Negatives and positives

There have been a few frustrations of late ... avoiding speeding drivers whilst out cycling, coping with the frustrating task of house-hunting, dealing with La Poste over letter tampering and maintaining patience with the length of time it is taking for Cliona's Carte Vitale (medicare card) to come through.

Then, tonight.

We go up to Laparade.

We've heard that their marche nocturne (night market) is pretty good.

We're there late for a look-see.

There are cars parked everywhere. We squeeze into a narrow space.

We walk into the village, following the music.

When we arrive, a wondous sight opens up like a vista in front of us.

It seems like there are food stalls everywhere.

We pass a stall selling escargots (snails) for 7 euros per two dozen.

We pass a stall selling freshly shucked Archachon oysters (they're big) for 6 euros a half dozen.

There is a butcher cutting pieces of aged steak off a fillet and a guy next door bbq'ing them, mustard at the ready.

There is a stall selling veal brochettes. Another one is doing a roaring trade with french fries.

Over by the ramparts, with a view of the valley, people are sitting at the best tables, having got there at 5.30pm.

We run into Kim and Christian. They say this is the best marche nocturne in the district.

The guy on the microphone is singing trad French songs and people are up dancing.

Stallholders are friendly. People greet each other with a smile and "Bonsoir".

Cliona gets a fresh fruit sorbet. I get a glass of local red.

France is a cool place in the heat of summer. This is why we are here. The sense of community and fun is palpable. It compensates for the frustrations.

More positives than negatives.