We left Cadillac and headed through 'France Profund' to stay with our friends Keith and Liz, in Moncrabeau. An amazing drive with only the road we were on showing on the sat nav and nothing else around. We did pass by a group of 'chasseurs' who seemed to be perilously close to the road, though they were all wearing red hats, so premsumably they were in no danger of shooting each other! We arrived to rain - this has certainly not been a good summer for this part of the world. but since Keith had cooked an amazing lunch, accompanied by all kinds of fantastic Bordeaux, the state of the weather was pretty immaterial.
Moncrabeau sits on a small hill between Nerac and Condom and is delightfully pretty in every direction. The house is lovely and the garden even lovelier with a great pool - though a little on the chilly side due to the weather so J has so far only sat on the edge of it rather than venturing in. The village have worked out a 'Circuit des Menteurs' with plaques around the place telling you stories about the history of the village and like the Radio Four programme you have to work out which are the fibs! Liz and Keith live on 'Place de Fort' which, according to the plaque was originally 'Place de Port' until the land slipped away leaving the river and the boats about a hundred feet lower down! The view from our bedroom window in the morning across the valley is sublime. I have managed to run one day, out into the countryside though on other mornings there's just been too much going on - or maybe it was having to sample some of Keith's cellar, which runs to many hundreds of bottles, alongside some nice Bordeaux pink. I've also discovered a new drink, surprising at my age to find something I've never tried - called Floc, it's an 18% proof.clear and slightly fruity drink which slips down very pleasantly after a meal. We have also eaten royally with the usual round of delicious French bread, salad, cheese, barbecued meat and fruit. John has acquired a new nick name 'Two Puddings Perkins' so he was in his element. Having access to a freezer we were able to choose ice cream to take back to Keith and Liz's so we added Creme Brulee and Caramel Au Beaurre Sale to their already well stocked freezer!
Liz and Keith had another couple staying, Ros and Viv, who were charming and added to the fun. All six of us enjoyed each others company and mainly lounged around having long lunches and even longer suppers and sitting by the pool or in the 'inside out room' when the weather wasn't so good. Only poor Keith had to work from time to time, being an international businessman of standing. Liz and Keith were such benevolent hosts. Despite having four extra people in their house and both being under the weather following a bug picked up during Cowes week they were unflappable and delightful. Albi, the lurcher and Charlie, the cairn added to the entertainment, though Chsrlie has to go for an operation to remove a tumour, though hopefully is unaware of the annoyance to come and having to wear a lampshade for a fortnight.
We got a taste of French expat life, since, not content with a house full of guests, they also invited friends round for dinner on a couple of occasions to add to the entertainment value and we went and visited one couple.
All in all it was a fabulous few days and J looked loads better by the end of it - hopefully recovering slowly from the hard work and trials of life in Abu Dhabi. I felt so sorry for Ros and Viv having to head home via the airport when we were leaving but for Cahors, just a short drive away and the rest of our adventure.
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