Christmas in Montréal. Part II

The Christmas Fairy decorates the tree


Although Christmas itself was quiet, the last couple of weeks have been full on. It all started with myself and the girls' whirlwind visit to England (a wonderful birthday present for Cassi and Christmas present for me from Steve!) The main purpose of the visit was for Cassi to be able to go to the pantomime in Malvern with my mum and my nieces - she had been so disappointed not to be going! But it was fab to catch up with family and a few friends too, although there was simply not time to do everything! It was certainly an experience making the flights with the two little ones, but to be fair they were brilliant, even with a delay on the way back.


Out on the Friday, back on the Monday - not even time to play while the cats were away ; )


Heading back to Blighty


Cassi, Niamh, Bethan and Nanma waiting for Aladdin!


We then had a couple of days to get ready for Christmas, wrap presents, pick up the duck from the village boucherie, and settle in for a quiet family Christmas in France. The festivities kicked off on Christmas Eve with a firework display set against the backdrop of the cité of Carcassonne, which was truly remarkable.


Christmas Eve (and Christmas Cassi) at the fireworks


Christmas day was very much enjoyed by Cassi, as all we seemed to do was open presents and eat chocolate cake, and was observed by Edie who enjoyed eating the paper, and playing with and biting her new toys.


Like pigs in...


We had planned a trip up the mountains to find some snow on Boxing Day, but as it turned out we couldn't get far because the snow came looking for us. We woke up to white scenes and so spent the day building a snowman and then went sledging to try out Cassi's new sledge, near some woods in the village. Fantastic!


No, this isn't the snowman!


This is just what we bought the Landy for

Want to see something funny? Watch Edie in this clip...


[btw: Old video clip of Cassi's first ever crawl is now on Youtube for those who haven't seen it - or those who want to see it again]

Christmas in Montréal. Part I

No office parties, continual re-occurences of the same songs on the radio, and the other usual festive activites this year. Instead, here's a snapshot of the lead up to our French noél season.

We'll add to this over the next week or so, but to to get the Xmas ball rolling here's a quick vid clip from the concert put on by Cassi's school (Ecole Maternelle) and the Primary in the village, held in the Salle Polyvalente. The day started for the kids with a mass Xmas lunch, which looked like a cross between a scene from the work house in Oliver! and the canteen from Hi-De-Hi! Then us parents were invited to watch the performances as each class/year from the schools did their own thing. It was soo touching to see - but we would say that, she's our daughter!

For those with an eagle eye, watch as the lad on Cassi's left tries to hold her hand, and her reaction to this unwanted attention...



And here's some scene-setting pix from Carcassonne. The town had a full programme of activities taking place across various locations to celebrate the festive period, including a big ferris wheel, luge runs, fireworks and ice skating...


Cassi and I on the Reindeer and sleigh kids rollercoaster (fortunately, not too hairy that one!)


Square Gambetta, Carcassonne


Edie and me on the big wheel with the Cité behinds us - wicked view from up there


Place Carnot in the centre of the walled town, below the lights is an ice rink - video below

Visitors, Fetes and Big, Big Snakes

The end of November brought our first visitors to Montréal; Ann and David, Lucy's Mum and Dad, drove over to spend a couple of weeks in the Artic wasteland that is the Aude valley. Seriously, in a house with no central heating (or even insulation it feels like) it is v. cold out here. They can be seen here on a lovely visit to Toulouse, standing next to another of the omnipresent merry-go-rounds.


Merry-go-round in Toulouse


...and again

We've also experienced a handful of fêtes in the village recently. November hosted the Marché Gourmand and December the Marché de Noel, in which Cassi's school had a stall, providing Lucy with the opportunity to volunteer her services like all conscientious parents who can speak French should.

Both of these were held at the Salle Polyvalente (Sports Hall) which is just down the road from us. And interesting events they were too. They run all day and offer an eclectic jumble of stall holders and entertainment. For instance, at the Gourmet food market - which was the better of the two, alongside the expected Caves and sellers of fine fromage, the local hunt (Chasse) had a stall (with accompanying stuffed dead animals). There was also a brass band, the Montréal majorettes, helium balloons at only 9€ (what?!!! Why did I promise Cass a Dora balloon?) not to mention large pans of a snail (l'escargot) dish (looking too much like witches cauldrons the way the shells and their contents were bobbling around) and general 'tat' (to be kind).


