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The only places which appeared to fit the bill were in the Pyrenese, near Perpignan and the border with Spain. Although this area seemed favourite, conversations with Dick, who was now also considering a second home in the South of France and a study of Estate agents offerings, were suggesting that better value for money was to be found around Beziers. From the maps it was clear that the landscape around Beziers was nothing like that of Grasse. I was not totally deterred, but decided to check out both the Beziers and Perpignan areas. Through the pages of Exchange and Mart, Loot and other sources, agents were contacted, appointments made, initial finances were put in place and the hovercraft was booked for the second week of September.
The few weeks prior to our departure were spent stocking a plastic storage box with small toys, colouring books and felt tipped pens, to keep Sarah who was then three years old, amused on the journey South. For Sarah the acquisition of these items, built up her anticipation of the holiday in a big way. I often found her fondling the contents of her box. It was a struggle to prevent her playing with her goodies, before departing. I realised we would have to ration what she could open and play with each day, or the value of the box would be squandered in a few hours. We also obtained some nursery rhyme cassette tapes to help keep her amused. The night before our departure I went through my check lists to make sure we were prepared. The car was washed and topped up with petrol. Tickets and passports were in order. Suitcases were ready and loaded in the boot. Sarah’s box was wedged in the space on the floor, immediately in front of her ‘child seat’ in the rear passenger compartment.
I set the alarm for 2:30am and tried to sleep. It was hopeless. What if the alarm didn’t go off? I did eventually get some sleep, but need not have worried about the alarm. I woke up a minute or so before it rang. My body clock has always been excellent, unless damaged by the influence of too much alcohol. Jane and I washed and dressed and carried Sarah to the car. It was a clear night as we left North West London and headed through the City centre toward the English South coast. page 61 Copyright Frasquenet.com |
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