RETURN TO AUSTRALIA 2014

DEPARTING GUEMENE

Here are pictures of our neighbouring property put up for sale just before we left. Interesting renovation job!





We set out from Guemene after lunch on 29 June 2014. Our neighbour advised us we should have an easy run as trucks are not allowed on French roads on Sundays. By and large he was right. There were a few foreign trucks who probably were not aware, or didn't care, about the rule. What we didn't bargain with was the huge volume of vehicles which were probably returning to Paris after a weekend in the country. By the time we reached the perephique (Paris ringroad) it was nose to tail and we got to the car return depot at the airport half an hour later than we advised them we would.

Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris

No problem, we were there 3 hours before our Air France departure for Guangzhou in China. So early in fact that because of the huge queue waiting to book in baggage we decided to sit and have our sandwiches. The queue didn't get any shorter so we joined it. Eventually when we reached the check-in desk we were advised, very nicely, that we couldn't get on the flight because it was overbooked, which is standard practice.

"But we booked and paid for our seats in February." we complained.

 "That doesn't make any difference" we were told "we should have got our boarding passes on line".

 "How are we supposed to know that?" we asked

Not sure what the answer was but we got a distinct reminder of the line in "Little Britain". "The computer says NO"!!

However the next assistant we got said we would be compensated with either an €800 voucher each for a flight within 12 months or €600 each into our credit account.

"We'll take the money, thanks."

Also, we will be upgraded to Premium Economy seats on the 12 hour leg to Bangkok with Air France, stay at the Radisson Hotel for the night and have a €16 meal voucher each. Sounds good!!

So, we were given boarding passes for the 2.45pm flight to Bangkok next day with a Thai Airlines connection to Sydney.

The flight hadn't even arrived when boarding was due so it left about 1.5 hours late. There was only 1 hour between flights in Bangkok so, not surprisingly, we were late. But the board said the flight was waiting so we did a dash - which turned out to be about 2kms - to the departure lounge!

 

 

Bangkok Airport

"Usually, in these circumstances, they would book you on the evening flight as there is no chance your bags will be transfered over for this one, so do you want to leave now or wait 12 hours for the evening flight?" we were asked by the check-in person.

"We go now. Thanks for waiting".





 

  

Paddy fields or salt pans next to airport.

We got home around midnight and the bags arrived at 5pm next day. When we had time to stop and check we noted that the boarding passes we were given in Paris nominated the morning flight from Bangkok but the confirmation Email indicated the evening flight.

I've been trying to work out why they overbook since it causes so much upheavel (It wasn't only us). Could be they can get a seat paid for twice and Insurance Companies compensate the customers who don't arrive on time? Bit dodgy if that's true!

 Back home 

Citrus fruit, mostly picked up off the ground. Varition Limes top Left, Lemons top Centre, Valencia Oranges top right and Ruby Grapefruit. Might make some marmalade.



Very delicious "homegrown" Grapefruit!



VISIT TO THE U.K. 2014

We left Guemene on June 7th the day after the 70year commemoration of the D-day landings.

 

 

Across the street from us at Phillipe le Poher's furniture store he had this American flag flying. He remembers standing in this doorway as an 8 year old terrified of the War machinery passing him. General Patton and his troops were passing here on the way to Brest. An American soldier gave Phillipe this flag. He said there used to be a well across the road and the troops were using it to wash. It was the first time he had ever seen a black man he told us.

 

Goodbye pretty Roscoff and Brittany.

 

Looks promising. This is the approach to Plymouth.

 

Hello DAGGSVILLE UK! Wouldn't you think they could have dressed up this jetty for overseas visitors - a few flowers perhaps? It hasn't changed since we were here two years ago and this is only the beginning. You have to descend 100 steps or so to reach the dock, there is a ramp in Roscoff. Unfit walk-on passengers can take their chances. Having reached ground level there is a covered walkway but only covered for half the distance - luckily it wasn't raining when we arrived. It was also badly in need of a facelift.

 

I took no photos as there is a customs check, Britain not being in the Schengen group of countries that have done away with these. I have no argument with that but it does tend to make me more careful.

 

It's a pity you are confronted with this on arrival because the centre of Plymouth is very attractive and of course, GB is as beautiful as ever. Plymouth was badly damaged during the war and the centre is modern.

 

Cousin Cathy with Cathy.

 

Aunty Joan, now 96 years, took us out to lunch. She fell a week before we arrived and broke her left arm but was determined to entertain us. Last year it was Cathy on crutches after a fall.

 

We went to the RIVER COTTAGE CANTEEN & DELI belonging to Hugh Fearnley - Whittingstall of TV fame.

 

Just like looking at my mother!

 

The food was excellent. Mine was whole mackerel. The vegetables had rhubarb added which set the whole thing off well.

 

Going through the family albums later. L to R clockwise, mum with Sue, Mum and Dad with Sue and Pluto the dog. Grandpa Roberts, mums father, between two unknowns. My family. Joan and ex husband George McKay, Mother.

 

Dad, extreme bottom right, with fellow officers. John Gin my Cornish godfather is in the middle of the second row from the back.

 

Frederick William Cecil Roberts, my grandfather, who is largely responsible for us living at Kenthurst.

 

Aunty Joan, left, and mum with friend. She apparantly ended up marrying a German.

 

TO CORNWALL

 

Plymouth Station - keeping up the DAGGSVILLE image!!

 

The MUDCRABS are on the march. The name given to the trainee lifesavers. Cathy, Gail (Cathy's niece) and another mum doing the heavy work!

 

Down to Trevaunance Cove

 

Gathering of the MUDCRABS for pre-surfing instructions at the club house.

 

Follow up pep-talk on the beach.

 

... and into it. This is Archie almost mastering surfboard riding.

 

Scene from the back garden of Gail and Pauls house looking over their roof. An extension to the upper storey is planned for here. The chimney and building on the hill are remnants of a water pumping station, a number of which still stand in this area. They were needed to pump water from the underground tin mines far below.

 

Looking up the valley from near the beach.

 

Looking down onto beach.

 

Nessie in her element.

 

Gail buying meat for the burgers sold at the MUDCRABS nights to raise funds. This is the local FARMERS OUTLET where all products are traceable to source. 

 

Iona in wetsuit ready for the NIPPERS lifesaving group.

 

This wee dog was having a great time. It could move as fast as the big dog - the legs were a blurr!

 

Iona and partner emerging from the sea.

 

Thinking! - Word association game.

 

TRURO

 

Truro Cathedral.

 

Bread stall at the Farmers markets.

 

Note the hair - the reason we came to Truro - good enough to make the fashion magazines!!

 

 

 

Our ferry, The ARMORIQUE coming in.

 

Cathy had a "Milkshake" at the Ferry terminal, the worst she has ever had she claimed. It was milk with a dash of fruit cordial.

 

Back to Guemene - Petite Cite de Caractere (Little Town of Character) a much sought after title in Brittany