A Sublime French Meal

Saturday was a memorable day for us, for a number of reasons. We did the usual market run for fresh fruit and vegetables in the morning followed by a café. Work on the laptops for both of us in the afternoon before we togged up in our scooter gear and headed out to Laroque-des-Alberes. We spent an hour with our Irish friends (who had recorded 40 degrees on the thermometer attached to their house earlier in the day). Next off to our new French friends who we had met briefly at the market the following week. Considering we had only talked for a maximum of five minutes, and even then across other people seated at our table, it was amazing to get an invitation to their house in Laroque. I think one of the main reasons was because they had been to NZ, including Nelson, in February this year and were keen to talk to NZers.

Well, what a time we had. They are an interesting couple, mid-60s, no children and very widely travelled, very well educated, ex-teachers in language and literature and speak about 5-6 languages between them. We had some very interesting discussions about language and Miquèl would often give us a word in Catalan, Languedoc, French, Spanish, Occitan. Pascale, his wife, comes from Basque country in SW France.

We first spent a few hours in their pool (30º) or basking in deckchairs at the side as we chatted away, then sat down to 1. an apero (a quite sweet Banyul Ambré aperitif wine) and nibbly dishes of cured duck and tapenade. An hour later we moved to the outside table and feasted on the following courses 2. escalivado (sliced, fried and baked red pepper, onion, anchovies, eggplant), 3. lamb and sauced potato slices, 4. salad, 5. cheeses and bread, 6. gateau and 7. a cup of tisane. The meal took over four hours and was extremely pleasant. Miquèl and Pascal are extremely easy-going and easy to chat with. We finally left just before midnight. It was quite fun scootering back at night. They emailed us photos of their house surrounded in 80cm of snow two years ago - it completely covered the spa and surrounded the pool.

Winter 2011 in Laroque-des-Alberes

Sunday morning was pretty slow, working away quietly. Monday we tackled the local swimming pool and found that if we arrive about 11am most people have worn themselves out after the 10am opening and there are very few in the one lane designated for swimming lengths. So, we happily splashed away, and I added on some aquajogging while John worked on his tan. At 2pm we had an appointment with another real estate agent. We went through his file of properties on offer and have organised to view three on Wednesday morning. We don't think any are suitable but are keen to see what you get for your money.

Next, it was meal time again. This time we visited our nearby Aussie friends, who had also invited an English couple. These English have been permanent residents in the Ceret are for over 10 years. Peter excelled himself by cooking lapin (rabbit), which was superb. Another late night but only two minutes walk home.