29th July 1999

Hello again:

We are back home again after our visit to our friends in the South West of France. The drive down was quite dramatic it was fine at first, nice weather, not too hot and the roads were quiet. After a few hours of uneventful driving we could see some very dark clouds ahead of us and we thought someone will be having a storm soon In fact the someone was us !! As we got closer we could see that we were driving into the storm. It was very fierce, the rain was torrential and there was thunder and lightning. It lasted for ages and as we drove the storm followed us so it went on for hours.

Fortunately we had booked accommodation for that night in a B&B so at least we knew that we had somewhere to stay. The house was in a tiny village we found the nearest town but the rain was coming down so hard that we couldn’t read the road signs the windscreen wipers just couldn’t cope. I got out of the car to ask someone the way and when I got back in it was as if I had stepped into the shower fully clothed. We finally found the house and were received very warmly. Our room was delightful with a large modern, private bathroom and we had a delicious dinner in the evening. The owners of the B&B had a farm where they grew tobacco and vegetables. It’s definitely one to visit again.

The next day was much better and we drove to our friends house in Ariege where we could relax. I’ve told you about it before haven’t I? They have built their house themselves in a lovely position looking onto the Pyrenean mountains. The main house is more or less finished and this year they have added a wide decking terrace along the length of the house. A perfect place to sit and to eat. They also have a barn which was very delapidated and they are working on this when time (and money) allows. They have renewed the roof and floors and now there are some very basic rooms. The next thing will be windows and plumbing. Fortunately they have many friends living nearby so there is always someone to lend a hand and offer advice.

There was a big party while we were there, a combined birthday party for Philippe and for Richard (Richard’s birthday was the week before) There were lots of people, several children, even a few dogs. Some people brought instruments accordians and guitars it was very informal and great fun. We went to bed at about 2 in the morning but the party carried on for another couple of hours! Some people who had come a long way slept in the barn or in tents in the garden.

In Foix, the nearest town, there was a three day percussion festival. On the first day groups of musicians from all over the world formed a procession around the town, playing as they walked. It was very exciting and colourful. I’m attaching some photos. Over the three days there were many concerts and workshops you could hear them every time you went into to town. Every morning drummers woke up the town from the ramparts of the castle.

Here are some pictures:-

In a few weeks time Europe will be experiencing a total eclipse of the sun. (There is a website at http://www.eclipse.org.uk). The best place to view in Britain is Cornwall where there will be 100% totality for a couple of minutes but there will be 99% over much of the South West so we are expecting great crowds in Weymouth and especially Portland. Should be very interesting !

bye for now
all the best from G