We heard word of a big brocante in the town centre so we wandered over there where the town and it's dogs were out en masse - crowds that reminded us of how the UK markets were of old (e.g. Petticoat Lane, Portobello Mkt, Roman Road). It was well organised: areas for books, records, collectables, bric-a-brac, personal tat - a real hotch potch. I wanted a few photos but there were so many people you wouldn't have known it was a market.
We also went in the beautiful Saint-Eloi Church, a 16thC late Gothic building and Renaissance sachristy (in case you're worried I've gone all devout on you, I'm copying from a leaflet I picked up!) What attracted me was the beautiful stained class rose window (by Sylvie Gaudin). It was stunning - and the choir were rehearsing for Mass later that day with the massive 54-pipe organ in full flow - awsome! It was made up of several mini-altars and areas for quite reflection, in addition to the main church area. Our friends the Lewises would love it! Interestingly, there was an area set aside for Pope John Paul II ... really touching actually.
Then off to the beach for a long walk. We were lucky to see a horse parade along the beach - about 20 sets of horses - all shapes and sizes - pulling their little traps - it was lovely. Here's a piccie:
A glance out to sea revealed lots of yachts were battling their way from Belgium to Dunquerque for respite from the strong winds - there are 4 or 5 moored up around us - some with crew in the bosun's chair fixing the spreaders and nav gear.
Oh, and we must tell you about last night: we went ashore for a couple of drinks after which we fancied a nightcap. Just alongside our favourite hostelrie was what we can only describe as a true public house, an increasing rarity in the UK. A peek through the window revealed a tiny, shabby-chic front room with quirky decor to include a selection of hats! The landlady was quite eccentric herself but made us welcome. It was a fairly limited bar - beers, a few aperitifs and strange liqueurs and then I saw the Martini collection - I just had to have one for old time's sake - perfect! As the evening drew on we noticed the clientele was strictly male and so we decided to drink up and move on. Not that we were made unwelcome at all - just a feeling that there was something more to the 'pub' than met the eye...
So we're glad to report a fairly uneventful day! The Skipper is visibly more relaxed and resisting the 2+ roll-ups per day he's been having. He's had a lot on his shoulders and done brilliantly. Being Skipper ain't for the feint-hearted. That's not to say First Mate has been shirking - she's been good crew, galley slave, accounts bod (that will worry some people reading this!) and jobber's mate throughout. In the end it's all about teamwork which is what we do well.
So that's it for now folks - over & out!
F&M
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