Writing, fatshion, me: Trip to France

So on the Friday of our holiday, after the disappointment that had been Thursday evening, we woke up in the hotel. We had arranged with the owners to have breakfast at 9am so we headed down then. We were the only guests at the time so we had the huge dining table to ourselves. We had fresh bread and butter, a croissant each, a piece of cake, and jam. The owner had also managed to find some decaf coffee for us and it was lovely!

We checked out at 10am and drove to Brantome. It's a lovely town that has a Friday market, we went with Bettie and my mum way back in 2017. By the time Lee and I got there and because it was kind of late in the season, there wasn't much of the market still left, but we did have a wander round. I bought a little piece of amethyst which I really like. We weren't exactly hungry but we would have had some dessert if we could find it, but we couldn't.

So we drove to Nontron, which is close to where Alison lives so was on our way back. We parked in the old town and walked through a little bit. We went into a restaurant which had a very small menu, but they had omelettes which I quite fancied. I had cheese and Lee doesn't like cheese omelettes so I asked for just a plain one for him which was fine. The chips were really good too. Then we both had a chocolate fondant cake with cream which was delicious. It made up for missing a nice meal on the Thursday!

We went back to Alison's then and met up with all the others, and then we chilled out for a little bit. At 5pm me, my mum, stepdad, Alison and Derek headed to their local bar, La Beleine, for a drink. It's new and it's really cute. It's also a workers coop so that's incredibly cool. Inside it's really pretty and a bit rustic. I had more Pineau des Charentes which was lovely. At 6pm Lee came to meet us and we set off to Vanessa's bar. In October France had really gone mad for pink for breast cancer, and Vanessa was having an event for that too. There was a band setting up in her bar, and everyone had to wear pink, so we talked to some people and had a couple of drinks.

Then we went to Larochefocauld (no idea if that's spelt right but anyway) to go to a creperie for tea. I love French crepes, both savoury and sweet ones. On their online menu there weren't a lot of vegetarian choices but the good thing about French restaurant is that it's really easy to order what you like and they can often provide for you. So Lee and I both had emmental and pureed potato in the galette, with an egg on top. It was rich and delicious and I really liked mine.

Then for dessert I had a crepe Belle Helene. I LOVE Poire Belle Helene so I was pleased there was a crepe. It was quite expensive but Lee said I should just have it. The pear was gorgeous and nicely poached, and the whole thing was delicious.

After we had eaten we headed back to Alison's. Lee was really tired and he was driving, so we didn't get another drink. It was nice to go out again though! I was wearing my new Joe Browns dress again - I didn't take many clothes because I knew I wouldn't need many outfits. I also put on my new crocheted jumper that I made! I just made granny squares with a variegated yarn, sewed them together and called it good. I'm really proud of my first crochet garment and I think it looks cute. It's really warm and snuggly, too!