Candes Saint-Martin, my favourite spot in La Touraine.

Saturday 2 June 2012

Shaky start

Just a quick post before I start packing my suitcase!


At 11.44 a.m. I received an email from Vera, Mats’ wife, with the ominous title: ‘Delayed’. Not a good start of our trip. Vera’s message read that there was some ferry trouble in Denmark – she didn’t specify whether it was a strike or a technical problem. Anyway, it means that they will have to use the bridges that connect Sweden and Denmark, adding a couple of hours to their journey. Moreover, Mats’ contacts in his mobile phone have been partly erased, so impossible to call me! Vera asked me to send a text message with my phone number, so that they can give me a ring when they reach the Belgian border. 

Their delay will probably mean that we won’t have drinks at my mother’s, because it will be too late. I’m not even sure that we can make it to the restaurant for dinner, because we all want to make it an early night in order to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when we set off tomorrow morning at five.


Finally, the weather forecast for next week couldn’t be any worse. Cold, cloudy and 40% possibility of rain, especially on Wednesday, the day of Susan and Simon’s BBQ. I so hope the weather people are wrong. I really want Mats and Vera to see the Loire Valley at its best: blue skies, picnics alfresco and jolly people in colourful summer clothes, not rain jackets and umbrellas. But then again, as blog friend Gaynor from La PetitePresse wrote in yesterday’s email: “… the scenery and the ambiance will still be fantastic”.

10 comments:

Leon Sims said...

Things will happen regardless and the people met will bring on the sun. Looking foreward to each moment of the journey Martine.

The Broad said...

Here's wishing the weather forecasters don't know what they're talking about! My husband is on his way to France in about an hours time -- in looks good for the first two days he is there -- almost too hot, in fact -- but after that ...

Anyway, may you have the best and most charming of times. And of course, Gaynor is absolutely right.

Diane said...

It depends on which weather report you look at Martine, I am going with the one that says it will be partially cloudy with some sun:) for Wednesday. Drive with care Diane

Vera said...

Arrived..... finally, enjoying a good glass of champagne. Goodnight until tomorrow

Louise said...

How nice to see that Vera and Mats arrived safely and in time for a glass of "bubbles"! I adore the Loire, rain, hail or shine...I' m sure the sun will peek out to greet you at some stage during the trip...fingers crossed!

GaynorB said...

When we arrived in the Loire last night the autoroute was brought to a standstill by a very heavy hail storm. Cars were sheltering under the bridges for about 10 minutes!
When we got to our house there was another storm. Garage flooded but no damage.

See you on Wednesday :0)

Carolyn said...

I'm keeping track of you on other blogs. Looks like you're having a good time.

Leon Sims said...

Did you enjoy the bottle of Mumm we left for you?

This is Belgium said...

hey I found you via Food Fun and Life in the Charente,
greetings from Brussels !
anni

ladybird said...

L&S, The sun was there alright on that memorable Wednesday. But it was the people that brought the warmth. I'll send you an email soon.

Louise, The crossed fingers really helped ... and we needed them. Thank you for the effort!

Hi Anni, Welcome to my blog. Hope to read you again in the future.

To all, I'm so gld we finally met and am enjoying your posts on the blogger party at S&S.