“Can we live in Radiator Springs pleeease?” – a review of the brilliantly new and improved Disney California Adventure

It was about halfway through our trip to LA that we realised we couldn’t have timed our visit better.  One of the main reasons for our trip was to visit Disneyland California, as we’d already been to Walt Disney World Orlando twice and I’d been to Paris; we also wanted to go to Vegas, and so we thought, why not combine it with a trip to LA and therefore Disney California?  We decided to excitedly book for June 2012.  We knew that Disney California Adventure’s new Cars Land would be opening the week we went, but, wow, what a week to pick – Cars Land exceeded all of our expectations and more, and was coupled with the grand reopening of Buena Vista Street – we couldn’t have timed it better if we’d tried! 

Lands of plenty

My husband and I are self confessed Disney nutters.  But I have to say, walking into Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim, Orange County, I was blown away – the attention to detail is incredible, and really is what sets Disney aside from it’s competitors, creating magic and excitement at every turn.  Each of the different ‘lands’ within the park has a unique feel and has been beautifully created; from Grizzly Peak, where you feel like you’re in an authentic American national park (with the added bonus of theme park rides thrown in), to the old fashioned seaside amusement park Paradise Pier and through to touching down in Condor Flats, a remote desert strip where new and innovative ways of flying are tested, you truly feel like you’re immersed in the theme for each individual land – and yet, they flow together seamlessly to create one amazing theme park.



Grizzly Peak

Paradise Pier

New and improved

The two lands which have received the most attention recently are the newly reopened Buena Vista Street and the fantastically brilliant Cars Land.  Buena Vista Street transports the visitor back to 1923 and the Los Angeles that Walt Disney would have found himself in when he arrived in the city.  It’s created from shady avenues, art deco store fronts, Spanish roof tiles and pretty mosaics.  There’s a laid back feel to this land – stroll along in the sunshine as a vintage trolley car rolls by, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the passengers on board the trollies – you may be lucky enough to catch a performance by the Broadway-style Red Car News Boys in Carthay Circle (“California, here we come!”) or the Five and Dime jazz quintet and vocalist, who might just be accompanied by special guest Goofy, dressed appropriately for the occasion and era!

Five & Dime

With Goofy, in appropriate attire!

Cars Land – let’s all move to Radiator Springs!

The highlight of California Adventure, for me, and I suspect for many others in the coming months, was the new land Cars Land.  As soon as you step into this area, you’re immediately greeted by the towering desert mountains surrounding the land – the attention to detail is incredible, Disney have managed to create a whole mountain range using colour to create perspective. 

The incredible backdrop to Radiator Springs

In front of the mountains, you’ve got the town of Radiator Springs, featuring many colourful shops and restaurants and the fabulous Radiator Springs Racers.  This brand new ride involves sitting in two rows of three within a car (made, of course, to look like it’s stepped straight out of the Disney Pixar film ‘Cars’) which transports the rider to a backstage area where the animatronics are like no other experience.  Lightning McQueen, TowMater et al are all there to greet the rider; the ‘realness’ of the characters is incredible (they almost look soft or spongy to the touch, emphasising their likeness to the film charachters) with their computer generated eyes and mouths moving realistically as they talk to you.  You’re then taken into a staging area – of which there are two, so you will experience a different ride to the car next to you – where your tires are changed or your bodywork is  spray painted in preparation for the race.  And then you’re through the doors and lined up with another car-full of eager riders, and before you know it, you’re off on an exhilarating ride, racing against the people next to you!  The ride has the perfect balance – interest and a gentle start suffused with all of the usual Disney magic, followed by a thrill ride – it’s just right!

Radiator Springs Racers - that's my husband on the far left at the front!  We used the 'single riders' queue to beat the 3.5hr queues experienced on the day after Cars Land's opening, meaning that we only queued for 40 minutes and also that we ended up racing each other!

Other thrills and spills for the visitor

There are also two other great rides within Cars Land.  Mater's Junkyard Jamboree is a modern day Cars-themed version of the classic teacups ride.  Luigi’s Flying Tires are huge tires (as the name suggests!) which float on a bed of air – think a giant air hockey table with you sitting on it.  The tires are controlled by the two people sitting within leaning in the direction in which they wish to travel.  There’s also the added, and somewhat weird, bonus of the giant beach balls on this ride – we couldn’t see any other reason to have them on the ride other than to throw them at each other and for the brightly coloured spectacle they create when the tires bump into a bunch of them – nevertheless, they all added to the sense of fun!  Of a night time, Cars Land really comes to life as the whole area is lit up with neon lights – it’s beautiful and colourful and mesmerising and fun all in one go.  The Cozy Cone Motel is particularly eye catching, as it consists of giant neon orange traffic cones!