Marché Gourmand

While I was in the UK, posters went up around the village advertising a reptile show, so Lucy dragged Cassi down to the Salle de Fêtes (or was that the other way round?) for a show that sounds like it was a real highlight, and one that I missed out on.

Lucy's note: This was really a sight to behold and I am sure that this kind of thing would never be allowed in England! The first worrying sign was that after a recount I could only see 9 fingers on the hands of the guy handling the animals. Hmm- I would love to hear the story behind that one. He then introduced us to a range of beasties- a scorpion, a big whoppa spider (in Cassi's words) and snakes ranging from little king snakes, to boas, pythons and even a viper, which he demonstrated injecting its venom onto a sheet of paper.

All was presented to an appreciative audience sat in a horseshoe around a trestle table, on which various creatures were left while the guy went off to get the next delight. The highlight was a crocodile whose party trick was to relieve himself down the man's trousers. Still at least no more fingers were lost! I have to admit that I had to put a brave face on for Cassi's benefit, but it was certainly an entertaining evening and Cassi still recalls the time we went to see the snakes and ladders!


Big, big snake


Reptile Show

Up in the mountains, up in the woods

Here in France, l'Armistice Day, November 11th, is a National holiday. So, with a spare day to fill we headed north into the Montagne Noire to see what the place looked like close up. Our destination was Mazamet, but our plan was flawed. Being a holiday we hadn't realised that meant that everywhere would be shut - not even a cafe to get a drink from. So, after driving for an hour, walking around an empty town for twenty minutes (it was like driving around the UK on xmas day), we headed home. In the end, we couldn't really pass any verdict on what Mazamet is like, it was too closed.

Our return tooks us via a precarious outcrop, on top of which was perched a statue offering merci to the Virgin Mary. Yeah, I didn't quite get it, but the view was pretty cool.


Three pretty girls up very high


In the valley stretching out beyond the outcrop is Mazamet

At the end of the month Cassi and I finally got round to venturing up into our local woods. No idea how big it is but we walked for an hour without seeing anyone else. Well I say we walked, I did most of the walking, Cass did most of the sitting on shoulders.

Knowing that the hunt head up there sometimes, I was sort of hoping that we might have seen sanglier, but to no avail. Mind you that might have been a good thing - not sure I would have fancied a run in with an adult boar, although I did have a (nother) cunning plan - dress Cass in bright pink, and make sure I can run faster than her!

Two other major bonuses that week; Cassi did her first school lunch, although we suspect it was the mini-bus drive to the canteen that really appealed to her (and unfortunately as much as we would have loved a photo, but we haven't), and lastly, switched the TV on to discover we now have Channel 5. Bonus.


Decoy


Something about this photo sort of sums up France for me

Out and About

Couple of quick posts to bring things up-to-date(ish), first of all (this shows how long it's been) Cassi dressed up for a Halloween party we went to at some friends who live just outside the village. Just in case your not sure, yeah, she's a bat. Not a bad attempt as she only got the invite a couple of days before.

A few days later, we decided to head over to the Med and spend some time strolling along the beach at Leaucate Plage - a bit chillier than the previous time we were here in 2004 when it was Cassi who was only five months old. Grabbed a bite to eat nearby where Cass not only tried moules for the first time, she pretty much finished off my bowl. The rest of the afternoon and evening we spent in Perpignan.

Here's some snaps...


Too scary! Too scary! Who let the bat out?


Not quite the same as it is in the summer.


Someone got cheeky once too often...


Someone makes a run for safety...


There seem to be quite a few of these 'traditional' merry-go-rounds in these parts. On this one in Perpignan Cassi had to be rescued from too much speed. If only I had judged the speed correctly before I lept to her rescue...

Ou est le sanglier?

Ok, here's a brief run down of some of the local critters we've seen/been invaded by over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the supposedly common as muck wild boar - le sanglier - have been keeping themselves to themselves (especially on Sundays at this time of year - hunting season).

