On a Hot Summer's Day

June and Clare in the Abbey grounds

Clare was here for a week. She chose the train rather than the plane, "it takes longer but it's nicer". Not to mention a much easier baggage check-in and no weight limit. With ticket prices very comparable, it's a real option. Clare recommends it!
But coming over to France in January can have its drawbacks. Clare came for a rest with no expectations, and for the most part, that's what she got! 'Though we did go out a bit. For example, the river at Jarnac after the church service. It was bitterly cold! we exited the car to go down to the river's edge, and returned shortly after to warm up. "It is lovely on a hot summer's day" we said.
We said it again at La Mothe St Héray where there was a musical nativity in the church. And again at the Abbey gardens in Celles sur Belle. And because it wasn't 'a hot summer's day' the bakery was not serving drinks. Winter closing I suppose. But they did suggest the bar up the hill as a very friendly alternative.
Now the bar up the hill we have noticed before but never felt attracted to go in. This day there were several youths outside just to add to the atmosphere. A notice on the door was designed to ensure that no children under 7 would be admitted- not a family friendly bar then. On entering a helpful notice showed that toilets were on the right and the internet on the left. There was one person on the internet when we entered.
We went up to the bar and the internet activity was suspended whilst the user came to serve us. The place was full of curiosities, including books on the tables and a green mat on the floor by the wall with 2 deck-chairs on it. We ordered coffee which was delivered to us at our chosen table. Our man put Irish music on the sound system and provided us with plates and spoons for our pastries. It was indeed friendly. We took our time over our food and coffees, browsed the books, and the youths outside moved on. At last we paid our bill and left the man to his internet. We were his only guests and so he had it to himself again, but we vowed to be back; perhaps next time on a hot summer's day!
The week was all too short and Clare returned home on the train, this time via Paris and with a journey time of only 6 hours end to end. There are some photos on the web for those who are interested.