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. 

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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...

fete de la music

We missed la fete by having the good sense to go and stay with friends instead, in a quiet part of rural France - though we did catch some of the interminable drumming in the distance.

Sign was attached to the fountain in the square this morning, so guessing the fete was a success! 

Richard and Bob chilling...

So grateful to have friends with pools. The heat is getting too much and there's a sense of things about to meltdown - perhaps not unconnected with global politics. 

Stay safe, y'all. 

 

Dr Dix

 Al Dix, dear chum from the old days, came to visit - here are Bob and him at the Pont for breakfast yesterday, and the evening before at the Tibetans in Quillan.

Apropos, the Pont is being emptied as Erika prepares to move to Toulouse - and the Tibetans in Esperaza have closed up shop and left too. 

Here's Toby and Leos' old house - you can see through the top floor windows what is going on there.

It's hot, will apparently remain so for another while, so a good time to take off the roof. 

We're all wilting somewhat though.

Fridays thrills

You don't see an oceanographer for months and suddenly they're everywhere... Peter Bowyer I was expecting and since I'd offered him lunch we trotted to the 8a8 to get it. And Lo! There was Ferren Macintyre, back from physio. Only time for a brief chat as Aileen was collecting him, but good to know he's doing well. Writing a lengthy paper on climate change. Guessing that at 95 age is only empowering him.

Peter, Bob and I ate salad in the garden - and chocolate biscuits - then young Maria turned up to have her copy of my book signed.
 

Time for a feeble attempt to do something gainful before being taken to the cathedral in Carcassonne for Vox Vallis's repeat performance of St-Saens requiem, this time accompanied by a huge organ. Magic!

Strange birds actually angels

They perform next on Friday 20th at a church in Bram, thereafter in the church in Quillan on 22cnd of this month. Why is Esperazas church not on their list, I hear you cry? Anyone know?

Traditional break

Its a tradition with some of us - Kat and Margaret and me to be precise - that we bunk off whenever we can.  We've been to La Folie before and wanted to go back. Tucked into high granite mountains under a cathar castle, bounded by a little stream; what more can you ask for?? 

We got that too! Our hostess Liza is an inspired and inspiring chef. 
 

Here is Lisa with her partner Kevin who are the most amiable and considerate hosts imaginable. Highly recommended.

Culture in Esperaza

This cryptic pic was taken in the new little gallery opposite the Credit Ag bank - An installation called Apres le Deluge. Audio visual and sculptural. Met two of the artists and had a good old chinwag :) They're back and open next weekend. Do look in and see what you think...

The market was great and further enlivened by the presence of  les hermits. Much posting of the Mayor being incorporated with the lively youths, on facebook.

Thence to Alet-les-Bains, to attend the Vox Vallis of Esperaza performing Camille Saint-Saens Requiem. Op 54, since you ask. 

It was sensational IMHO. Vox Vallis were joined by Vocalises de Palaja so making a joint choir of 90 voices. Here are some of the performers - the rest were in side chapels - as indeed were a lot of the audience.( I'm told people were turned away and Bob and I only just made it in, jammed on the end of a couple of benches)

A mammoth undertaking for our musician friends. Many congratulations and thanks for their tremendous efforts. They do it all again on Friday in the Cathedral at Carcassonne, with the great organ there. Can't wait :)

In the meantime, its the wedding anniversary of himself and me, 24 years ago. We going to picnic together. Which will be a lot quieter than our remarkable wedding; music by Bollywood Brass Band, Joe Basuki and the Missing Puddings (who went on to become the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain) Craig High, Stan Alder, Debs Swallow and more. The list is long and the video is great!

 

Frogless

 Le Heathly is to let... why not move to Esperaza and open a restaurant?? What could possibly go wrong?

Forgot pix of Margaret and John who ate with us and were most entertaining, that was Sunday - Weds was the usual exotic mix at Tout-la which was very stimulating due to young visitors carrying news from the real world.

Saturday and Sunday this weekend we'll be heading to Alet-les-bains for a spot of culture. Concerts in the church hurrah :) 

Watch out on Sunday in Esperaza as its the Festival des Hermits. This is when persons dressed in white nighties, wearing bowler hats and sporting a single black eye, will be demanding money to get drunker. You can't miss them.

I'm depressed. Frog been missing for four days. Not enough mosquitos.

Last picture of the frog.

Sky High in Esperaza

Action in the Impasse as Tobys old roof gets addressed... and of course in the street where traffic continues to be thwarted.

 Here's excitement due on Saturday which looks like it might be interesting - and don't forget, Sunday 8th at 6.30 in the church at Alet-les-Bains.  our own Vox Vallis will be doing the requiem mass of Saint-Saens, featuring 2 choirs and 90 singers. Can't wait!!