Never fear, when we do eventually snap one it will be here first...


Very unexpected this one - I'd forgotten that I had read they are to be seen on the Canal (du Midi), and they were, in Trèbes. Say "Hello" to Coypu.


Hummingbird Tiger Moth - looks like a Hummingbird, is actually a moth - mesmirising.


One ugly looking mutha... this is third one of these we've seen in the house, and we have no idea what it is - any suggestions?


This was a very exciting find - spotted this lump sticking out from under a leaf, and turn it over and we found a Praying Mantis - never got those in the Cotswolds!


Cutest of the lot so far. One Sunny Sunday morning, there it was, on the window sill. Come in, make yourself at home...


Really, this thing is massive compared to what we'd seen in the UK. Stick a Ryanair logo on its arse and this beauty would have clearance to fly in and out of Carcassonne airport it was that big.


Double take time - not a fly, but a bee, and a pretty one at that.

Village Life

Here's a quick overview of our village; Montréal. Let's be honest, it's not the prettiest village we've ever seen, but what it offers in terms of location and amenities, is bang on the nail. Situated on a high ridge, the village is laid out in a circular form (common, it seems, to many other villages in this region) around the central church and apart from having to always go up a hill to get anywhere (or back again), everything we need is really handy; Cassi's Ecole Maternelle is a brisk 10 minute walk away, as are the Bank, Boulangerie, Boucherie and Vival store. Also close by is the kid's play area, outdoor swimming pool (only open in the summer) and fishing lake. We've met quite a few local people in our three weeks so far, and you can' t help but notice how friendly everyone is. Anyhow, more info on the village here.

As for our location... We are located within the world's largest wine growing region, and the Med is an hour to the east, and the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees an hour to our south. Being located on a hill top, Montréal offers some stunning views of the mountains when the sky is clear. Only 15 mins away is Carcassonne and it's Airport. Not just a medieval Cite (the castle), the Centre Ville is the walled old town on the other side of the River Aude, and is just charming.

On top of the world

We decided to go and see some of them there mountains that we can see from the top floor windows. A beautiful, clear and warm day, so we headed up to Monts d'Olmes - our nearest ski resort.


Monts Dolmes - next time we see this view it will be white

Although there had been a little snow on some of the highest peaks earlier in the week, it is still out of season, so the resort was pretty much closed, bar the odd walker or two. But the serenity and quiet was breathtaking. And trying to catch the lizards basking in the sun was a pointless, but entertaining way to spend a few minutes.


Chateau Montsegur - Woah!! wouldn't have fancied being on that building job

Just down the road from the resort is the cathar castle of Montségur. Quick snapshot here just to illustrate the story, but it does not do justice to just how astonishing it is to see the castle (like many of the others in the region) perched on the most inhospitable, and unlikely, precipices.





Not that you can see it, but behind us stretches the Aude valley all the way across to the Montagne Noire

First day at school

Like a lamb to the slaughter...

This was easily the hardest moment of the 3 weeks so far- leaving Cassi at her new school. We had of course managed to build it up for her as the most exciting thing ever, and so kitted out with her new chicken bag and a few useful French phrases (like "je peux aller aux toilettes"!) she arrived full of enthusiasm.

Her day started with a bit of colouring, and then all the class (about 20 with 5 absentees) were called around the benches and the day's routines began. The first thing they had to do was count the absentees and some of the other kids couldn't manage to get to 5 without a mistake. I was relieved for Cassi that she can count to 10 in French perfectly (although she sometimes misses quatre out becasue she doesn't like it!) The children had also had to identify their name on entering the classroom and some of them even struggled with that so I felt reassured that Cassi would not be the class idiot even if she was the foreigner!

So once she was engaged in an activity, I headed home. It was a long 3 hours before going to pick her up for lunch, but we were incredibly relieved to see a smiling face rushing out to greet us at 12. The hard thing was having to take her back again after lunch, but at the end of the day the teacher, Mme Garnier assured us that she had been "parfait", and had even introduced herself to the class in French. Bless!

