It is raining today but cooler. Emma is wearing a sweater! We are all up early because the repairman is coming at 8 am to fix the roller blind that broke when Emma was winding it down the other day. While he is here Emma downloads a movie on the computer in my bedroom and also some French music on Spotify for me.
The rain pours down so we watch the movie before we go to lunch at an Italian restaurant. Italian is Emma’s pick. It is her last day too; tomorrow we both leave. She is heading to Bordeaux to visit with a girlfriend. I gave her my travel pass so the two last rides wouldn’t be wasted. I am heading off to Biarritz to fly to the UK.
The Italian restaurant was very good and the strawberry tiramisu for dessert absolutely luscious. Light as a feather. We retired to home and in the manner of this country relaxed for an hour or so before we engaged in a fierce battle in the horse race board game. The rain is fierce so it is a good way to pass the time. This game was epic with each person knocking the other off the board just as you start to get close to safety. Backwards and forwards the play went. The dice were so unpredictable you could be going well and then someone comes from behind and knocks you back to start. It was vigorous and rowdy and absolutely fun. Monique won in the end despite being way behind for a long time.
Emma and I have another go at the hula hoop Monique has. She can keep the hoop up and spinning for ages while we two are both pretty hopeless. We are starting to keep it spinning on our waists for a nanosecond longer, but both have a long way to go. Monique says it is good for your core muscles. I used to be able to do it when I was a kid but I can tell you it is not one of those things you never forget. Our laughing probably has a lot to do with our poor performances
Because it is our last dinner Monique has cooked steak and vegetables which are so tender and perfectly cooked rare but no blood. As a special treat she has bought Paris Brest and St Honore pastries for our dessert. They are also delicious and the fillings light and not overly rich despite their appearance.
It has been a relaxing and easy week with good friends. I am so lucky we met on the first Camino and kept in touch. They are partly the motivation for my rediscovered interest in learning French again. It has been well worth the effort.
fleetfootkath 