EXPLORING AND THE CIRCUS

We had a late night last night watching The Pride of Britian Awards on cable, swigging a few wines, and you tubing/playing our favourite old songs. Moi was a tad tired at lunchtime since I still got up and went walking before the rest of them rose from bed. So, Dave took the kids exploring and cliff climbing after lunch so I could have a little snooze. The kids really love the bush and creating new adventures.

More exploring photos here.

The circus is in town and we were excited to go this afternoon.

It was such a shame as it was very disappointing. Jayden sums it up in one word - "boring!" They've certainly changed since I was a child. I wanted to know "where's the elephants and tigers?"

HARIBO MUSEE DU BONBON, UZES

So.......let's see.

Sofie and Jayden - watching lots of tele, movies and playing on Sofie's laptop. Sofie still has a messy room, always. There's a bit of schoolwork thrown in too.















Shelley - time for a change of hair colour. Black is back, with a tinge of bleu (blue).




















Dave - still eating and drinking, whatever takes his fancy.

He has an obsession about photographing all his grog.

We had to leave the house for a few hours today so the housecleaner could clean. Yes, I still don't do housecleaning :). So, off we went to the Haribo Musee Du Bonbon just on the outskirts of Uzes. We were able to see how the sweets (lollies) were made in the machine room and used tokens in the packaging machine to get ourselves a bag of sweets.

After our visit to Haribo we went to a brasserie, got a round of drinks and played cards (Crazy 8) and this time Dave was the LOSER!

Haribo photos here.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Gracias Roses, Costa Brava and Adios Espanol!

Another country down and added to our history.

Oh, and Dave and I went for a walk last night and ran into the Chillum Grow Shop and went in to check it out. They had everything you need to grow your own Cannibis which we were told is "tolerated" in Spain. They didn't sell any "stuff." We were just looking, honestly!

A safe trip and home sweet home again.

Dave was having oyster withdrawals and managed to pick up two dozen since we were home in time to catch the tail end of the markets plus some lovely fresh veges and a bunch of flowers for little 'ol me :).

FRIDAY, ROSES, COSTA BRAVA, SPAIN

The tallest sandcastle ever built by the Stark children with the help of Dad.




















Sofie was, once again, buried alive. All that sand in every crevice - ewwwww!

We realised on the way home that we too should have put a box with a sign saying "gracias, merci, thank you," just as this sculptor had done, with a lot of people stopping to take photos of our castle.

Just one more!

And then I'll settle by taking 3 litres home.

More photos here.

THE BRAVEST OF THEM ALL

It was a glorious, sunny day here at Roses today. We spent the day down at the beach, after firstly sussing out a little bay further around the headland. After deciding the main beach was a better option we set up camp for a day of sun, sand and sea. The water here is still cold though and since I don't do cold water I sunbaked and watched the kids and Dave dip into the water every now and then between sandcastle building and playing world domination.

I don't know what came over me but I decided to be daring and just as the others entered the water I quickly stripped off down to undies only and ran the 50 metres across the sand and into the freezing water. Thankfully there weren't too many people around today. Dave said all he could see were boobs bouncing towards him (lol). I even put my head under the freezing water! So the rest of them always think they're brave for going into the cold water but now I'm the bravest of them all! And luckily the camera's memory card was full just at the right moment ;).

Just to rub it in Trish. Another day, another Sangria or two!

Dave and I had two beautiful walks along the beach today. It's certainly true that water has a calming effect (Nathan). We had such a great day that we've decided to stay another full day tomorrow and have booked another night's accomodation and will head back to Uzes on Saturday.

Today's photos here (and no, there's no boobie shots!)

ROSES, COSTA BRAVA, SPAIN

Halo!

After a pleasant 3.5 hour drive we arrived in Roses, Costa Brava, Spain just after lunch. Checked into Hotel Ramblamar.




















The view from out beach front balcony is spectacular.

A sign on the beach front. Surely it's not legal here, is it?

We were keen to get to the water but waist deep was as far as they got. Even though the sun was out and it was a beautiful day the wind factor didn't really help much.

Afternoon happy hour at a cafe just across from the hotel.

You can't come to Spain and not drink Sangria. This one's for you Trish.

We were blessed with a most beautiful sunset whilst still happy houring.

Then dinner time and Dave wasn't having anything but Paella, a national dish of Spain.

And he thoroughly enjoyed it. Jayden made a little friend at the nearby playground and taught him to count to ten in English whilst he taught Jayden to count to five in Spanish but Jayden says he can only remember one (uno).

More awesome photos here.

ESCARGOT AND CRAVING

Dave had his very first serve of escargot, since being in France, last night. Since we missed the shops on Sunday (they only open till lunchtime) and with yesterday (Monday) being a public holiday here we made sure to catch them in the morning, along with every other person in Uzes! Dave found these in the freezer section for 1 euro 20 cents, far cheaper than we've seen at the markets. As for the taste, his response "good, garlic and butter."

We're craving some sun, sand and sea and generally warmer weather so we're flitting off to Roses, Costa Brava in Spain first thing tomorrow morning. We're booked into Hotel Ramblamar. Adios y mas tarde.