The first half of 2011 has passed in a blinking of an eye or, more appropriately, a wagging of a tail.We started off the year in France living in a Maison de Maitre in the Dordogne region. We managed 3 gites for the owners, providing change over services, pool maintenance and general gardening. We met lots of people holidaying at the property, each week having a new dynamic, depending on who was staying.
We got to know our immediate french neighbours, one of whom was a veteran of the Foreign legion. We were given loads of tomatoes and produce from their very productive potager, (vegetable garden). We tried to pay them back with bringing them English tea, which they loved, and making cakes. They didn't want anything in return though, they were just grateful that their produce was being appreciated and utilized.
We had the opportunity to practice our french a bit more in this area, as we had more people around us, and became very fluent in swimming pool jargon, as we oversaw some major works on the pool over the season.
In March we left the Dordogne and went further South to Carcassonne where we said hello again to a regular client and their pets, and made some new acquaintances. Carcassonne is a lovely fortified town with a very impressive medieval castle fully intact. The old town is contained within the huge walls of the city. Both our house sits were just outside of the main city, in the surrounding countryside, which is rugged and beautiful.
New friends made.
Old friends re-visited.
We were pleased that we would have the chance to look after a family of African grey parrots again, as well as two dogs and a Camargue pony. They all remembered us from a sit the previous year and it was great to catch up with them again.
Friday, 22 July 2011
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