Luigi's flying tyres



One of the giant beach balls on Luigi's flying tyres!



Cars Land by night!

All in all, the newly revamped and reopened Disney California Adventure is one of Disney’s triumphs.  It’s true that this was our first visit and therefore we can’t tell if it’s an improvement on its previous version, but we have been to Walt Disney World and, for me at least, this was one of the best Disney parks I’ve ever been too.  The attention to detail has always been what has set Disney apart from its competitors, making the parks truly magical, and not just any old theme park.  California Adventure is no exception.  It’s as if Disney have taken the best bits from Walt Disney World (think Muppet*Vision 3D, the rapids, It’s Tough to be a Bug, Toy Story Mania) and a lot of other brilliant extra bits besides and created one fabulous park.  I’ve come away from the experience with one question for my husband repeatedly on my lips: “Can we live in Radiator Springs pleeease?”!!!

Brighton Beauties – why Brighton is the perfect UK hen weekend destination!

Anyone that has been to Brighton will tell you how great it is – full of fun, quirky and beside the seaside!  I have been lucky enough to go on two fabulous hen weekends in this lovely UK holiday town now, and this has lead me to the conclusion that Brighton is the perfect UK hen do destination.  My reasons for this conclusion are twofold: 1) one of the hen dos was mine!  And 2) there really is something to suit every group of friends.  Here is a list of “do’s” for hen do’s in Brighton:

Do: enjoy the range of accommodation on offer

One of the great things about Brighton is the range of accommodation on offer.  You can either opt for one of the bigger seafront hotels (especially good if your group is particularly large), stay in a little guest house (as we did for mine) complete with fry up the next morning to cure those morning-after-the-night-before heads, or book a share-house whereby everyone can stay together, enjoying late night drinking and late morning brunching.  There is a huge range of accommodation available to suit every budget and taste, so shop around before you book to find something which will suit your party.

Do: spend a day exploring The Lanes and the Pier

A trip to Brighton without some time spent mooching in the kooky shops of The Lanes and visiting the Pier isn’t a trip to Brighton at all.  Well, it’d be rude not to visit the pier of a British seaside resort, wouldn’t it?  And don’t forget all the brilliant photos you hens will get at the seaside facades (you know, the painted picture things you put your head through and take a photograph, with you posing, as, say, a Baywatch lifeguard?!)!!  The Lanes are full of cool shops, from fancy dress to everything-for-£5, and quirky homewares to homemade fudge – the perfect girly afternoon can be spent in shopping heaven – and there’s the added advantage that if you buy an outfit for that evening’s festivities, you’re pretty much guaranteed that it will be one of a kind!

By the pier in February 2011.....

....and on the pier again in June 2012!

Do: check out the array of activities on offer

For my hen do, my chief bridesmaid organised a dance class whereby we all learnt a routine which we ‘flash mobbed’ at the evening reception of the wedding.  This was followed by a private Kareoke room at a lovely Chinese restaurant.  For my friend’s hen do, we had a fabulous cocktail making class at Vodka Revolution.  I’ve also heard tell of treasure hunts, Burlesque lessons and even nude life drawing!!  Check the activities out: there really is something to suit every bride-to-be!

At the end of the dance class on my hen do!

Cocktail making at Vodka Revolution!

Do: get into the swing of things and dress up

Yes, you probably wouldn’t go out in fancy dress on a normal night out and yes, you will feel like a wally, but why not get into the swing of things and dress up?  Posh frocks and pearls, devils and angels, emergency services and much more, you’ll come across loads of other hen parties dolled up to the nines – and you don’t want to be outdone, now, do you?!

Little devils!

A visit from the Emergency Services!

Do: visit some of the many trendy bars and clubs

I’ve already mentioned the cocktail making class at Vodka Revolution which was excellent fun, and I’m sure you don’t need it pointed out, but Brighton is the home to many trendy bars and clubs.  Why not try Funky Buddha or the Honey Club down on the beach front?  All in all, a little spot of partying is the perfect way to end your Brighton Hen do! 

Cocktails at one of the many bars in Brighton!

