Loving Life

I know, I know I haven't popped into here in ages, surprising how little time I have these days, did someone make the days shorter when I wasn't looking ?

As some of you may recall we moved to Carcassonne some six months ago from a very sleepy hilltop village.  Do I have any regrets ? only that we didn't make the move much sooner, all the time I was gazing out at the vines and Pyrenees in the distance I could have been  having so much FUN.  Carcassonne is buzzing with life and with such a wide variety of activities to choose from.  Don't bother reading Trip Advisor forums telling you La Cité is overcrowded and touristy.  Of course it is in the height of the season, same as any other popular holiday destination.  At eight o'clock this morning when I drove past on the camp site road, which is a brilliant way in which to approach, it gleamed in the early sunshine, towers and turrets looming against the searing blue sky.

The streets in the Bastide were wet from the daily early morning wash, no smelly dog poo ridden pavements here and after I had received a kiss from the man selling garlic in the market and presented with a free bouquet of herbs I was feeling full of bonhomie.  Last night had been the start of the Carcassonne Festival, two whole months of music gluttony kicking off with a concert in the open air theatre and broadcast on a large screen in the spacious Place Gambetta, a very convenient hop up the road from No.11.

Two young girls were looking rather forlorn and lost so I stopped to see if I could assist.  Turns out they were travelling round France and they and their friends had been let down by a potential employer and had ended up sleeping rough.  I was aghast at their plight and promptly bought them back for tea and toast and sat them down at the computer so they could sort themselves out.  I would hope that if 2b or The Small Cross One ever found themselves in such a predicament that some kindly soul would do the same.

They have just all turned up on the doorstep, weighed down with heavy backpacks and presented me with the most exquisite Orchid as way of a thank you after now having found themselves somewhere to stay and work.

Carcassonne really is restoring my faith in mankind.

PS. The next installment may well contain a picture of our very first restored room !!!!

Comments

Veronica said…
You are a treasure, those poor girls were lucky to find you! Glad you are enjoying Carcassonne, it's never been my favourite place but it obviously has hidden depths for those in the know!
elsy said…
so pleased you are enjoying your new home.... cant wait to see what you have done....dont be long!
Sally Townsend said…
Veronica, until I moved here I hadn't realised its treasures either !
So happy to see you are back! Bravo to you for your valued help to the lost ones. Stars in your crown to come, I'm sure!

It sounds like you've landed in a lovely place. I look forward to reading more!
Sounds like you have made the right choice there! And how glad I am that there are people like you helping out the bedraggled young. Look forward to seeing some pics too.
Frances said…
Sally, what a good spirited lady you are. It's grand that you are finding other folks of the same generosity in your new location.

Please do post those photos soon.

I completely agree with you about how time does seem to have sped up. Even if we just had the longest day of the year.

xo
Jenny said…
It sounds like so much fun. I love living in a foreign land and enjoy your blog. Will wait anxiously for your photos of new abode.
Chris Stovell said…
I'm so pleased the move has worked so well for you - you sound very happy. Your move also worked out well for the two travellers. How lovely for them that you were there - thanks on behalf of all of us who hope that someone will take care of their loved ones if the need arises.
Pondside said…
When I saw that 'Sally' had blogged I thought 'who's Sally' - so it's a good thing you finally posted! Your posts are always such a treat. I loved the description of your morning at the market and your kindness to strangers - lovely, just lovely - hurry up and post again.
Anthony said…
Looking forward to your photo's. You last place was special and I am sure this one will be too.
Kitty said…
Lovely blog, I can't believe it's a year this week since we were in Carcassonne. I'd love to come back, such a great place.
Posie said…
Sally, lovely to catch up with you, and in your new home.....good for you helping out those poor youngsters, what a nightmare for them and then so lucky they found you.
Posie
Exmoorjane said…
Good on ya, and yes, think we all hope that others would do the same for our children. It all looks so lovely. Do you see Kate Mosse?!

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