Today dawned misty and still in the heart of Brittany.
Petit déjeuner was a leisurely affair, as it should be on a Sunday morning, my pal Denis produced one of his legendary omelettes. With that, plus croissants, bread, jam, fruit compote, pain au chocolat, yogurt and cheese it was substantial enough to keep me going most of the day! Even more reasons to love this wonderful country.
Anyway, once the sun got to work burning off the mist, we decided to take a gentle drive to Vannes, a pleasant old sea port on the Morbihan coast. These days the place is popular amongst the yachting set as its harbour extends right into the centre of town and countless bars and cafés nestle almost alongside the moored boats. In my younger days I was quite partial to a bit of sailing , but these days I prefer to get my kicks on dry land!
We parked up just outside the medieval city walls and took a gentle walk, or as the French say, “Faire une Promenade,” through the formal gardens down to the harbour.
As you can see, the weather clerk has been very kind to us.
At the end of the harbour’s inner arm were a couple of old gaff rigged traditional Breton fishing boats. Brittany is justifiably proud of its maritime tradition and to see old timers such as this is not at all uncommon. I guess it’s no surprised to say that I love ’em!
The modern plastic tubs all seem so “ordinary” in comparison, I wonder if any will be preserved in 100 years time?
Leaving the harbour we strolled around the medieval quarter and enjoyed its narrow streets and wonky buildings.
We ended up at the wonderfully ostentatious Hôtel de Ville which makes quite a statement of the past glories of this historic sea port!
All that remained was a leisurely return to the Château for an afternoon dip in the pool, which was bathed in sunshine before I took this photo!.
Then, another “promenade” around the Château grounds in glorious evening light in company of our friends and their two terriers. This really is a lovely place.
. . . and now dear reader, as Denis says, “Il est temps pour un petit verre.” – It’s time for a little glass/drink. . . . Salut!
“When the rhythm’s really fine, rare and sweet as vintage wine”
Catch you soon.
Dookes
PS I’m feeling a bit guilty enjoying myself so much, as my mate Greg has just spent all weekend back in hospital on an antibiotic drip, having picked up an infection after his chemo session last week. Fortunately the Welsh rugby team cheered him up with a good victory over Uruguay in Cardiff today. Thinking of you mate, hwyl fawr!
Hogrider Dookes 
You make your readers want to go visit Brittany with your descriptions and photographs.
And I’m sure your friend Greg would be the first to tell you off for feeling guilty about having a good time….
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Well, to be honest it’s a pretty good place to go!
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Yeah, Greg and I have been having a riot with our text messages! Good rugby results help. 🙂
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Vannes is indeed very nice. We lived several years in Nantes and enjoyed the Morbihan often. I see Alba has already made the point I was going to make about Greg and guilt. As you say, the rugby helps (though we might need cheering up after next weekend…)
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Correct, rugby always helps and don’t be so worried, the boys will do fine!
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They’ll do their best but I’m always worried… Fingers crossed, anyway.
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Have faith my friend!
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Thanks Curtis, I’ve been pondering your comment and yes, you and Alba are right.
Greg’s illness has brought home to me how none if us are indestructible, however much we’d like to think it. I guess it’s hitting home even more knowing that he is younger than me and just feeling so bloody useless with the situation. Alba has sent me a PM that has basically given me a good talking to, (trust a Scot to do that eh?) she’s got me back on track and put things in perspective. Tomorrow, I think may be time to get on two wheels and follow up Alba’s advice!
Catch you soon, Dookes.
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Right… Glad Alba’s been on to you with some Scottish common sense. I have a very old friend who’s just been hit with prostate cancer, but apart from keeping up our zany email correspondence, there’s little I can do. Get those wheels turning and hope for the best.
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Now Curtis, did I not say that the boys would do good?
Cymru am Byth!
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You did indeed. You had more faith than I did! But with 3 more injuries, 7 points down and 10 minutes to go, you must have had a niggling doubt too… A brilliant result!
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A little R & R now will stand you in good stead for what may be difficult days ahead with Greg. Give him a good old Aussie ‘G’day’ from me.
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Will do mate!
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There’s a couple of trips that need to be done when I get better…None of them involve guilt!!
We’ll have none of that p[lease…. !
Greg
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Ok, that’s a deal mate!
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