Private viewing

The premier vernissage since I don't know when! Alex has opened his studio as a gallery and yesterday saw its launch with the work of  Mark Lunn - nature photos and acrylic paintings - exhibiting with his wife, a jeweler. Lovely show in a great space by the mighty Aude, with a group of musicians to entertain us. Alex and James are hoping that there will be an arts renaissance in Esperaza and if this is anything to go by, it will surely happen. 

 The expo is on for a fortnight. The space is easily found; head for the slip road where you would turn up to St Ferriol but instead walk down towards the river. It's all signed. It'll be open on Wednesdays., Friday and Sunday between 13H and 17H.

Beside the lake, beneath the trees-

Following Shuffs advise the team decided to lunch by the lake - after the compulsory esoteric tour of Rennes le Chateau - and found the shed affair at the end of the lake had become a classy terrace somewhat above it all. Couldn't have been improved on. Richard and Alison were so smitten they had vowed to return three times a week, never mind the travel involved...

They do chips made of sweet potatoes. I'm told this is now the norm but new to me. Spotted some kids with chocolate milk shakes which I shall be back for asap. 

 

Water level was a little low and hardly anyone was swimming. It is quite cool at the moment. Next week temps are predicted to be back in the 30's so we are enjoying todays freshness.

Naturally Saturday evening was devoted to the creperie, where Jamsie and his tall son and heir joined us. Here is Alison eating her body-weight in healthy nourishment hoho.

 We tipped back home for a digestif and a jolly good night was had by all, I think - 

Richard and Alison have gone, we will be quiet for a while. Off to market now to see if the pass sanitaire is obliagtory.

farewell

James and Andy leave Esperaza again, following Louise who had left early to get through the quarantine that would enable her to attend her mothers wedding. Yup, that quarantine. The one that Bojo cancelled the day after she left. 

 Our friends Richard and Alison have arrived.... more later :)

bye bye sniff

Here's Jamsie at his chateau in St Ferriol... Martin and Sybille came with us for coffee and some esoteric banter.

Which lead naturally to lunch at the poulet en velo, where Ayumi was enchanted by the fish in the lake. It rained so we had the place to ourselves - tuna steak in garlic sauce with ratatouille and home made chips and something green like peas, but not - but then loads of English people came as we were leaving. The Brits are not scared of  weather I'm glad to say :)

 Then we had to kiss our friends goodbye. They were taking two days and a bit to drive to Zurich -

bonne voyage and come back soon.

onwards

Sybille send this photo of the night market - featuring me and Ayumi , Bob and Susan - and me walking with Ayumi, the best dog in world.

Last night we were treated to a meal at the Chateau Des Ducs de Joyeux, not only an excellent eaterie but  the most beautiful medieval surroundings. Loved it. Rather sad though as Martin and Sybille leave us today - Zurich is a way away and now it is raining :(  

 

People! Party! Life again!

Martin and Sybille Pfiffner are visiting us from Zurich and what joy to have friends staying and people to play with... 

I risked the night market last night - extra meds for asthma - and tried out my pass sanitaire, which worked - as did Bobs paper version - and our guests' certificates. The place was crowded and well-policed; the mayor was on the gate turning unsanctioned punters away. Really good evening. 

Though the extra meds meant I got no sleep - thoroughly wired :) 

Madame Paulette was out having fun too

Graffiti on the bank this morning, showing that the division of the population between those who are vaxxed and those that won't have it is looking somewhat serious.

Not at all serious but totally adorable Cleopatra and Ayumi met this morning and ignored each other with impeccable politeness. Ayumi is the property of Martin and Sybille but I have plans to erm, acquire her...

Today we did the esoteric trail, starting of course at Rennes le Chateau, thence to Rennes les Bains over the top road. Had hoped to eat Chez Will but he was closed so carried onto to that pink hotel over the river where a very decent lunch was served. Baked camembert, lemon chicken. Obviously next stop was Alet les Bains to visit the cathedral and church and to take tea at the Jardin buvette opposite. Home now for a rest before the evenings' entertainment...
 

market day comes round again

Sunday in Esperaza.... perhaps a little less crowded than normal but still heaving. What  happens when the pass sanitaire is obligatory remains to be seen.