 |
| Yesterday afternoon's masterpiece |
We will not be travelling alone. Accompanying us will be our son, daughter and daughter's boyfriend. We are all off to stay with my brother Robin and his girlfriend Suzy for three nights. They have a big property in the hills between Toulouse and Andorra. Any bloggers who have the bright idea of burgling our home while we are away are in for a big shock as I have installed various booby traps inspired by "Home Alone". I advise you to stay away!
Of course it is possible that we will not get on the aeroplane. We are flying with the budget airline - Ryanair. This company is notorious for treating its passengers with contempt. Complying with all their regulations is like tackling an obstacle course designed to trip customers up. In Ryanair's philosophy, it seems the customer is always wrong and they are always right. They are especially pernickety about the size and weight of cabin bags and delight in nailing passengers whose bags don't fully comply with the rules.
I was going to take Robin and Suzy a vintage Sheffield-made cake slice but internet research led me to the conclusion that airport security might very well confiscate it. Instead, I have made a picture of their place and put it in a frame. After much patience, I managed to get through to an airport customer service call centre. I was assured by a helpful fellow at the other end of the line that I wouldn't have a problem with the picture at security even though there's glass in the frame. Let's hope he's right.
Allah willing, we'll be back home on Tuesday. In the meantime there'll be no more blogposts from me as internet connectivity at Robin's chateau is usually poor. Was it really July 2012 when I was last there? Seems like hier.
Allah willing, we'll be back home on Tuesday. In the meantime there'll be no more blogposts from me as internet connectivity at Robin's chateau is usually poor. Was it really July 2012 when I was last there? Seems like hier.
Bon voyage, and what a wonderful gift. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteNaturalment cherie!
DeleteI'm sure your painting will be much appreciated by the recipients. The pleasure it gives will last far longer than that of a sweet slice.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time spent with your family, Yorkie. :)
It only took me two hours to create that picture. Thanks for the thumbs up Lee.
DeleteEnjoy your time in France . It's sad that we have to worry about our places when we go away.
ReplyDeletePlease don't get Red gang members to break in. I know your tentacles reach everywhere.
DeleteAiright for this time. But next time? I don't know!
DeleteBon voyage, mon ami. A bientot.
ReplyDeleteMerci grand-père!
DeleteI hope the trip is as wonderful as the picture!
ReplyDeleteWe must stay off the subject of Trump as, bizarrely, Robin admires him! I think he likes maverick rule breakers like himself.
DeleteYour painting will be treasured far more than an old slice of cake. Enjoy France, the weather forecast is looking good.
ReplyDeleteSorry we won't be diverting to your gaffe for souper Sue!
DeleteIf you change your mind don't forget the tin of Chum.
DeleteOkay chum!
DeleteI am so envious that I didn't get past the word Carcassonne. It has a very special place in my heart. I'll now go back and read the rest of your post.
ReplyDeleteMy mind boggles. I am thinking you had a torrid affair with a French maid called Fifi who you seduced during your stay in a Carcacassonne hotel. Now that's what I call room service!
DeleteWhat a lovely spot you're going to YP. That picture is such a thoughtful gift, and worth more than rubies - and a vintage Sheffield Cake slice.
ReplyDeleteKnowing Ryanair's penchant for using obscure and cheap airports, I wonder how far out of Carcassonne you'll land ?
Enjoy your break, and don't forget the photos !
Carcassonne Airport is only a mile out of the town and on the west side near the Mirepoix road - very handy.
DeleteEnjoy yourself in France.
ReplyDeleteI obeyed your command Terry.
DeleteBrings back some very pleasant memories. Please give them our best wishes, YP and enjoy your stay.
ReplyDeleteI only saw this comment after I get home but I will mention you and Keith next time I speak to Robin.
DeleteHave a safe flight and overall pleasant journey, and enjoy the time spent in such a beautiful place with your Family, Neil!
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, I will be in France tomorrow - although only for the day, and only in Alsace. That region is less than 20 km from O.K.'s home village, and we are going there to celebrate his mother's birthday. Should be good!
I hope you didn't drink too much wine at the birthday bash. You need to impress OK's mum if she is to approve of your continuing relationship.
DeleteLovely part of France and should still be pretty warm too. Have fun with the family.
ReplyDeleteWhen we left it was 40 degrees. Aussie-hot!
DeleteErr... I couldn't get my jar of piccalilli lovingly made for my batchelor pals on the West coast of Scotland, onto the plane. Alright it was a particularly poky pickle... don't be surprised if you fall at the gate.
ReplyDelete'Have with your sandwiches at break time!' I plaintively cried as they swifted it away.
interesting headline... 'Plane brought down by Piccalilli'
Have a super time.
Eros would have been very surprised if the plane had landed on Piccalilli Circus!
DeleteOh, wow! Have fun!! :)
ReplyDeleteI obeyed.
DeleteBon voyage. I'm surprised you didn't smuggle over some courgettes. Although then again Ryanair would probably have confiscated them as you would be over your allocated liquid limit.
ReplyDeleteI tried to smuggle one of the giant courgettes on to the plane by stuffing it down my trousers. But lady passengers kept pointing and giggling.
DeleteTake lots of pictures! (As if there's any doubt!)
ReplyDeleteI took a bunch but I have been there before. The clicking was a bit calmer.
DeleteCarcassonne is one of those places I've wanted to visit ever since reading Labyrinth by Kate Mosse. I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteIt's the third time I have been into the old, walled city. You vcould easily arrange a trip there or pay me a hefty commission and I'll arrange it for you.
Delete