It’s fantastic that we are currently able to get out and about (long may it last!) France’s vaccination programme and pass sanitaire (for those with 2 vaccinations) means that life is almost normal, although masks must be worn in shops etc.
So, when we heard that acquaintances from England were travelling down the west coast we grabbed the opportunity to head over there and join them in the tourist area of La Rochelle. We just haven’t ventured out much with the Covid situation and certainly not during the height of the summer season, but now that we’re into September the schools are back and areas are (slightly) less crowded 🙂
The motorhome was loaded up and we took a leisurely 1.5 hour drive over to La Rochelle, with time to spare before our rendezvous we strolled around Le Vieux Port.
One of the locals posing for the camera
And a visitor taking in the scene
It was fabulous to meet up for the first time face to face with James and Lucy and I feel that acquaintances soon became friends! So, here comes the food and wine! As dusk fell we made our way to one of the quayside restaurants to indulge in a Fruits de Mer beneath the floodlit ancient towers that guard the port. Good food, good wine and great company, it was a memorable evening.
Cheers🥂
Chris eyeing up the Fruits de Mer!
Working our way through it 👍
Last ones to leave the restaurant!
Chris and I managed to wend our way back to the campsite on the edge of the town after a wonderful evening.
It was not long before this outing that we also welcomed friends from Ireland who stopped over en route to their holiday home further south. This is what we had hoped our life in France would be, enjoying the company of visiting friends and relatives and this month it looks like it’s all coming true!
To wrap up this September post I was delighted to hear yesterday that my submission for “Sketch for Survival” an annual exhibition and online auction run to raise funds for Explorers against Extinction, was accepted into the Conservation Category and this oil painting of mine along with many wonderful artworks will be up for auction on October 1st with all funds going to the conservation of wildlife. Check it out online!!
My submission “ Le Fantome des Neiges” an oil painting depicting the dwindling population of snow leopards. Reference photos and information courtesy of the wonderful wildlife photographer Frederic Larry.
Looks like a fun evening enjoyed by all – I know La Rochelle well and am sure I’ve eaten at that same restaurant in the past…. the town always seems nicer after the sun goes down. It is of course well known also for being a sailing mecca, many long distance races and records having been set by boats departing from its famous harbour. The snow leopard painting is terrific Sue, though I’m not sure what the vertical lines signify… cage bars perhaps ?
Yes Dave, the old port is magical at night. La Rochelle certainly has some history!
The vertical lines in the painting signifies just that👍
At last we have gone on your site again & read the last few months of wonderful entertainment. What an amazing life you now have & how envious we are… stuck here on our Island with covid restrictions preventing us from even having friends in our home ( or garden). Our life feels it is on hold.
We love your beautiful painting of the Snow leopard Sue. Stunning.
I am enjoying pastel work on my own now as Loraine is not taking classes, as her husband died & she is about to move away. Still she has given me so so many ideas and has been such a great teacher , Early awaiting your next blog
So good to hear from you Judy (and Barry😊) Hopefully as you head into Spring and Summer your restrictions will be lifted as they were here in France. Life certainly does feel like it’s on hold when no friends or family can visit.
Please pass on my condolences to Lorraine, we enjoyed spending time with she and Jim during our Newlands Arm days. Be sure and keep up your pastel work Judy! 👌