The Grapes of Wrath

Mutant lavender

Oh dear, my gradually nearing demise, which hitherto I had regarded as way over the horizon maybe steaming into view. At least that is what my friends seem to be saying in code. With the future ex wife away in England sampling once again those delights of wind and rain that Mr North holds so dear (see earlier blog entries) I had sent out a coded message to all my pals that I was ready and willing seriously to consider offers of activities that are usually avoided when we are en famille as the french say, but what do I get?  an offer from my Scandinavian friend Terje to visit an art exhibition in St Paul De Vence and an offer of a pitch at the Mougins School car boot sale! No mention from anyone about a late night visit to the flesh spots of Cannes, down town Nice or a trip over to St Tropez or Monte Carlo, the kinds of things that I had in mind, where, o where are the likes of Nigel Hindle, Rupert Scott or Mac Mackay when you need them?
Our nearest restuarant when we settled in this house 2 years ago was Adele’s, about 300 metres away down the hill as the crow flies, about a 400 metres stroll down for lunch but seemingly about 2 kilometres and requiring crampons to get back after languishing over a Marc De Provence on their sunny terrace. Sadly, Adeles husband, a white rasta from Senegal who was great fun, passed away suddenly and the place closed down. It reopened early last year for a couple of months as something else but closed down again shortly afterwards, but now, a new sign has appeared, Les Temps De Mets looks like opening soon, I will keep you posted. As you know, there can never be too many choices for a luncheon venue, there being only 25 or so within the village environs, and only 2 of those awarded Michelin Stars. However if one was happy to venture as far as Mougins about 4 miles away, one could probably consider another 50 or so options…
To the driving range at Victoria Golf Club in Valbonne this afternoon, the interesting, improving but ultimately only 50% of a proper golf course having only 9 holes. Practice is required so as to try not to embarrass myself too much at Royal Mougins this afternoon. Lunch before tee off is always a welcome idea, especially when one is not required to contribute financially but can wreak havoc with the golf in the afternoon, beware the wrath of grapes!
Last night to a house warming in Nice with a new acquaintance Pierre Dumait, a former city trader who has wisely eschewed the bond markets to join me in spreading the word of how to save money on foreign transfers and tenderly returned to ones nest by the lovely Pippa and Gerald, who gallantly do not mention my snoring on the trip back!

My picture today from some nights ago with the lovely Lucy Bird having a bit of trouble with the cheese…

Lucy Bird wrestles with overripe mascapone and truffle flavoured brie..

Chris France

buying a house in France, moving money? www.currenciesdirect.net/chrisfrance

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Best Estate Agency in Valbonne? http://www.rivierarealty.net/

Best French Riviera Property Agent?  

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Best on line resource in Valbonne? www.valbonneonline.com

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