The rental house is a very old two storey “townhouse” overlooking the babbling river Arn, with a mountain ridge in the background. It is comfortable and the weather has been delightfully cooler than Jacksonville. As a matter of interest, the other night there was a hailstorm and it was so violent that it broke one of the living room windows. Thought it was a drive-by shooting!
We were able to secure the shutters so no more damage. Our little leased car didn’t fair as well, the poor thing has dents all over the roof and hood. We had a handyman come and look at the window. He removed it by taking it off the hinges, so easy. A week or so later he brought it back, all fixed. In meantime we kept the shutters closed.
We have begun house hunting north and south of here (here being north east of Toulouse), but we haven’t seen a thing which excites us. We are going to have to venture further north and east later this week. The village of Pont de L’Arn, where we are staying, was an industrial center with the wool dying and tanning industry being the biggest employer; but that is no more. It is not a pretty village but the town of Mazamet – 5 minutes from here is quite busy. We quickly found the grocery stores and Brian shops every day. We had to stock up on Saturdays as the “blue laws” still apply on Sundays but now they are open Sundays for the summer months.
We do have difficulty with the language but Brian can usually ask for something – directions, an item in the store, food – and he is understood. We are going to the “Mairie’s” (mayor) office tomorrow to enquire about French lessons in Mazamet.
Week Three
July 21st - We have had our 2nd French lesson - 1 hour 3 x week. It is so much easier for Brian as he has a better grounding in it - high school 55 years ago – he’s amazing.
Angus traveling atop the suitcases from Spain to France.
Our doggie is well and I am sure he has adjusted faster than we have. He didn't suffer from the same jet lag that shattered us for the first week.
But now I know what he hears when we speak to him - blah, blah, blah Angus, blah, blah, blah. Just what I hear when people speak French to me.
Also thru our landlords, we were contacted by an English couple, Susie and Robin, who invited us to an al fresco dinner last Saturday night along with about 18 other people. They live way out in the country in a beautifully natural setting, about 35 minutes north. Their house includes 2 gites (rentals). There were English, Irish, Scottish, Norwegian and French guests. It was extremely interesting and informative. They had tables set up in their lawn/field. We had drinks first then a five course meal. Robin and Susie did this all themselves! First course was pate and bread; then Greek salad with pita bread; chicken, rice, orange slices, green beans and jus/broth; 4 cheeses plate with bread; dessert which we didn't have. This took about 4 hours from drinks to dessert, but what a beautiful night. We left at 11 and people were still there. We met an interesting couple (Norwegian & French) who are 79 and 78 and absolutely amazing! He speaks 7 languages. Check out their beautiful location:www.la-plaine-gites.com
We also met an English couple who have their house for sale. However, as they say on House Hunters International - It is at the top of our budget. We went there on Tuesday and are going back for a second look on Saturday and to attend the village fete, which comprises of food, wine and entertainment for about $20.00 each. I'm sure it will be a good time. They live near Susie and Robin’s, but in the hills where the countryside is breathtaking - rolling wheat and corn fields, acres of sunflowers.
Yes - The fete was a good time. The village is one street through the center and down a hill. There were long tables set up in front of the Mayor’s building, a stage with a young band and a bar where drinks – Muscadet wine, water, beer or soda – could be purchased before dinner. Dinner was a salad and bread then homemade sausage cooked on a half an oil drum over wood fires, scalloped potatoes and bread with rose and red wines. Cheese and bread came next then a dessert. An older gentleman (probably about 85) caught my eye and motioned for me to dance with him. It made me smile! After the dance he thanked me and went to his seat. Not a word was spoken during our dance. We left about 10 and the party was still going on.
Weather conditions: 55 – 58F and it has rained every morning but sometimes sunny in the afternoons. The past four days have been constant rain. We are not used to the cold and the rain – hate it!
Photographed on a country road on one of those cold and rainy days.
"A hole in the road"
Brian on a hillside
Twenty Seven Days and Counting
Today (July 29th) is sunny and warm. We went into town for our French lesson and then had two grande crème cafes in the square. The sun was shining and it sure made us feel good to relax in the warmth. The air is dry but not arid.
French lessons today were numbers. The French numbering system is idiotic to say the least. Everything goes somewhat well until 70.70 is 60 plus ten = soixante dix.
71 is 60 plus 11.
It then follows (il)logically until 80.
80 is 4 x 20! And why not continue the lunacy ??
90 is 4 x 20 +10. 99 is quatre-vingt-dix-neuf (4 x 20 +10+9)
Unusually so, 100 is easy – cent!
French kids must be awfully good at math!
Since we have to know how much two cafes cost or water and a beer (the are the same price – Euro 5.00 about $7.25 USD) i The price of the drinks sound expensive but as the tax and the tip are included, so not much different from the US. It is very important that we learn to listen and understand what the waiter says. Plus I like French Kronenbourg 1664 beer so I have to know how to say that! Seize soixante quatre (sez soosont cat)
No happy hour prices here though :(
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