Le Mans Virtual

From my sister site…

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Mirabelle

In one of the corners of our garden in Germany we had a Mirabelle Plum tree which produced many fruits every year. So much that neighbours were given free access and could pick up as much as they desired. And they did. What was left was frozen for future use.

Tree in the foreground on the left of the picture

The new owners do it slightly differently to everyone’s delight. They actually produce a Mirabelle liquor from the fruits. Imagine our surprise when we received a bottle last Christmas. Weird to think that I planted that tree myself many moons ago. I have of course tasted it in the meantime and it is not bad.

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Hike – Ancienne carrière de marbre

That was the plan

Brilliant day for it, the sun was shining, no wind, pleasantly mild. The drive to the starting point in Caunes Minervois is only 18km through nice country side.

It started OK, when reaching point 2 I felt terrible and we had to turn back and walk back down to the car. Quite a shame really but we’ll be back. I managed to take a few photos nevertheless.

It was the 1st time I was wearing my new hiking shoes and I was impressed.

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Poires pochées au vin rouge

I really love those

Je ne suis pas une grande fan de poires sauf lorsqu’elles sont préparées comme dans du gâteau au chocolat par exemple :p Mais j’ai toujours été …

Here is the link to the recipe, in French

Poires pochées au vin rouge
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State Dinners and French Power

Powerful rulers have hosted lavish dinners since time immemorial, as a way to demonstrate their power and to forge alliances. But does anyone do it …

State Dinners and French Power
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Why France is so popular

When two news sources in two different countries publish an article asking the same question, it tends to catch your eye. Based in Paris, The Local, …

Why France is so popular
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Viva España

Day 2 of 2

After a pleasant breakfast, we set off towards the coast. The plan is to take the coastal road back to France.

Before we leave the town of Figueres, there is a bit of shopping to do and namely Gin to drink and a large leg of ham to eat. You cannot beat the prices.

We head first towards Roses, which brings back a few memories, before driving through Llança and Portbou where the border with France is located.

We carry on to Banyuls-sur-Mer for a 1st stop and recover from the winding road (especially the passengers). The weather is pleasant and very mild and the drinks feel good.

Back in the car for the fairly short drive to Le Barcares.

Back in the car for the fairly short drive to Le Barcarès.

The plan is to show my friends the very special Christmas Market there. It is opened till January 9th.

After a snack and a drink we set off home where we celebrate the past 2 days with a very pleasant apéritif dinatoire with some of the stuff we purchased earlier in the day.

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Un día en el museo

We decided to finally go to Spain to visit the Dali museum. It was originally planned in 1BC (Before Covid) together with some friends from the UK. Obviously it had to be cancelled.

This time we are with our friends K & P from Germany.

The town of Figueres in Spain is only 165 km (100 miles) away. We had booked / reserved tickets for 1pm so we had time for a coffee and a couple of tapas.

Not very warm in Spain today. The museum is not difficult to find with its impressive outside.

We had to wait a few minutes before being allowed in. Some interesting views. I did not know he had such an interest in tyres.

The inside is extremely interesting. It is impossible to photograph everything.

We had booked a hotel in advance. It is located a few hundred meters from the museum and easy to fin. I can highly recommend it. Thank you S&G for the tip.

https://www.hotelpirineospelegri.com/en

Réservation for dinner were made for 8pm which gave us time for a rest followed by a discovery walk in town which was remarkably busy for a Sunday evening. Many shops were open and we of course had to have a small aperitif.

One of Dali’s work

Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant Pelegri was excellent and despite the fact that today was the staff party evening, the service was very good and deserved the larger than usual tip I gave.

It was a long day and the bed was welcome

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Away time (5)

DRAFT

Lazy morning, did a Covid test with negative results so to celebrate I am down the pub. The local beer is as good as ever.

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Away time

DRAFT

Day 1

Easy drive to Barcelona, it took only 2h40 to reach the town centre from home and another few minutes to get to the hotel. Although we arrived early, our room was ready and we could settle in before parking the car and look for a spot to eat. It did not take long to find the ideal tapas place. Warm enough to sit outside, on top of that the needed beer was excellent.

Looking at the map, it is not far to go on foot to the famous Basilica De la Sagrada Familia.

So off we go. We have tried a couple of times in the past to get in without success but this time we are able to buy tickets on line for an immediate entrance.

I‘ll photoshop the crane away from my home computer

Back at the hotel for a rest before heading out to a restaurant I have booked months ago. The plan is to walk there.

We find the said restaurant „Tapeo“ after some 30 minutes walk. The food is excellent and I can certinly recommend the place.

On the way home we stopped at this cocktail bar called „Tabu lounge“

Final night cap at the hotel. Being a member of the club allows us for a free welcome drink. It would be a shame to miss it.

All in all, quite a pleasant day. Did some walking too which compensâtes with the amount of tapas which were enjoyed.

Day 2

Not a brilliant night sleep, always the same when in a new bed. As a result up earlier than planned. After a nice breakfast, it is time to go and find the car. Despite the sunshine and blue sky it is quite chilly outside.

The drive to the airport is easy and only takes 20 minutes. We have to kill a couple of hours but it might be too early for a beer.

Soon it is time to board and fly away. We are dead on time and the weather is good. We are treated to so e greats views along the way.

Soon after departure in a south westerly direction (runway 25L was used) we turn around and fly past Barcelona. Great view of the town and the Pyrenees in the north.

The pilot then sets across the Mediteranean towards Marseille. What a view of my favorite town.

Soon the scenery changes and we reach the Alps

It does not take too long to reach and cross Germany before landing in Hannover which happens to be the one I used the most in my life so far.

The hire car was waiting for us as planned. We settle at our daughter‘s house after a noisy welcome from the 3 dogs.

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