And if you want to see how the flash-mob turned out at the reception of my wedding, here's the link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyiR5ENqb8g&feature=youtu.be

Cool York...and the benefits of having your own personal tour guide!

Yes it’s true, Mrs Lighty goes on UK breaks too!   And last weekend I was lucky enough to visit the wonderful city of York; as one of my most loveliest friends is currently living there whilst studying at York University, myself and another one of my lovely friends thought it was high time we went to visit – and we weren’t disappointed!

Seeing the city through the eyes of an honourary local

My lovely friend and I have followed our other lovely friend all over the place since her studies have began; so far we have been to Frakenthal in Germany, St. Andrew’s in Scotland and York in, well, England (!), and one of the great things about visiting a friend who lives in the place you’re visiting is that you get your very own personal tour guide (particularly if your friend is like mine and soaks up facts like a sponge!)!

York Minster

And so it was that we were given facts about the beautiful old city.  Did you know that one of the windows in the Minster is as big as a tennis court?  And that the city walls are among the most complete in the UK?  Even in the rain and drizzle the sheen could not be taken away from this wonderful city; yes, the Ouze had flooded, and we had to put up our umbrellas whilst walking the city walls, but it didn’t stop us from finding spot upon picturesque spot for photo opportunities galore and making the most of the beauty of York.

The Ouse

Cool York

What also struck me about York was just how so darn cool it was.  Of course, there’s the history and the stunning buildings, but there’s also the cool antiques shops (where lovely friend and I fell in love with beautiful 1940s rings which we couldn’t afford!), and the market selling unusual bits and bobs ,and The Shambles, an extremely pretty street selling everything from glasswear to soap!

As well as mooching in the gift and homeware boutiques, we also ate trendy burgers in the very pretty Stonegate Yard restaurant – a gastro-pub-type establishment with a lovely heated outdoor courtyard, lit by fairy lights and located in a Georgian house.  And we had to make a stop at the Evil Eye Lounge for some fabulous cocktails too – I defy you to not find one you like the look of on the extensive menu! 

Cocktails in Evil Eye Lounge

And so we had a great time and notched up some ‘cool points’ along the way.  But the best bit about visiting York on this occasion?  Getting to catch up with my two lovely friends.  You can’t beat it.

Gone to Ghent

If you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, the Belgian city of Ghent isn’t an obvious choice of destination, admittedly.  Often overlooked in favour of its nearby cousin, Bruges, but much less touristy, Ghent is a great choice for a driving holiday from the UK as it’s just an hour and forty-five minutes drive from the Channel Tunnel – perfect for a European city break for two, which is just what my husband and I were lucky enough to enjoy here on our first anniversary weekend away!

Live like a local

Whereas Bruges is quite obviously a tourist destination, it’s much easier in Ghent (whilst still having its fair share of tourists) to get a feel for the real city.  It’s a great destination to explore on foot, for starters: a morning, or even a day, can be spent strolling around the cobbled lanes and over the bridges spanning pretty canals, and not forgetting mooching in the shops, both the little boutiques and high street chains alike.  The Sunday morning markets are also a great place to start living like a local; a highlight of our weekend for me was a visit to the Kouter Flower Market: on a Sunday morning, the Kouter area of the city is transformed with colourful blooms, accompanied by the tunes of a brass band from the old fashioned bandstand in the centre of the square.  If you’re celebrating a special occasion, as we were, or even just want to get your Sunday off to a stylish start, the best bit of the Kouter is the Blauwe Kiosk, where locals gather sociably for a plate of oysters and a glass of bubbly.  What better way to start your Sunday than with a glass of Champers?!

Colourful Blooms at the Kouter Flower Market

Kicking off our first anniversary with a glass of Champers!



Gastro Ghent
You don’t have to have adventurous tastes, or a fluency in Flemish, to enjoy a good local meal in Ghent, but it would certainly be a help!  If you’re like us, and like to dine in the less touristy bistros and brasseries where you’re unlikely to hear any English spoken, then you’ll like the idea of taking your chances in Ghent.  We had two great meals, one, fortunately, from an English menu and one where we just had to take a chance on the waiter’s broken English description (By no means is this a criticism or complaint, his English was a lot better than my Flemish, that’s for certain!).  Over the two nights we were there we ended up with, between us, tasty honey-glazed ribs, a hearty mixed grill, a Flemish beef stew with apple sauce and Chicken Waterzooi – a chicken and vegetable dish in a creamy soup sauce – all delicious, all of which we might not have chosen had the menus been in English!

