Did you watch the French Open tennis? Sharapova must have become hearing impaired by her raucous grunting, because when the sponsors told her “wear your best Nike” she didn’t bother changing when she got up each morning!

We are now in France joined by Kathleen and Andrew at “La Grange Galloise”. Catriona and I broke our 1000 km drive north with a night in this very beautiful Hotel Roger de Flor in Lloret del Mar, a picture of C at breakfast. Because of the distances we drove all afternoon and the following morning and I set the cruise control at around 145 km/h.

Yesterday at the market in St Antonin K and C were delighted to have a French troupe of bagpipers appear and entertain with some Scottish numbers and dancing. We bought at the market (after copious tasting) all the breads, pastries, cheeses, wines, terrines and meats we could carry. Our wines include an aperitif made from strong white wine (16.5%) flavoured with vanilla and saffron, fabulous. It occurs to me that the French very cleverly maintain their bread industry and keep their fitness levels up walking to the nearest baker each day, by making light bread that goes stale in an hour and a half! It is hard in France to get a loaf with any real substance. Mind you the bakers can have a sense of humour - see the hand loaf in this picture with a finger up.

Off to the Marie to get keys to the tennis courts this morning. We had an electrical storm last night and were entertained by forked lightening all around.