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Lights, Camera, Action!
What a week.We've had the glamour, or the 'Lights' aspect with our Anniversary celebration, which saw us chilling in St. Tropez in a gorgeous hotel overlooking the Med.Having a swimming pool is fairly different to what we've been used to of late, and we had some lovely Champagnes followed by a great 4 course meal in some beautiful surrounds.Truly memorable.
The 'Camera' aspect came courtesy of the Cannes Film Festival which we skirted around.I say skirt as it's a little hard to get involved if you don't have the right access!Everyone has a lanyard with a pass attached (most look like a drivers license), and it's obligatory to carry your guide planner under your arm facing outwards, even if you have a perfectly good bag to store it in.We didn't have either, but we did manage to glimpse one 'star' though.....Quite by chance we found ourselves outside of the luxurious Hotel Martinez just prior to midday (it seems the stars are kicked out at this time too....) and there was a bit of a kerfuffle going on with camera lenses flashing.On to the red carpet walked someone in bath robe giving it her all for the four or so people interested (us included), one of which gave her name as 'Louise'.Neither Jo or I had heard of her, but I'm sure she must be famous somewhere......? (Probably in her own mind.......)
Following a trip through Antibes, which has some lovely markets, we moved on to Monaco for the Grand Prix, and the 'Action' of our week.We got to taste this from near and far - although near you can't see anything as the 'public' streets are all bordered off to ticket holders by some attractive yellow hoardings.From afar you can see a section of track, and we did see the cars going around the circuit several times, but it's wishful thinking to think anything will happen in your square inch of visibility!We both got bits at the merchandise stalls though, which was nice and the trip was well worth it without a ticket (although it absolutely would be better if anyone wants to provide us with tickets in future ;-) ).
The next week sees us motoring up the east side of France with a view to going over the top of Italy and into Switzerland by the late weekend.Following four weeks in France I can confirm that, according to French radio, these are the top 5 music artists of the moment
1.The Cranberries.The track 'Zombie' seems to have penetrated the French imagination just now.Original release 1996-ish
2.Jeff Buckley.For some odd reason 'Hallelujah' has just come out.Onlya mere 11 years after Jeff died.This was even played on a video Jukebox in a bar.
3.The Hoosiers.'Worried about Ray' is on almost as an auto start on certain stations
4.Lenny Kravitz.It's good to hear Len again.'It ain't over till it's over' is a remarkably good track
5.Jack Johnson.'Good People' is also on a bit of a loop.
I also feel it prudent to let you in on one last little secret as we prepare to leave the French country.It's a localised, little known dish called Pizza (pronounced Pete ser).This dish seems to be available just about everywhere you go, from cornershops (Tabacs/restaurants/bar) to every single restaurant, chain or otherwise, all over the country.Astonishing.We were expecting garlic, onions, Frogs legs, escargot, but no.Moules (Mussels) we did find, but they all seemed to be accompanied with Frites.I think French cuisine needs another look.....
Speak Soon
Darren & Jo
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