Friday 4th September
The representatives from Puccetti Agency spotted some damp in the flat so we needed to contact Ben to arrange a time for him to examine the problem. He eventually came back with Monday Early evening.
At 10 am the three members of an agency that Fanny had recommended turned up. We showed them around the house, flat and garden just like the Puccetti people. Their company La Belle Pierre Immo has no office and relies on the internet and personal connections to sell their properties. The had a very unusual approach to their sales commission. You can pay them anywhere between 2.5% to 5% depending on how satisfied you are with the service you have received at the end of the sale process.
Of the three people, who arrived, Florian left his card and did most of the talking. Unfortunately his English didn’t match up to his colleagues, so he hesitated a lot and hummed while he looked for a way of expressing himself. They all appeared very pleasant and we waited to find out their evaluation.
Originally Nick had intended to come by train with Caroline. It didn’t work out like that. They had bought tickets and a hotel for the journey down, but couldn’t decide on the return route. This became a heated dispute and as a result Nick decided to abandon the train and fly Easyjet from Gatwick. The plane arrived just after 7:30 pm and I stood waiting for him to emerge from security.
We drove home and Nick explained to me the problem he had faced with Caroline. Maggi had prepared a nice meal with cod, white wine and tomatoes which awaited us as we walked in the door. During the meal, perhaps encouraged by an alcoholic lubricant Nick opened up about the difficulty of his relationship with Caroline.
Saturday 5th
After breakfast I walked down to La Colle village two show Nick around. Normally a fruit and vegetable stall dominates the main square, but today the square and the few roads around had many small stalls promoting local clubs. We could have joined a bridge, judo, archery or a host of other clubs very easily. After touring all the options we pottered down to St Eloi for a cup of coffee.
I had booked a table at Au Vieux Four in Gordon for 1 pm. We drove up the mountain, parked and took a short walk along the grassy meadow slightly below the town.
I showed Nick around the village while Maggi looked for a bracelet to match the dress she’ll wear at the upcoming wedding. We visited the small church dedicated to St Vincent and looked out at the always magnificent view
By the time we had finished our short tour of Gourdon Village and rescued Maggi from overpaying for a silver bracelet the time had come for lunch at Au Vieux Four. The waitress continued to be her magnificent self, Maggi and I received our usual peck on both cheeks. The amuse bouche and the starter lived up to their usual standard, but the main course let the meal down. Although the meat was properly cooked it had too much gristle. The vegetables tased very nice, but the centre piece of the plate let it down.
The waitress gave us free coffee to compensate.
Sunday 6th
Today Nick, Maggi and I set off for Ventimiglia by bus and train. The journey both ways passed off without a hitch and arrived in Ventimiglia just before midday. We stopped to have a coffee in one of the busy cafes not too far from the station.
Just like most other days since we arrived the sun beat down and we tried to walk wherever possible in the shade. I wanted to revisit the magnificent medieval cathedral which stands across the river and looks down on the new town of Ventimiglia.
After crossing the river we entered the tunnel, a welcome break from the hot sun. In the middle of the tunnel you can catch a lift to the top. We pressed the button and waited for the lift to arrive which it did eventually. Out we came to a lovely view across the Mediterranean with a small harbour below. A short walk brought us out at the entrance to the medieval cathedral of Ventimiglia
We wandered around the cathedral, visiting the crypt and the baptistery with their cool brink walls. Despite the heat outside they had heaters to keep visitors warm.
On exiting the church I looked up the best pizzeria in town. We headed to one establishment next to the small harbour below the church. A steep descent and we walked along the road. A busy restaurant before us, but not the one we aimed for beckoned us in. The air conditioned interior felt very welcoming. The place only sold pasta in all forms.
I chose Puttanesca with fresh Tagliolini pasta. We also ordered two green and tomato salads. It was all too much. I enjoyed the puttanesca sauce but I could never have finished the bowl that they presented to me. Two salads was probably enough for 5 not 3. Maggi ordered a home-made tiramisu to finish which she shared with Nick and I. I would certainly return to the restaurant Pasta Basta again.
Lunch finished we walked back to the station for our trip back home. We had seats looking out on the Mediterranean for the return journey and a lovely sight presents you as you travel along so close to the coast for much of the journey.
We arrived back easily in time for the Arsenal v Chelsea match. I sat back in expectation of a tight game. Within 2 minutes Chelsea had scored through Morgan Rogers, a summer target for Arsenal. Chelsea had outbid the Gunners and paid £125m for him. Before half-time Arsenal drew level with a good goal from Havertz, which Martinez, the Chelsea keeper probably should have saved. Arsenal came out in the second-half enlivened and took the lead with a goal from Odergaard. A lovely step over from Havertz left Odergaard free in front of goal. Arsenal continued to the end pushing, Chelsea had their moments but only once had a serious effort that Raya competently saved.