As the week progressed she made a couple of friends ( including another Kassy!) and seemed to grow in confidence, although she was shattered by the end of the week. I think it was a good call to send her for this week, as at least she is now on half term and when she goes back next Thursday it will not seem so unfamiliar.

La Ronde du Malepére

Another taste of the local culture (and of course the produce!), La Ronde du Malepere, was an odd event which combined wine tasting with the most enormous vide grenier / car boot you have ever seen. Based in a village about 10 minutes away called Alairac, we had to climb to the top of the village weaving past everyone's old crap to get the bit we had gone for - the wine tasting! Armed with a glass you can go around the various "domaines" sampling and buying any which take your fancy.


We managed to carry a few bottles as well as the girls back down through the village, and went home feeling like we had seen another glimpse of real French life!

Update - We now know a bit more about this event. The AOC Malepére is the wine producing region we live in, and this annual event takes place over two days, but is held at a different village in the region each year with local Caves from the region sampling and selling their wares. We also found out afterwards, that rather than the plastic glasses we used to sample with, we could have bought a commerative engraved glass one instead. Oh well... maybe next year...

Fête de la Pomme

Having been to Mirepoix earlier in the week we had noticed that there seemed to be a lot of apple type activity. We then discovered that the coming weekend was bringing with it a festival in celebration of the humble apples, with a vintage tractor parade billed as one of the main attractions. This looked like too good an event to miss!



And it was! We arrived at about 1ish to a subdued atmosphere and wondered whether we had got the wrong day, but we are still adjusting to everything stopping at lunchtime in France.



Needless to say, after lunch the place started to bustle, the merry-go-round was cranked up (much to Cassi's excitement!), the toffee apple and candy floss sellers appeared and the day's star attraction - the country and western "spectacle" took to the stage in the market place! Cassi was in her element and danced away for about and hour and a half and jeeeez, did she cry when they finished and it was time to head home!

Pyrenees or bust!

Portsmouth; The ferry terminal of pear shaped events.

Things first took on a slight bulge around the rear end when we arrived at the port to discover the company we had booked our tickets through had gone into administration. Bummer. Therefore, Brittany Ferries hadn't been paid for the reservation, therefore, if we wanted to travel, we had to pay again. Big Bummer. But, as we had no choice...

So, having paid twice we get back into our vehicles go to join the queue to board and I'm driving in the dark! - the Landrover has no lights. Not on the outside, not even on the inside. Check the fuses. Check the switch. All I have is hazard warning lights. Fortunately, Portsmouth is well illuminated as you make your way around the cones and onto the ship. Mind you, there was the minor diversion through the open shed when customs decided to pull us in (maybe driving with no lights does draw attention to yourself).


Where others see a ferry cabin... Cassi sees a playground

I think the fella changed his mind when he saw just how much stuff there was in the back of the van, and how tightly it had been packed. Whatever the reason, after a couple of questions, we were on our way again. First leg - complete.

Besides having to wait an hour for enough light to drive in, our arrival on the other side of 'La Manche' was trouble-free. We had to take a detour to our original plan to undertake some running repairs, and found in Fleury-Sur-Orne, Normandy, Charon 4x4 who were fantastic and did what they could - without having the right part in stock - to get us back on the road. Merci booclue!

Next stop, our overnight stay in Limoges and the following morning we head off for the final leg to our destination... Montréal.



Heading out of Limoges

Getting Here...

For any of you on the lookout for a cheap holiday in the South West of France [note: we don't cater for complete strangers! But then again... ; ) ].

Here are some options to get you here...

Flights
Nearest Airport is Carcassonne (15 mins), RyanAir flys there from Stanstead and East Midlands.

Toulouse is about an hour away, and EasyJet fly there from Bristol and Gatwick.

Or an hour in the other direction (on the Mediteranean coast) is Perpignan. Fly there with RyanAir from Birmingham or Stanstead.

If you are aware of any other flight routes, let us know.

Trains
Eurostar will get you from St. Pancras, London to Toulouse (about 8 1/2hrs), Montpellier (about 7hrs) or Perpignan (about 8 1/2hrs).