Not much reading or writing - just a lot of driving. The sun shone brilliantly while we were in the car and scooted behind thick clouds whenever we emerged - even for a "comfort break"!

Albi is a joyous restful place, bit like Sienna, all red stone and fading sun. Managed to hit the cathedral just at the point when they were holding their bi-monthly organ recital. Almost converted! Hilarious meal in v.posh restaurant where they encourage their clients to watch what is happening in the kitchen by seating them facing a huge picture window showing chef in full regalia etc.

Turned out to be more like a M. Hulot's Holiday with everyone in chaos and the food arriving (at the wrong tables) very very very late. Long confabulations (probably with screaming - but they weren't stupid enough to make the whole thing audible) by all staff - waiters, chef, sous-chefs, boss, bosse's wife and washer-upper over which dish applied to which table. Three hours for a meal with toddlers underfoot causing even more chaos than the kitchen. Now back to our chaos at home - why didn't we clean up BEFORE we left?

Hey, just had a thought. Why don't we each post one short piece from our course-work on the blog as a sort or reminder???

Let me know.

Love to all

Teddy

10 mins at Café du Nord.
It’s 10 to 4 in St Andres de Valborgne. Thrum of bikers heading down the road, leftovers from the rally, maybe. Children’s chattering and clattering, the well-bred murmur of French conversation nearby. Ah oui… merci.. un petit peu… there’s something delightfully prim about French voices. Here come the bikers again. Metallic promenade. Flip-flop of waiter’s footsteps as he brings and collects glasses. Sudden laughter. The missing element – the clack of boules - introduced now to this village symphony.
It’s the sounds that define this place. More than the porridge-stone church, the slim pale buildings or long river wall with its daubs of gaudy geraniums, more even than the leafy pollarded plane trees or wooded mountain backdrop crowding close at every turn, I’ll remember the noisiness of rural French life. The river and the wind never stop rustling, the village goes about its business with the volume turned up.
Church bell chimes 4 times.

crysse morrison

Day 1 : post-Gardoussel

Intended to hit the ground running by buying 'Summer with Monika' but fell at the first fence; no intention of paying £25 on Amazon! Thank goodness for Borders. I bought Collected Poems for £9.99, which includes Monika. Much better value. All I need now to start dipping, is a glass of red.

Regards to all,

Glen

A postcard from Gardoussel

The writing holiday now at Gardoussel is the 9.08 from real life. Calling at friendship, creativity, natural beauty, relaxation and realisation. There is a buffet car serving delicious Ayurvedic meals and a trolley service for red and white wine, tea, coffee and herbal drinks. Due to arrive at reinvigoration central at 16.08. Please do not place obstacles in the way of your dreams. Take your reserved seats, this train of thought will be departing shortly.