Just over two weeks ago I set off to France on vacation.
Every time I go away I make several promises to myself. I’m not going to overeat, I’m going to eat lots of salads, I’m going to lay off the bread and I’m going to get some exercise.
Of course I jettison most of those within about two nano-seconds of arrival. Salads are easy and I’ll always eat plenty of salad stuff, box number one ticked. The exercise one is sort of easy too since we are going sight-seeing and maybe swimming so that’s tick number two in the boxes. So that leaves the overeating and the bread.
As it happens I find that I actually pick less, no meals between meals if you see what I mean and when I am sightseeing i.e. busy then I don’t get hungry. So the overeating box is lightly ticked as I will go for the full three courses at the main meal and of course I’ve probably had some kind of breakfast.
Which leads us neatly to box number four.
BREAD
How can one go to France and not eat bread ?
Every morning the ritual was to get up and head down to the nearest boulangerie, just three kilometers. The joy of walking into that shop with the fresh loaves displayed behind the counter and the smell, Wow !!
Getting the still warm loaf back to the gite, cup of tea or coffee and then slicing through that crust unleashing more fresh aromas. Slapping on the local charentaise butter and taste buds all jumping for joy.
I can taste it now.
Now, I failed this promise in a big way. Bread (toast) for breakfast, bread before and during meals. So many different styles of bread. Many times I started of the day full of bread. Full but never bloated.
So why is it that after just two slices of Hovis, I feel both full and bloated ?
I know the style of the bread is different and this Hovis stuff is effectively production line, factory bread. What do they put in it that has this bloating effect.
I am seriously thinking that I must take up bread making again even if I have to do it by hand. No Kenwood Chef and Dough Hook, No Kenwood Bread Maker.
Another day with an itinerary planned. Since we are in the Cognac region we felt it would be rude to ignore such a significant subject. So our task for the day was to visit the significant towns of the region, Cognac, Jarnac, Segonzac, Chateauneuf sur Charente & Rouillac.
So off we set, sun shining, for Cognac.
Cognac
However, our entry to the town was a little hectic. Noisy roads and difficulty finding a route to the historic areas had soured our moods a bit so we decided not to stay.
You know what it is like when you don’t like the feel of a place. Can’t put your finger on quite what it is but you know you can’t stay. Perhaps if we had entered on a quieter road we would have stayed.
I know that we are doing Cognac a huge disservice and have probably missed a huge amount, which is why it has not been struck of our list of places to visit. Just not on this trip. So we headed out to the next place itemised on our personal itinerary, Jarnac.
Jarnac
The feel and pace of Jarnac is entirely different and we rapidly found a place to park, free, on the Quai Orangerie, near the Hine buildings. As it happens we were also very close to the Courvoisier buildings too.
Courvoisier, Jarnac, Charente, France
Jarnac is equally proud to be the birthplace of François Mitterrand, one of France’s more recent presidents.
We walked alongside the river, past the boats moored with myriads of fish darting around just below the surface. We crossed the road towards the Courvoisier building before crossing the bridge and heading further along the river to a park.
Quai Orangerie, Jarnac, Charente, FranceJarnac, Charente, France
Given the days temperature it was nice to get under the shade of the trees. A group of school children were enjoying some team sports while on the grass, while over in river shallows a group of lads were lobbing a ball around. They were joined by a lady and her dog who was soon lunging after the ball. A little further down on a small island two lads were fishing although I don’t think they really expected to catch anything with all the thrashing around in the water.
Alongside the park there are weirs and channels set up for kayak slalom racing.
Slalom, Jarnac, Charente, France
The park itself is on an island and the paths around its perimeter give one a direct view into to some lovely gardens some of which have their own moorings or pergolas and barbecues.
Charente @ Jarnac, France
After a delightful time in the park we headed back into Jarnac to get ourselves a drink. We sat and people watched while we had a couple of beers and nibbles at L’Alambic, Place Du Chateau. It was quite entertaining as opposite the bar there is a small car park with a Tabac off to one side. The comings and goings, the double and sometimes treble parking was exposing the dark side of some of the drivers who were dashing into the Tabac, we presumed, to get their lottery tickets.
