Friday and Saturday the 16th and 17th November were very cold for the time of year and this part of the world. Lowest overnight temperature was -9, compensated slightly by the bright blue skies and sun during the day.
Friday saw the arrival of Sjef and Leonoor, visiting us from Ariege. It was so good to see them again. Just before they arrived N came back from "school" and brought in a couple he had met there. Richard and Karen from Totnes and now living in Hontanx just up the road from here. I made a cup of tea for everyone and served some Christmas cake with it which went down very well. Richard and Karen left and we had lunch then went down to have a look round Eugenie les Bains. Didn't stay too long as it was so cold. Back home, fire lit, heating turned up and we had a good evening chatting and eating.
Next morning we took Sjef and Leonoor into Mont de Marsan, had a brief look around town and at the sculptures before adjourning to the warmth of Ghandis Indian restaurant for lunch. They left early afternoon for the drive back to Ariege. So good to be with old friends for a day or so.
Next day we set off to go to the mountains. Had lunch in Pau then changed plans and decided to visit Lourdes as we were quite nearby. I think we picked a good day to go as it was relatively quiet and most of the tatty souvenir shops were closed. Once into the area of the grotto it is very beautiful and I have to admit that standing in front of the grotto I felt a sense of peace and serenity. I can understand why so many want to visit there. Photos were forbidden although there was a family taking photos. I felt it wasn't right to take a photo though so I had to content myself with taking a photo of the street outside and buying a couple of postcards of the grotto.
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