From 10 am until 4:30 pm I drove our party of Maggi, Jane and Ray from La Colle to Vence, Vence to Coursegoules, Coursegoules to Tourette and Tourette to La Colle. The weather remained overcast expect for a sprinkle of rain in Coursegoules and a very short downpour in Tourette.
In Vence we wandered around the old town and after a coffee at Le Clemenceau, opposite the town hall, Jane and Ray kindly bought us a small painting by a local artist. As I waited for everyone to exit the gallery the cathedral emptied out into the square. At the exit point three priests stood in order to greet their congregation as they left the church. Nobody passed them without receiving at least a handshake, but more frequently a few words as well. It made me think how much the church means as an important community institution.
Also in Vence we looked across the valley outside the old town towards the Matisse chapel and where our old house stands. On our return to the car we passed the Lavoir, where the local women came to do their washing. Immediately on from there someone has transformed a small church into an art gallery. We had a quick look round but didn’t find anything we liked.
The windy journey from Vence to Coursegoules takes you over the Col de Vence at 963 m. On the way up you can see for miles along the coast, even on a dull overcast day. We quickly passed over the Col and descended but the second half of the journey also offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys of the pre-Alps.
We arrived in Coursegoules and found the EU funded modern concrete car-park which feels totally out of place in this old village. However the extra parking provided is totally necessary. Here we ate our egg sandwich picnic in the car. Jane, Ray and I then had a quick wander. I wanted to have a stationary view of the valley that lays below Coursegoules. Ray showed more interest in the local architecture.
I returned to the car in order to keep Maggi company after only 5 minutes away. She told me in so many words that I shouldn’t have bothered. Coursegoukes to Tourette which way to go? I thought it would be nice to take a 37 minute route while Maggi wanted the 27 minute way which retraced our steps. In order to get her way, she said, “you’ve had your way all today.” Meaning I had thought it worthwhile to not stop and turn round at Col de Vence but to continue to Coursegoules. We took the shorter road.
In Tourette we parked at the usual spot and walked into the village and took the usual tour. we stopped at the ice-cream shop and all indulged. On the way back to the car suddenly the rain started to come down. Fortunately we were quite near the car as the heaviest rain came down.
Back at the house we watched Arsenal play against West Ham. West Ham needed a win to climb out of the relegation zone while Arsenal needed a win to stay ahead of Manchester City in the race for the league title. The Gunners started very brightly creating a number of very good chances in the opening 25 minutes. The came an injury to Ben white and Arteta brought on Zubermendi and put Rice at right back. The team looked very disjointed and lost all control of mid-field.
The second half Arteta changed things again and put Rice back in midfield which steadied the ship, but they didn’t look like scoring. 10 minutes of the 90 left to play and Odegard, a late substitute managed to hold up the ball in west Ham’s penalty area and then cross to Trossard who shot home. Naturally West Ham started to pile on the pressure. A corner kick and Raya doesnt catch the ball cleanly it drops to a West Ham player who scores. The referee, however, receives a message from the VAR team, he should look at the incident. He judges that a West Ham player has held Raya’s arm therefore the goal is disallowed. Arsenal hold out for a 0-1 victory.
We ate our mushroom and haloumi dish for our evening meal just after the final whistle. Again it tastes excellent, To top the evening off we watch the second half of Les Triplets de Belleville.