After, we meandered through the streets window shopping, and made our way back to the car, passing the church and numerous architectural features some of which I have attached below…..
Clock Tower, Jarnac, FranceChurch Door, Jarnac, FranceAn artefact of the church of St Pierre, Jarnac, France
Once back at the car we rested in the shade and topped up with water. This was one of the hottest days of our holiday so far. Given the time, nearly 17:00, we had to replan our itinerary. Obviously we were not going to be able to visit and tour all the places on our list. So we decided to move on to Segonzac with a view to seeing what we could and maybe getting a meal.
Segonzac was only a short drive away and we were soon parked up a short way from the town square.
Segonzac, Charente, France
We would have been parked closer but a stupid woman, stopped her car directly in front of me in the entrance to the car park. Got out of her car and crossed the street. Leaving her car blocking the entrance to the car park.
The Hotel de Ville was very prettily decked out with many flower baskets.
Hotel de Ville, Segonzac, Charente, France
The church was huge but nice and cool inside giving us some respite from the heat and the brightness of the sun.
Church of Saint Pierre, Segonzac, Charente, France. Spire is made of stones in the form of pine cones.
We were beginning to realise that we were still too early for a meal in a restaurant and nothing else being available we decided to head on to Chateauneuf-sur-Charente.
Châteauneuf-les-Charentes
Only a short journey and we were soon parked up and walking the streets hunting down a place to eat.
Chateauneuf-sur-CharenteHotel de Ville, Chateauneuf-sur-CharenteStream, Chateauneuf-sur-Charente
Unfortunately the only places open were doing fast food. The evening menu still an hour or two off. So, we headed back to the car having decided to aim back to the gite going via Rouillac which was on our original list of places to visit. I had also spotted a couple of signs indicating the existence of restaurants on the road out of town.
So we followed the signs and visited the restaurants…..you guessed it. Closed.
On to Rouillac and a quick motor round the streets which showed no sign of open eateries. We were getting concerned about the time. If we just headed home to the gite it would be too late to think about cooking. At our age late eating can play havoc with the digestive system and I wasn’t prepared to go without a proper meal. Snacks are OK but not really fulfilling.
Then I had a brilliant idea. Why don’t we use the SatNav to identify restaurants in the area. Sure enough it started to identify the ones that we had already visited and determined that they were closed. So we decided to hedge our bets a bit.
On previous visits to France and during our journey down to Barbezieres we had seen instances of a food chain “Buffalo Grill”. Usually near to other eateries such as Macdonald’s and close to retail parks. We thought they would probably serve food all day and almost be guaranteed to be open
So we asked TomTom to find us the nearest Buffalo Grill. It did what it was asked and we duly plumbed in the route and set off to the restaurant which was located in Chateaubernard just two miles from Cognac.
We had in fact passed through Chateaubernard on our way to Jarnac after we had jettisoned Cognac earlier in the day. Well what the hey.
We sat outside on the deck and had a nice meal courtesy of Buffalo Grill. I had a burger, medium rare, and my wife had a Rump Steak also medium rare. Very well presented and filling.
So we had circled Cognac and what seemed like most of the towns in the Cognac region. We had a great day even though it looked like France was determined to starve us out.
The gite was finally illuminated in our headlights around 22:30 after a lonely drive through the French countryside. I nearly squashed the lettuce, gifted by Didier, left by our front door some time earlier in the day. Of course I had to wash that straight away since we didn’t know what creepy crawlies had decided it was their birthday. We added it to the two other lettuces we had in the fridge, also courtesy of Didier.
So a cup of tea while we gentle ceased circling and thence to bed.
Yes indeed. Back to earth with a bump. Back to work, in the office. Its soggy wet outside. Raining hard and blowing a hooley.. Its only taken two days for the holiday shine to be tarnished.
Ce la vie !!!
We have been planning this for a while but it now seems like it is going to happen. Now that we have booked the channel crossing and the motel for our first nights stop.
So there we are. We have booked the gite, motel and shuttle time slot. I have even bought the little headlight converters required when you take a UK configured car over into la belle France.
