Week 14

Saturday 27 October 2007

Surprisingly after all the rain yesterday it was a beautiful hot sunny day – much like a summers day in England (one of the ones without rain!!!!). Went to the local market where the fruit and veg was just unbelievably cheap. Decided to try and get a chicken for dinner and on the way to the supermarket passed a couple of Muscat wine shops offering free wine tasting …. so in we went. The Frontignan Muscat was very sweet but they did a “sec” one too which was quite nice. The second place we tried not only did the sweet Muscat but a “very” sweet one too – yuk!! In the afternoon lazed around on the boat sunbathing, reading and making the most of the weather and then had a lovely roast chicken dinner cooked on the Cobb. In the evening we went to a free concert of local bands – we saw 2 who were both pretty good. It was a shame as it was in an enormous hall and there were only about 20 people in the crowd.

Sunday 28 October 2007

Another lovely hot, sunny day. Cycled to Sete along the canal side and again saw lots of flamingoes. We had seen an advert for a rock concert in the afternoon so we went in search of it but unfortunately it was indoors and it was just too nice a day to stay in so we walked along the cliff tops and had a picnic lunch looking out to sea and watching the sailing boats go by.

Monday 29 October 2007

Another hot, sunny, lazy day. Went to speak to the tourist office about going over to the Canal du Midi and to check that the locks would still be working at this time of year. We can move on but the locks close after 8 November … so we must make sure we are back by then! Walked to the beach at Frontignan – lovely little beach with crystal clear water .. had a paddle and it was a bit warmer now due to all the wonderful weather we have been having. Walked back through the marina and due to the clearness of the water we saw lots of fish, crabs, mussels and oysters along the side.

Tuesday 30 October 2007

Darryl went to the boat shop to pick up the bits we had ordered but they had still not arrived and apparently would not be in now til the following Monday!!! – looks like we will be staying in Frontignan a bit longer as they have the old bit from the engine which means we cannot start it!!! As it was another lovely hot sunny day decided to have a BBQ and somehow we managed to drink a litre bottle of red wine over dinner!!!

Wednesday 31 October 2007

Went to internet café to search for cheap flights for Darryl’s mum and dad as they would like to come over for his birthday and found some for £45 – just waiting to hear if they will be able to make it. In the evening went to watch the Halloween parade in town – they do much more for the children than they do back in the UK. All the local children dressed up … and some of the parents too – the children went in the local shops and the shop owners all had sweets to give them. They all then congregated outside the Marie (Town Hall) and when the parade, along enormous floats and an excellent marching band arrived some people came to the door of the Marie and threw lots of sweets out for the children – this went on for about 20 minutes … that’s a lot of sweets! Then the band carried on playing in the square – it was a great atmosphere.

Thursday 1 November 2007

Went to Frontignan beach on our bikes and took our snorkeling gear and wetsuits and had a snorkel along the rocks – it was pretty cold on the face, hands and feet so we didn’t stay in for too long – saw a few fish but sadly there is nothing exotic in the Med! Met an English guy called Alan who lives on his boat in Frontignan …and comes from just down the road from where Darryl grew up back home …. small world!!!

Friday 2 November 2007

Up early and cycled to Sete and then took the bikes on the train to Agde and then cycled to Cap d’Agde as there was a boat show on. It was a similar set up to the Southampton Boat Show but on a smaller scale … and it was free to get in! Cap d’Agde has an enormous marina surrounded by lots of lovely little shops and restaurants ….with some very interesting characters ….!! There were lots of older ladies who were trying to deny their age by wearing hot pants and knee high boots and lacy leggings and mini skirts … and we are talking ladies well over retirement age!!! Found a Volvo shop and managed to get the bits we have been waiting for from the boat shop in Frontignan …. decided to buy one just in case come Monday the ones we have ordered have still not arrived … boy it was expensive for a small rubber washer! Had a picnic lunch on the quayside and then cycled back to Grau du Agde, the seaside resort just up the coast. Saw a guy catch an enormous squid on his fishing rod. Caught the train back to Frontignan and the ticket man was telling us about the imminent strike on the railways … something to do with the retirement age being lowered.

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