My husband, Scott, enjoying his Chicken Waterzooi!

A city of history and discovery

Having said that Ghent is a city of locals, there is still plenty to attract the tourist.  From the STAM city museum, which tells the story of Ghent, through to the wonderful Van Eyck brother’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altar piece which is housed in the beautiful St. Bavos Cathedral, there’s lots to keep the weekender entertained.  There’s also the Gravensteen Castle which dates back to the middle ages to explore, and the Belfry to climb for brilliant panoramic views of the city....in fact, there’s so much to see and do, you might need more than just a weekend!

St. Bavos Cathedral by night

The Gravensteen

So if you’re thinking of visiting Bruges, why not consider Ghent as a trendy and attractive alternative?  There’s something in Ghent to suit everyone, from shopping and sightseeing to eating and exploring, and not forgetting those famous Belgian beers!  Oh and the other thing?  If you take your car, you can stop off in Bruges for lunch on the way back – best of both worlds!

How Berlin's hidden treasures make it Europe’s answer to New York!

Berlin, Berlin – so good they named it.....once!  Yes, ok, it doesn’t quite have the same ring to its name as New York, but seriously, Berlin is one of Europe’s most fabulous cities.  For me, Berlin is Europe’s equivalent of New York.  It’s got that buzz about it: there’s always something going on, the city’s landscape is a constantly changing melting pot of architectural styles and there’s the shadow of the city’s recent history, too.  Just like New York, Berlin is the kind of city that you could go back to again and again and yet see something different each time. 

So how to condense this wonderful city into just one blog post?  Well, pick out some of its many unsung highlights of course! Your first visit will be all about soaking up the atmosphere and seeing the main sights, but I can guarantee that you’ll want to go back again.  Therefore, here are just a few ideas for visits you might want to make on your second, or even third, visit to the city;

Kaffee und Kuchen at the Reichstag

OK, so the Reichstag is somewhere that you’ll definitely want to visit on your first trip to Berlin; its amazing Lord Norman Foster designed glass dome perched high on its roof was enough to make me fall in love with it on my first visit.  But if you’ve already done the Reichstag, how can you do it again and make it different?  Well, one idea is to go once in the daytime and again in the night time; I can promise you that the view will be quite different, yet equally spectacular, both times!  But another way of differentiating your trip and making is a bit different is to take Kaffee und Kuchen on the roof!  Just like a German version of high tea, you’ll be led into elegant surroundings and served elegant cake to match; there’s even gluten free cake for those who need it!  What could be more wonderful than looking out over Berlin with a slice of cake and a cup of coffee in hand?  Fabulous!

Kaffee und Kuchen in the Reichstag!

The Secret Nuclear Bunker at the Story of Berlin Museum

There’s evidence of Berlin’s recent cold war history all over the city.  You may be walking away from the totally modern Sony Centre at Potsdamer Platz when you come across a section of the Berlin Wall, or you may see one of the many mosaic murals which are a left over piece of communist history, and of course, there’s also the imposing Fernsehrturm to remind us of the hold that the Soviets had over the east of the city.  But if you want to experience the cold war from a Western Sector point of view, a visit to the Nuclear Bunker which forms part of the Story of Berlin Museum could be just the ticket.  Cold, dark, damp and rather eerie, you’ll be led down the stairs to this underground hiding place – built to house West Berliners if the city ever came under nuclear attack – and led around the complex with an English speaking guide.  Very interesting, but not somewhere you’d want to spend your whole holiday, that’s for sure!

Inside the very dark Nuclear Bunker!

Schloss Cecilienhof, Potsdam

Technically not in Berlin, and also technically not so-secret, the Cecilienhof Palace in nearby Potsdam is often overshadowed by Sans Souci Palace, also in Potsdam.  But this shouldn’t necessarily be the case; if you have the time to visit both, it’s certainly worth doing so.  Built between 1914 and 1917 and designed to look like an English Tudor country house by Paul Schultze-Naumburg, the palace was commissioned by Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany for his son, Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife, the Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.  The palace was the location of the Potsdam Conference between 17^th July and 2^nd August 1945, attended by Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin and Harry S. Truman, whereby the terms for the Japanese surrender during World War II were issued under the Potsdam Declaration.  Yet another example of Berlin’s recent history coming to life in this interesting visit!