Actually the amount of stuff you have to take with you in the car to meet the French motoring regs is growing year on year. When I first went you just needed a warning triangle and a first aid kit. Oh and you had to put deflecter strips on the headlights and paint them a delicate yellow-orange. Nowadays you must have the first aid kit, warning triangle, spare bulb set, reflective jackets (must be in reach without having to get out of the car), headlight conversion (don’t need yellowing). And from next month it will be law for you to carry a breathalyser. Nobody says you have to use it I suppose.
So where are we going ? We are off to Barbeziereswhich is a commune in the Charente department in southwestern France. From the link you can see that it has a huge population, 123 back in 2008, that is slap bang in the middle of nowhere. Hopefully this will be the perfect place to destress.
Leastways that is what my wife is hoping for. No phones, no internet etc. etc. etc.
Good news, the gite is situated right in the Cognac region. Plenty of distilleries to visit and of course sample. Just what I need. Not forgetting, hopefully, plenty of photo opportunities.
Yesterday was the second of what we hope will become a frequent event. Choose, with friends, a location to visit, travel, lunch, tour, head home and stop for an evening meal en route. All punctuated with gossip and laughs.
Yesterday we chose to visit Blenheim Palace near Woodstock. Some of you may recognise it from the recent Jack Black movie, Gullivers Travels. Blenheim was used as the Lilliput royal palace.
Instead of lunch, we chose to take a picnic and why wouldn’t you when Blenheim offers over 2000 acres of grounds in which to throw down a blanket. To be able to feast both on the food and the fabulous views provided.
We threw down our blankets high on the rise alongside the lake. There we feasted on roast chicken, pork pie, mixed salad, fruit cake, walnut cake and fresh fruits.
At the same time we savoured this fabulous view of Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge. Apparently, at one time this bridge only sat astride several streams. There are rooms within the bridge, now flooded, that the 4th Duke supposedly used for gambling with his cronies. Much later the streams were further damned and the two lakes were formed.
And this is the view in the opposite direction.
Many folks come to visit the house and grounds. They come for a variety of reasons, be it for weddings in The Orangery, the history, the beautiful scenery or perhaps just a bit of scavenging
The following are just a few snaps taken around the grounds.
The Column of VictoryEntrance – Blenheim PalaceArchitectural Features – BlenheimA Cheeky ShotChestnut BlossomThe Cascade – Blenheim PalaceThe Lake Below The CascadesThe Boat House with Blenheim Palace above and behind
For other pix please take a look at my Flickr photostream, just click the link over to the right.
The only fever that I see anywhere is the media falling over itself to report that a flame has arrived in the UK.
So What ?
Anyone would think that we are a nation of pyromaniacs, to be aroused by the appearance of a flame.
What on earth do we need 8,000 torch bearers for ? Surely a simple Bic lighter could have been used at far less expense. Several million folks in this country carry one everyday.
Yes I know the olympics are approaching and I do understand that national pride is at stake and I will be as pleased as the next person if we win any medals. But that is the actual olympics.
I really can’t get excited about a flame and I really don’t want to see endless news reports about its progress around the country.
This countries press have reached new depths when they are reduced to reporting that the flame had its own seat allocated on the flight from Greece.
I’m more interested in the fact that the Princess Royal was seated 3 rows away from David Beckham. Presumably she wanted someone sat next to her with whom she could hold an intelligent conversation.
The artists impressions of new developments always look idyllic. The truth of the reality is very often far from that alluring image.
Well, we the current residents of Waterlooville are about to find out the truth of what we are to be saddled with. The new development was to be called Newlands. A sign had already been put up, on the exit from the roundabout, but shortly after had been roughly painted over. Newlands was a truly uninspiring name and certainly one lacking in any imagination. The developer, Grainger, has decided on “Berewood”. A name that at least has some historical linkage with an area which was once covered by the Forest of Bere.
Development director John Beresford said: ‘We will start work next week and by September hope to have the main infrastructure in place ready for the first house builders to start work in the autumn.
‘That being the case, we would anticipate that the first dwelling will be ready to be marketed by the beginning of next year.
