A day at the beach (Tuesday 15th July 2013)

A dip in the Mediterranean was the object of today's activities, closest being Narbonne Plage (Narbonne Beach) which is a small town about 15kms east of Narbonne, the major town in this district. Narbonne is about 40kms from Talairan.

The beach very broad, with sand in abundance, and a promenade with a few seats and shelters scattered around. There were many people on the beach as this is the first week of school holidays. A very colorful scene with colourful bathers and beach umbrellas set against the yelow-grey sand and the clear blue sky. We propped under one of the few data palms for shade and went for a swim. The water was coolish, not cold but not warm. One had to venture out about 50m before the water was deep enough to dive it. It was refreshing when you were in. The water was almost flat with not a wave in sight just a small, gentle swell.

After about 30 minutes we headed back across the VERY hot sand to pick our gear, rinse off in the freshwater shower nearby and up to the promenade for lunch. We found a sheltered spot out of the sun and made our baguette sandwiches. Emily relaxed under the shelter with her book while Kerry and I went in search of a cafe and ice-cream which we found not too far away.

I have been desperate to find a pair of thongs so we made our way to the nearby market where I paid too much. Oh well 9 euros won't break the bank.

Back to Talairan where Emily popped into the local pizzeria to book a table for tonight. We caught up with Peter and his little friend, 9 year-old Hannah. Hannah and her family were former residents of the village but had moved to Reunion for work.

At 8pm we made for the restaurant with Peter joining us. Good thing we booked as the restaurant was very tiny down a tiny lane. All the three tables were outside the shopfront in the lane under an awning. The sky had been threatening to rain all afternoon and as our meals were served the light drizzle picked up intensity, but not enough to spoil anyone's dinner. I ordered a “Fruits de Mer” pizza, aka Marinara which was delicious. The girls each had a generous serving of Lasagne.

About halfway through the meal the heavens opened up and the rain came pouring down. The diners away from the shopfront gave up as the water in the gutter at their feet started to rise and shop floor was quickly flooded. But we Australians battle in stoically until the las bite was eaten! An adventurous meal indeed.

The rain eased so we strolled back to our Gites where we sampled a bottle of local red made and given to us by our host M. Remon. A very enjoyable day.