After 37 years

A few weeks ago I received a message on Facebook - had I attended Bingley College in 1971/1972? I couldn't believe my eyes to find Serge had contacted me - we had got on so well when he lived in Priestley Hall but had totally lost contact since. On top of that he and Jacqueline live just two hours away.

So last weekend we went to visit them with a little trepidation, after all 37 years is a long, long time. Any worries quickly vanished as we realised how much we still had in common and the four of us got on 'like a house on fire' (that's for my French readers!)

We managed a stroll on the Saturday afternoon walking through the park and visiting ONE of Serge's allotments - very impressive, putting us to shame. We saw some of Angers in the evening when we went to the cinema but sadly our planned visit on Sunday was thwarted when the heavens opened and we were treated to torrential rain.

I wonder how many people recognise the VOMIT (don't ask!) t-shirt that Serge is wearing in this photo of a photo - I remember my Mum hanging MY t-shirt inside out on the washing line! Next there's Serge, Tine and Jacqueline at the allotment. Photo 3 shows one of the beautiful buildings in Angers - we didn't even get to the magnificent château.

Finally our new old friends: one for Phil, Serge with Jimi Hendrix's 'Axis Bold as Love' LP; and finally Jacqueline & Serge enjoying coffee after a fantastic tagine.

Looking forward to seeing you here soon, folks AND a return visit from us to see more of Angers.

Sheffield

We left West Yorkshire to spend the weekend at Nadine and Simon's in Sheffield, where Philippe is also staying at the moment.

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Some of these photos are a little 'washed-out' so apologies from your faithful blogger. First of all there's Si, Nadine and Philippe outside the front door of their lovely house - we felt very snug there.

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On Sunday morning we walked down into Sheffield City Centre, enjoying amazing views and open spaces on the way down. There are two photos taken near to the railway station as I loved the use of water and steel to reflect the urban landscape. Well done Sheffield, you're really making an effort.

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There are some small botanical gardens not far from the station and this child was most bemused by the two robots that turned their heads as Simon sat down on the bench.

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Finally Philippe and Maman at the back of Nad & Si's house with a fantastic view over the city (when it's not raining)!

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After a leisurely morning and lunch with Phil next day we set off for Portsmouth where we met 'Er from Brittany at the port, on her way back from the North East. We later enjoyed a delicious meal on board before retiring for a good night's sleep and the journey back to La Tranche.

Graduation & catching up

We were back in the UK to see Philippe's graduation (he got a 2:1 and we are very proud) which took place at the Barbican in Westminster. Phil finally relaxed after the ceremony as you can see with his friends and University lecturer - I'm sure the champagne helped!

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Then oop north (as we say) stopping with Jim and Les and making several visits to Bingley where it was great to see everyone. We even went back into Queensbury School where we found a much better atmosphere but sadly far fewer colleagues that we knew! We caught up with our younger friends with their daughters - the lovely Sarah and Alyssia, and the equally lovely (!) Steve and Maddie.

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Steve later joined us down at the Brown Cow for numerous pints and a fantastic time with our old mates. We miss you loads (almost as much as Timmy Taylor's Landlord Bitter)!

London 2009

We went back to the UK for a week meeting Nadine and Philippe in London and enjoying a lovely day walking miles and hopping on and off the tube with Philippe as our knowledgeable guide! I was amused to find this Petty France road sign not far from Buckingham Palace showing the French influence on the English language!

It was Remembrance Day and there were servicemen everywhere after the morning's ceremonies. It was a mind-boggling sight to see the poppies and crosses in the Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance, 60,000 in all; and later to see the wreaths laid at the Cenotaph just hours before by the Queen, Prime Minister and other dignatories.

A couple of photos showing some of the Clegg Crew near Downing Street and Trafalgar Square, and finally to the British Museum where we were a little tired to fully appreciate the magnifent displays including the Rosetta Stone. However we WERE in awe of the fabulous roof covering the Great Court - breath-takingly beautiful!

Out & about

Oh dear, it's catch-up time again. Looks like I'm going to be busy for a while catching up on our exploits!

As I have already said we have been getting out and about recently exploring the local area by following a great book of walks. The first photo was taken near St Benoist where the farmers were busy ploughing the land, and the birds very happy with their surprise meal.

Next we spotted these two storks in a field not far from La Grière. I can't remember when they start nesting, probably in the spring, but I hope to get photos of the local nest on top of a telegraph pole once it is occupied. Recent windy weather has nearly destroyed last year's nest but the storks will be back, that's for sure.

The next two photos were taken minutes apart near to the jetty when we had a very high tide. I'm afraid I failed to capture a big wave breaking over the jetty but it was very impressive sight with lots of other people enjoying the spectacle.

Every few months or so we get a catalogue delivered containing household, garden & D.I.Y. materials. You decide if you wish to purchase anything and a couple of weeks later a big vehicle arrives opening up it's side to let business commence. This was in Angles and Tine is somewhere hidden in the queue!

Another walk (this time around La Jonchère) produced the final two photos. Churches in the villages around here all seem to have their own individual features and this one is certainly impressive. I think we disturbed the cow who was very happy to return to her grazing!

Welcome and unwelcome visitors

You can work out which is which!

Arun with lovely, gentle Astier who was no trouble at all chez nous. At least at this time of year there's no problem taking him on the beach (Astier not Arun of course!)

We showed Anil & Anita the tower at Moricque that was used by the English in the 100 Years War - I wonder if they got neck ache looking up?

The last two photos show our VERY unwelcome visitors, chenilles processionnaires (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Processionary) who appeared on our doorstep whilst AAA were here. We'd seen the nests in trees opposite but usually they don't descend until the spring. Sprays are used to discourage them from nesting as they can eat most vegetation and the spores they give off are very dangerous for people with breathing difficulties. Our caterpillars ended up being swept up and burnt in the barbecue!

Return to La Rochelle Aquarium

Whilst in La Rochelle we decided to go and visit the aquarium, perhaps not the best of ideas during Half Term but after the first displays the crowds thinned out a little! We hadn't thought about Astier so Anita and Tine went for a browse in town leaving the three of us to fight the fight.

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It really is a fantastic aquarium with the creatures beautifully presented. Thanks to Anil for this small selection of his wonderful photos. I hope you like the 'Creatures from the Blue Lagoon' in the final photo!