Days 132-135, 22-25 Oct 2014, Le Dorat Jaunt.

My great neighbour Barbara and her brother who's visiting took me out for a jaunt today to the town of Le Dorat, about 30 minutes away through some seriously quaint countryside. Founded around 950 AD the town has a bit of age on it and we enjoyed a coffee and a natter then took a walk around the Collegiate Church from the 11th C. Not as cold on the inside as one might expect, but not cosy by any means. Also the first church I've ever visited with a "jukebox". I initially thought Barbara had gone bonkers... Jukebox? huh? In a church? But up the back is a gizmo that requires but 2 euros in the slot to play two tracks... Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Andre Bocelli singing Ave Maria were our choices... Other options included Gregorian Chants! Seemed like much better value for 2 euros that buying a candle... though the Virgin was definitely the warmest person in the whole church.

One of the highlights of the jaunt was the roofline pictured above. Next time anyone reckons they need a new roof... remember this photo. These people NEED a new roof.

We also swapped stories about our tiny knowledge of the French language... like the lady who was telling Barbara that she drove a Cat-Cat. Huh??? Bien sur... she was saying Quartre-Quartre or 4x4 (four wheel drive). Of course! Bad news on the Euromillions front. Somebody finally won the jackpot of €190 million. And they were in Portugal. Thus not us! Did however pay my 'silly' tax yet again and have another ticket for the next draw on Tuesday night. Fingers crossed. If nothing else it gave me the chance to use some French at the cafe. Au revoir!