Schloss Cecilienhof

The Jewish Museum

Incredibly interesting, the Jewish Museum was designed by American architect, Daniel Libeskind, meaning that not only is the museum itself an informative and fascinating visit, but the architecture of the museum is also worth taking the time to appreciate.  The Museum covers two millennia of Jewish history, and the design of the museum incorporates the very moving Holocaust Tower and the Garden of Exile; certainly architecture to make you think.

The Daniel Libeskind designed Jewish Museum with its Holocaust Tower

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is somewhere that you may wish to see this on your first visit to the city, admittedly, but if you don’t, be sure to see it on your second visit.  The East Side Gallery is a 1.3km long section of the Berlin Wall.  It is covered by approximately 106 paintings and works of graffiti by artists from around the world, making it the largest outside gallery in the world, and showing itself as a symbol for freedom.  A reminder therefore of the city’s past, and a hopeful look towards its future.

The East Side Gallery

It’s easy to see that Berlin is a place of great variety, history and places of interest.  The above is just a taster of the city; I’m sure that you’ll also want to experience the better known sights, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial and the Sony Centre, as well as the wonderful shopping and dining opportunities that the city has to offer.  But if you’ve got some spare time, or are back for a second visit, it’s worth checking out the city’s hidden gems – I know there’s plenty more that I need to see; better get round to booking that return trip!

A Tale of Three Countries....

With the once-in-every-ten-year event, The Floriade horticultural exhibition, coming up in Venlo, now really is a great time to visit Holland.  But whilst there, why not sample some of the best of the countries that border the Netherlands too?  That’s exactly what I was lucky enough to do recently on a work trip to visit Holland, Belgium and Germany; a trip that really was a tale of three countries!

Our journey on the continent really began when we stopped in Ghent.  This beautiful Belgian city is often overlooked in favour of Bruges, but sitting just about an hour and a half away from Calais, it’s a great destination for a weekend break from the UK.  Similarly, its gorgeous canals and the St. Bavos Cathedral, famous for its altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Hubert van Eyck and his younger brother Jan van Eyck, make it a great place to stop on a longer journey, to stretch the legs and for a bite to eat.

Ghent

On from here, we couldn’t leave Belgium and cross into the Netherlands without sampling some Belgian chocolate.  And what better way to do this than by visiting a working Belgian chocolate factory?!  Chocolate Jacques, in Eupen, offers just that: as well as a really interesting museum and a very tempting and reasonably priced shop, visitors can also take a guided tour of the factory, which involves walking along a suspended walk way above the production line!  Very interesting -  after all, everyone loves a conveyor belt!

Travelling on further still to our hotel, and in complete contrast to the light hearted visit of the afternoon, quite by chance, we came across the American War Cemetery.  The sight of row upon row of unmarked graves is humbling at the best of times, but as we stopped here to pay our respects, the setting sun over the snow-covered fields lent a particularly tranquil, almost eerie, feel to the landscape as we realised that those that had fallen may have done so in the freezing cold conditions that we were experiencing, but certainly in much more horrendous circumstances, doing their duty for their country.  A sight to behold on this beautiful, if frosty, afternoon.

The American War Cemetery

Sun setting over the snow-covered fields

Valkenburg was to be our base for the weekend, and the next morning, we had a chance to explore this charming little Dutch town.  Situated just 13kms east of Maastricht, it has the highest number of beds and hotel space in the Netherlands outside of Amsterdam.  And it’s easy to see why: winding cobbled lanes filled with colourful restaurants and souvenir shops, whose brightly hued clogs hang outside for all to see, are enough to enchant the visitor alone.   Add to that the pretty canal twisting through the centre of the town, the castle ruins perched high on a hilltop and accessed via cable car, looking out over the inhabitants below, and the marlstone caves, and you’ve got a recipe for a great little resort town.  From here, you’re also in an excellent position to undertake ‘the tour of three countries’; having sampled some of Belgian the day before, today was to be all about Germany.

Valkenburg

Clogs!

First stop for us on the German agenda was Aachen, although Cologne is also a viable destination from Valkenburg.  The beautiful Roman Spa city of Aachen is dominated by the imposing Cathedral, and as we visited on this bright and sunny morning, it reached high into the blue skies above us.  From here, we then visited the smaller town of Brühl.  Another gem of a town, the real treasure in its crown being Schloß Augustusburg.  This Rococo masterpiece was a favourite residence of the Electors of Cologne, and as you approach the castle, it’s easy to see why: manicured gardens border a magnificent golden palace, and it’s just as beautiful inside as it is out; the castle is used for state receptions, and as we walked in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, as well as many other dignitaries, up the exquisite and very impressive Balthasar Neumann staircase, it was apparent why it’s not only used for state receptions but is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A very cold me at Schloss Augustusburg!

