Saturday 18th July

Well we had a quiet Wednesday, but bored at 9.00 p.m. we wandered out with the dogs and ended up meeting some friends for drinks outside Gambetta.  Thursday was market day but it was so hot here, 38 degrees in afternoon, that it was quiet by Eymet standards.  Thursday evening was the regular Gourmande evening in the Park and I had an excellent grilled duck and risotto for the ridiculously expensive price of 10 euros.  Geoff Barker played for two hours and was joined by Elvis at the end.  We got talking to some French people who just happened to be cousin to Davide, who makes our favourite local wine ‘De Angelis’ right here in Eymet.  About ten there was the torch-lit parade through the streets and the Chateau, bridge and a few streets were decorated with candles.  Rather clever, you take a small white paper bag, put some sand in the bottom to weigh it down, then put in a wide saucer and a lit tea-light; it gives a lovely glowing lamp, the bag makes sure the light doesn’t blow out and the sand that it doesn’t blow away or catch light.  The town looked quite spectacular all lit up.

Friday night we are off to Allemans sur Dropt for a meal in the Hotel and to see Kenny sing in the local pub.  Our friends are also trying to arrange things for the rest if the weekend.  We will see.   We still have the Medieaval Banquet, and the Wine and Oyster Festival to go, and as my parents will soon be with us it will be a few more Night markets to visit.  And who said Retirement meant a quiet life?