Then we will see the start in the rise of the traffic which is going to clog up Waterlooville. Ignoring the construction traffic and the mess that will inevitably become a bane on our lives during the build.
Even now this area of Waterlooville all but comes to a standstill during peak traffic times. With the additional housing becoming available early in 2013 this situation is only going to get worse. The difference is that there will be more folks heading into this area as they head home.
Lets not forget the new Sainsbury store that is being built on the other side of the road from this new development as well as the new service station. All will be bringing more traffic to the area.
This is set to become one of the busiest road networks in the area what with three major roundabouts and a set of traffic lights all within a mile.
For the sake of the new development residents, I hope the developer will ensure that there are no new roads which will become rat runs. I can see that motorists will be looking for a way to bypass this area and a new housing estate might just provide the escape route they are looking for.
The development will be built in phases, with the first one comprising 194 homes, next to the new roundabout on Maurepas Way.
There is no new roundabout here. This really is only an adjustment to the existing one. So we will see the initial phase putting 194 homes with this as there only way in and out.
Waterlooville councillor Paul Buckley said: ‘Having accepted the fact it’s going to be built, it will be good to see it actually starting.
‘In many ways they are not our homes, they are Winchester homes.
Councillor Buckley seems like someone who is resigned to the fact that an issue he is opposed to is going ahead. I’m not surprised when further into the quote he also states that these are Winchester homes.
How does Winchester get so much of a say in what happens in our area ?
‘In terms of the economy of Waterlooville, from a commercial shopkeepers’ point of view, the town can only benefit.’
Which commercial shopkeepers would they be then. All these new residents will be rushing in their hordes to visit the charity stores, the pound shops and the cafe’s.
All of the traditional shops are leaving. Waterlooville centre is dyeing. What are our planners doing to entice the big names, the prestigious names into Waterlooville.
What do we have now ?
For the Cafe Culture we have Costa Coffee. For the kids we have Macdonalds. Major retailers are represented by Asda, Waitrose, Wilkinsons, Peacocks, Superdrug and Boots. Most of the major banks are represented too.
Much money has been spent of making Waterlooville look like a throwback to the 50’s idea of a modern town centre.
Sometimes it makes me wonder where the planners heads are. Time will only tell what kind of hell they have committed us to.
A weekend in Hastings to celebrate my sister’s birthday was never going to be quiet but we had a cracking time.
Saturday was not very nice weather wise, grey and cool. It didn’t matter much since we spent some time wandering down George Street browsing the shop windows until we met up with my sisters friends. Then we whiled away some time loafing in Ye Olde Pump House, a pub which looks much older than it really is.
That’s if the old gent who harangued us outside can be believed. Anyway, it’s old enough and was very popular even when I used to visit back in the late 60’s. Had a couple of pints of Early Bird, a really tasty brew from Shepherd Neame.
A pale golden beer, with floral aroma, Early Bird is full-bodied and takes its name from the Early Bird variety of East Kent Goldings hops, grown in hop gardens near the brewery.
It gets my vote and certainly seemed to live up to the brewers description which I have quoted above.
Due to much gassing with my sisters friends, time passed rapidly by and we ended up spending more time in the pub than we had intended. This is what happens when you are having a good time. We were supposed to be having a meal before going on to a show. In the end we had to by-pass the meal and sprint to make the show.
We were going to see Chas Hodges, you can read my post on that HERE
Sunday – Wow ! What a day out !!!
For Sunday we had chosen to get together with my other sister and had arranged to meet up at Bodiam Castle. The weather was fabulous, blue cloud free skies and beautiful spring sunshine.
Bodiam Castle is in a wonderful setting, sat as it is on an island reached only by the bridge across the moat.
We meandered around the perimeter of the moat enjoying the warmth of the sun and the attentions of the many ducks. Sis decided that she would become the Birdwoman of Bodiam and broke out the butties. She was immediately surrounded.
Once they knew that she was a buttie free zone they abandoned her. Cupboard love I believe it is called.
