Monday 23rd

Today we had more rain, and it was Market Day! After breakfast we all left for the Chalais market. We were dropped off about 10am and offered a lift at 1pm. I am sure that we looked forlorn and we were worried that, because it was raining so much, we’d struggle to find something to do. But there were a lot of things to see and, unfortunately, lots to buy! Of course we started off with a coffee stop at a local café where we wanted to dry out and warm up. It was good opportunity to try out our ordering in French and we learned something too, as a black coffee comes in two forms: un alonger, which is a black coffee with hot water to make it long, and a café noir, which is a black coffee which comes out long straight from the machine so its stronger. We struggled with our orders in French and, after listening to us for a moment, the waitress couldn’t take it anymore and spoke in perfect English. Oh la. C’est la vie.

After warming up we hit the stalls of the market. Phone cards were sorted out, many hats were tried on and purses bought. And after herbs, artichokes and cheese were bought it was time for another drink in Le Perroquet Vert, which means Green Parrot in French. Le Perroquet Vert is a wonderful space run by ExPats where you can buy drinks, snacks, French and English books, Art, and second hand clothes. This space is relaxed and creative and shows that not everything has to be new to be appreciated. After lunch, (omelettes) at the next door restaurant, La Bonne Humeur, we were met by Paul and driven home to dry out and get warm again.

We spent the evening watching Star Wars III in Gites 1 as a group with popcorn and blankets. I had taken a blanket from the garage and snuggled up with it during the film and again during the chilly night, only to be told the next day that it belonged to Sydney, the dog!! Oops!! Maybe I was warmer that night because of all the extra dog fur.