What have I learned about France and myself…..

I don’t know France at all, the occasional Paris trip but that is about it. Gers where I have been staying is centred around Toulouse which hosts Airbus Industries. They often close the roads to allow wings and engine frames to be transported without hazard. So I am here because I accepted an invitation from a friend to house sit, well dog, cat and horse sit, but those stories have been documented earlier, especially about the horses.

It was also a few days after my 70th birthday so I thought a time of reflection and healing for my back would be in order. My back had taken a severe turn as I sold my Mini to a white witch who lived in Totness. She asked that I drive it over, what a mistake as that trip ended with me almost being hospitalised, such was my discomfort.

So EasyJet many days later to Toulouse and I was sequestered in a very charming and quiet country house, a microcosm of an English stockbroker who retired to the country. It was a comfortable abode and over the days these are my thoughts.

I am on my way back to Somerset, I do miss England and although we are always told it is in decline, perhaps we are too quick to do ourselves down.

• French rural roads are so clean, un-sullied and maintained, I won’t do the comparison with England.
• There seems to be no-one here certainly few French. I have met many Bermudians, Irish, Kentish, Suffolk and other folk.
• Even in the village of Jegun, there is an Irish bar, of course there is!
• Don’t we just love foreign corner shops. They all seem to have a wine cellar, cheese room and wonderful bread. As for COLC, the wine is great value, a special bottle here is about €10, move over Waitrose!
• Like anywhere overseas it is easy to drink lots so being grown-up at last!
• The vistas are splendid here as is the silence with the hot dry fields.

• As for me, rest heals a broken back (and no doubt other ailments).
• Don’t rush both physically and mentally. That is rich coming from me, as I have been like a bull in a china shop, that is changing.
• Drink less alcohol or at least drink better. A small glass of Armagnac is enough at the end of the day.
• Loose weight, stand straight and be confident, enjoy the fresh air.

I have learnt that respect for others is important and as someone said, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Toulouse to Bristol in the next days, and I look forward to spending my 71st year plus many more repaired and more able to react and not over-react.

End of self indulgence, and back to writing!