Adventures

On Saturday, Susan and Geoff took us to Ceret for the day.  It is about an hour's drive from their little piece of paradise. 

We were going because it was a market day (like a farmer's market in Canada).  Lots of artisans from the food side and others (pottery, woodwork, etc).  It was located on some of the old streets of Ceret and the whole experience was very French!  We bought some raw sheep and cow's cheese that tasted wonderful.

This turns out to have been a bad idea as we have all gotten sick from it (at least this is the only thing we think it could be)!!  First it was me, then Michel and poor Susan got hit the worst!!!  I just had an upset stomach and was very tired (as was Michel). Susan was throwing up!!  I feel so bad.  Geoff thought he was immune as he has a stomach of cast iron steel (and both he and Susan mentioned it last night before they went to bed).  Unfortunately, it just meant that it took longer to hit him (about 4am in the morning).

Other than that though, the day in Ceret was wonderful.

Once the market was over, there was a carnival!  So there was a TV/movie themed parade with more than 10 floats (not bad for a town of only 7,000 people)!  Once we get a better internet connection, I will do another photo montage for you guys!

We also got to meet a couple of Sue and Geoff's friends over coffee.

On a completely different note, Michel and I were walking around Saint Laurent de Cerdans one afternoon last week and we came across a great place that was for sale.  It was a large house (with 4 floors), a formal garden (shaped hedges), an aviary, what looked like old stables, etc.  It was just on the edge of town. Michel and I joked about buying it.  When we talked to Susan and Geoff about it, it turns out it is owned by the town.  It apparently has 18 bedrooms and lots of land attached to it.  The town apparently only wants $1M for it.  I thought maybe we could put together a cooperative and we could all pitch in to buy it.  Doesn't everyone want to be able to say they have a vacation villa in southern France!  Too boot, there is interesting history.......apparently during WWII, the Nazi's used it as their headquarters for the region!  How cool is that!  Anybody interested in my idea?

And ladies, if that is not enough.......this area is the centre for espadrilles and there is a factory right in Saint Laurent!

As well, you are less than 2 hours from Perpignan, France or Barcelona, Spain!

Lastly, I went for a walk with the dogs today (I have mostly recovered while everyone else is still suffering) and found the River Muga.  I found a rock in the middle of the river to stand in so that I was in both countries at the same time (photo later).  As well, I found a foot bridge that crossed the river.  Technically, while standing on the bridge, I was in both France and Spain's air space.  No jets were scrambled to address my prescence in each countries air space!  I guess I was not viewed as a threat.

Well, I think it is time to do a little work.  I will go outside and do a bit of planting and then make some lunch (for one as I don't think anyone else is at the point of wanting food yet).

Love you all!