'm now 107 which feels about right.

Having another go at flying out this afternoon, hopefully somewhere cooler. 

I may be gone some time....

 

It's a trap

 Anyone flying from Carcassonne today or  tomorrow -forget it!! Air traffic controllers on strike. I should be in the air to Manchester right now. Here's where I'm not going...

https://metaphorum.org/events/conferences/metaphorum-conference-2025

... but trapped in pre-storm Esperaza instead. Heavy here.

The Ryan Air info desk at the airport were amazing. I'II get full refunds plus maybe my hotel bills and a flight to London later. They dealt with me kindly and politely and thoughtfully, pay attention at the back I'm talking Ryan air here!!! Bless them.

Hotness is us

Struck by this image this morning as I wandered.... river low, as can be seen. I forgot to photograph Claudine who is looking lovely. Take my word for it! 

Tonight is the start of the Monday night markets. Terrible photo taken off the town electronic noticeboard, but you get the idea...

Stay cool, y'all. We are heading for 39 degrees this afternoon, they say. I'm reminded of a trick of Andree Bonnets - at night, open your windows and shutters and hang wet towel across them. Works for me!

 

Esperaza nights

Another way of exercising in these baking days is to prowl around at night, after 10.00pm, when its  cooler.

In theory anyway. Many others with the same notion are on the streets, yes, smoking.... in the kids playground with the family, by the river, in the square. I was gasping by the time I hit the only foot path in town; where a sweet woman showed me the eucalyptus bush and how to inhale it. Recommended!!

Esperazas electronic notices boards were being a little obvious -

-and why are the christmas decorations still up??? And my street light not working??? OK rant over, but much rejoicing here that smoking will be forbidden in public spaces from 1st July. No doubt our policepersons will be out enforcing the new law.

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Tempted not to go to todays vide grenier, but really glad I made the effort - met the Rushtons and sat under trees getting strengthened by the buvette. Bought some patchouli.

Keep hydrated out there! Keep your shutters closed and your lights low. We have to earn to live with this, it seems.
 

Canicule Friday

 Rather a sad pic., featuring the endless disruption caused by The Crane - not bad, just there. And the completely closed chemist. 

On a cheerier note, Mattas from the Brazilian cafe on the square has pronounced his terrace cigarette free - I can sit outside and breathe! Their fab coffee and croissants an extra plus. 

_

Hot but breezy. Life good. 

Esperazas English-speaking Wednesday

Rose at Tout-la last night, testing Mikes hat - another good Wednesday, featuring a newcomer to Esperaza and her friend enlivening the table. Which was jolly lively anyway, come to think of it. 

Love Wednesdays.

Still hot here but breezy. 

Still being sensible, staying indoors (mostly), drinking water (honest), being calm.  

 

exercise in a time of heatwave

 Storms have broken out all over France it seems, but not in Esperaza - where temperatures continue to rise as the river shrinks. 

The only chance of exercise is early morning. Pre-dawn is marvellous and cool and pollution free.

Here's an early shot of the rather-diminished Aude without the heron, whom I failed to snap.

Lets hope there'll come a time when photos will include smells. The scents this morning were magical...