On our last day we briefly took in some more of the Netherlands with a quick visit to Maastricht (if only these work trips allowed more time in places!) before taking in more still of Belgium.  We firstly visited the Caves of Remouchamps, which were first opened to the public in 1912. The tour here today consists not only of a walk through the pre-historic caves, but also a boat trip which glides mysteriously over the underground river.  The town of Remouchamps itself has almost an Alpine feel, and is a great place to stop for a coffee and Belgian waffle!

Our last visit of the trip was to be to the Gardens of Annevoie; although snow covered during our visit, it was easy to see their attraction.  The water gardens offered us a peaceful stop at the end of a busy trip – what better way to unwind before the long drive back to Calais?!

The Gardens of Annevoie

The Belgian Ardennes and their surrounding countryside are an often overlooked part of the continent, but there’s no reason why this should be the case.  With a base as appealing as Valkenburg to explore Holland from, and both Germany and Belgium nearby, a driving holiday here really is a great way to explore the hidden gems of Northern Europe!

How to buy hats for lambs; AKA, how to be Brits abroad!

“Reims?  Rouen? Rabastens?  Anyone else got any ideas?”.  As we trudge welly-booted through the French countryside, our brains are most definitely being put through their paces, trying to decipher the cryptic clues that make up the traditional New Year’s Day treasure hunt.  There’s certainly no better way to blow out the cobwebs, nor is there a more effective way to work off last night’s canapés and Champagne, than walking through the French countryside with the crisp, cool air and, if we’re lucky, brilliant sunshine of the Tarn Valley on our faces.  As my family and I are fortunate enough to have visited my Aunt and Uncle in this part of France for the last five or so years, we’ve come to realise that this not-so-well-known French Department really is a hidden treasure, and somewhere where us Brits can still show ourselves to be stereotypical Brits abroad at times, whether we want to or not!

A countryside view of Salvagnac

This was not more evident than in the ordering of the meat for our New Years Eve meal.  Off we go to the boucherie, full of confidence in our school-days’ French, and proceed to order our lamb cutlets.  The butcher goes out back, returns and seemingly finds our order understandable and, in rapid-fire French, tells us to see the girl at the end of the counter.  Off we go, we repeat our order to the girl, who again seems to understand and writes down what we want.  We leave the butchers, proud of our language skills, and suddenly realise our mistake.  The hats!  We’ve forgotten to order the paper hats for the lamb!  So we return to the butchers and ask, “Avez vous les chapeaux pour L’agneau?” – and it soon becomes quite clear that everyone in the butchers, be they staff or shoppers alike, are wondering who these two mad English women are that buy hats for their sheep!  After much shrugging, gesticulating and more rapid French later, we discover the correct French word for those pesky paper hats which are causing us so much trouble, embarrassment, and ultimately laughter: Papillote!

And then there is the visit to the vineyard.  We pull up and climb out of our cars, only to find that the shop, attached to the vintner’s house, is empty.  So we wait.  And we wait, and we wait, and we wait, all the while trying to translate the magazine article on the wall about said vintner: “the secret to wine production lies in patience.”  It seems that the secret in buying wine also lies in patience!  In our rather British way, we decide that rather than potentially disturbing the owner by knocking on his front door and using yet more embarrassing ‘Frenglish’, we’d rather make a lot of noise and hope that he hears us.  So we proceed to pull one of the cars into the gravel drive of the house and execute a 10-point turn.  “If we’re going to do this properly, we should at least do a wheel-spin and a wheelie!”, my husband exclaims, but fortunately, neither is needed as the vintner at last hears us and comes out of the house and crosses to the shop to serve us.

A vineyard view

But aside from immersing oneself in the local life of this region, there is much to offer the visitor: from art and architecture in Albi, to culture in Castres, and gastronomy in Gaillac, not to mention the local vineyards, antiques shops, food markets and countryside walks. 

Castres

And anyway, isn’t it more fun to give it a go and try your hand at the local language?  Who cares if you get it wrong?  Travelling is all about experiencing new cultures and there’s no better way of doing that than by getting involved.  After all, we did eventually get our wine, and even our hats for the lamb – although I can just imagine the stories being relayed around various French dinner tables that evening of the mad English women who put hats on their sheep!