We continued to tour the castle surrounds before heading inside. Here are a few facts that I have dredged up. Bodiam is a 14th Century construction. It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge who apparently was one of Edward IIIs knights. It was intended to defend the area against those nefarious French during the Hundred Years War.
Those pesky ducks get every where, especially when they think there is food to be had. You only have to dangle your arm over the bridge railing and a collective shout of “incoming” goes up.
Of course, what goes up must eventually come down…..
Once we were across the bridge we were met by a most unusual couple. We were accused of using the devils machinery and of stealing their spirits but they were quite friendly really and welcomed us into the castle courtyard
While we were there the locals were telling of the castles history hence the unusual attire. This fellow was the main orator.
Bodiam is a “pretty” castle now and it doesn’t take much imagination to see what it would have been like when it was first built.
It is possible to get many different perspectives of the castle.
After much strolling and climbing we found ourselves to be a bit peckish. So we took ourselves across the road to the nearby pub. Strangely enough it is called the Castle Inn
We were surprised to find that there were outside tables available and sat ourselves down for a spot of lunch. Considering this was 1st April, to be sitting outside to eat was a rare treat. The food was good and we didn’t have to wait too long and it was hot when it arrived. By a happy coincidence this pub was also serving Early Bird which was a suitable lubricant for the meal.
While we were having lunch we were treated to the spectacle of a helicopter coming into land on the pub lawns.
After lunch we walked up to the railway station. All day we had been seeing the smoke and hearing the whistles of the steam trains.
When we arrived at the station we determined that the next train would be arriving within a few minutes and duly positioned ourselves across the road and the level crossing ready for the steamer we knew was coming. Imagine the big disappointment when we were presented with this…..
Yup. A diesel loco. OK it is a piece of vintage rolling stock but it wasn’t what we wanted. Never mind, as they say, there is always next time. After taking a look at some of the old goods wagons at the station we headed back to our cars.
Drove back to my sister’s house for a cup of tea and some superb lemon drizzle cake. All taken while sitting outside in the sunshine. I still have to remind myself that this was the first day of April.
A fitting close to a fantastic day. All that was left was for us to drive the 90 or so miles home. I didn’t need any rocking when I hit my pit.
Community leaders spoke of their concerns about congestion and parking as plans for 79 homes at Brockhampton went on show.
Developer Orchard Homes wants to build 64 houses and 15 flats on green space to the south of Ranelagh Road, an area once used for allotments.
The meeting at Havant’s council chamber heard the land had been identified as an area that could accommodate 160 homes – and this could be phase one.
Havant Borough Council have already shown that they don’t care about local residents views by their continuing development approvals. They just play lip service to residents comments at review meetings. In the last couple of years every possible piece of greenfield that has been earmarked for development has gone through. The traffic problems brought about by this rampant development just get worse. This particular development will bring an extra 150 to 400 vehicles passing in and out of the area and will of course require somewhere to park.
Paul Basham, a transport consultant for the developers, told the meeting: ‘We are aware there is an existing problem there.
‘What we can do about this is a difficult situation.
‘We are working with Havant Borough Council to see what we can do, if anything.’
People’s comments will now be taken forward as developers work up a formal planning application.
Don’t hold your breath folks. The planners won’t have to live with their decisions. Nor will Paul Basham who says
‘We are working with Havant Borough Council to see what we can do, if anything.’
I have a trip planned for the weekend, going to visit my sister up in Hastings. That’s a round trip of 180 miles. With some additional miles around the Hastings area I would expect that to go up to perhaps 220 miles. According the electronic brain in my car I have around 300 miles worth of fuel. So I should be able to get there and back no problem.
However, I don’t like to take the tank down to the dregs so I would normally top up the tank before I set out. If I head into a garage on my way out on Saturday I’ll get lumped in with the mindless lemmings that are jamming up the garage forecourts.
These idiots are the same folks who clear the supermarket shelves of bread and milk whenever there is a hint of snow down here in the south of England. One of the comments to the attached article suggests that with all these folks sucking up all the fuel, the delivery trucks will run dry. As a result there will be no food in the stores.
I’m heading down to ASDA, use some of my precious fuel, so I can stock up before the shelves are empty.
WrAnTz 