We couldn’t make up our minds where to go today, Monday 3rd March. We talked about taking the train or driving to Italy or Menton but eventually opted to drive to Frejus. The fact that we hadn’t been to Frejus or St Raphael for more than 20 years became the deciding factor.
The journey via the motorway takes just over an hour. We parked in the main square near the cathedral. We had plenty of spaces to choose from, it obviously wasn’t market day.
We walked to the cathedral and suddenly we realised our mistake. We arrived on a Monday and all the public tourist buildings are firmly closed.
We drank a very poor cup of coffee at a bar in the square outside the cathedral. Next stop the Roman Theatre which was also closed.
We decided to drive down to the port area and wander around there. Parked up successfully and then wandered along the promenade which soon petered out. Frejus doesn’t offer any restaurants along its promenade in the off season.
We returned to the car and drove onto St Raphael where we decided to have lunch. We didn’t pick the best place for our meal. I had an Italian Salad which just passed the acceptable test. Maggi made the mistake of choosing mushroom risotto.
The walk around St Raphael led us to the 19th C church Notre-Dame de la Victoire.
The building sits just near the coast and seems to be jammed in between the coast road and houses and shops. I liked the interior with its simple pillars and rounded arches. Behind the alter are very simplified images of various saints which I didn’t find very attractive. However the stained glass windows seemed very modern and semi abstract. I was impressed by the beauty of the glass.
We left the shady church and out to the bright sunshine. All along the coastal strip and around St Raphael port a great deal of construction work is taking place. Hopefully this will improve the look of the area. At the moment they are kicking up a lot of dust and hampering some shops from receiving regular customers.
We drove back along the coastal road until we arrived La Napoule at which point we. rejoined the motorway for the rest of the journey home.
In the evening I told Olivier we didn’t want any money for him to permanently keep the cupboard under the stairs. All he needed to do was pay any legal fees and find an English speaking attorney to do the legal work.
Tuesday 4th March
We spent the bulk of the day getting ready for our departure. We bought some food at Grand Frais for our evening meal back in the UK plus a few things for Adam and Co for when they arrive in April.
We cleaned all the sheets and towels and made the beds for Adam etc. The place looked very nice when everything was completed. I even did a bit of gardening, well a bit of weeding really in the front of the house.
In the evening I drove to Bar Sur Loup where Maggi had arranged to meet Mad and Tom for a meal at the Jasmin Restaurant. The place seemed quite cold and unfriendly. To begin with the maitre d told me to move the car. I had parked there before but he insisted.
We had arrived at 7:30 and Mad and Tom had chosen a table. They sat in the restaurant alone. Eventually another group of 4, then a threesome and finally a guy on his own arrived.
I choose the seafood started which had a nice texture but very little flavour. I added some salt but that didn’t produce any extra taste. For my course I thought I would try the vegetarian option based around choux, which I correctly guessed is cauliflower. The choux and I think it was Brussels sprouts had been charred and with a zataar flavouring. To go alongside the veg sat some humus and Greek yogurt. The dish tasted slightly odd, but not unpleasant. I wouldn’t choose it again. Finally I opted for the Prunes in a packet with cognac. This course definitely won on the taste stakes. I’ve had it before so I knew I was on for a winner.
90% of the conversation centred around our recent holidays. We talked about our Sri Lankan trip and they told us all about Sao Tomè and Principe. I really didn’t fancy going to these two islands just off the coast Equitorial Guinea.
We left the Jasmin at 9:30 and made it back just before 10. I put on the football to watch PSV against Arsenal. I knew I’d missed the first half. When I turned the TV on the second half had already started. Arsenal looked very chirpy as they had a lead of 3-1. Within a few minutes the gunners had scored two more goals. PSV rallied for a bit and had a couple of half-chances but flagged again towards the end of the match when Arsenal scored another 2 goals coming out 1-7 winners. It makes qualifying for the quarter finals of the Champions League almost certain.
Wednesday 4th March
We left the house in the morning and headed down towards the airport
