28 September – 5 October 2026
Sunday in Paris was another glorious day with our local
restaurant street, Rue Daguerre absolutely bustling as it was the monthly Vide
Greniere - flea market, probably more like an upper class garage sale in
Australia.
After a quick look around, we headed north to Parc Montsouris. The park was a
hive of activity with different groups of fitness activities. Having skipped
dinner last night, we had a delicious burger and chips at the local café and
walked back to our apartment. Home on the TGV and an early night back at LPR.
The rest of the week was getting ready for our trip to the
UK to dog sit for Laura Jane in Stockbridge and then to London to see Alyssa.
The Sunday flight from La Rochelle on Easy Jet was an easy
1.20 hr flight. However, in passing through French passport control at La
Rochelle, Lady P was fingerprinted and photographed, much like the rest of the
Brits heading home. She was asked when she last arrived in France (as if that
mattered since we are on a multiple entry, 12 month visa, not the 90 day
Schengen Visa). Anyway she proudly said, “The 17th of March.” (that’s
201 days). Well, the customs lady almost had conniptions. “I do have a long
stay visa, says Lady P.” The bloody thing takes up a whole page in the new
passport. “Ah,” she says and sends her through the barrier. Flashy presents
next but you can’t fool her twice. A quick glance. A sexy smile. No stamp, just
“bonne journee” and he’s through.
The hire car at Gatwick was swift and efficient, with a free
upgrade to full insurance and an automatic Yaris. 80 minutes of Motorway and we
arrive in Stockbridge, which is busier than Mornington in the summer. A bit of
an upmarket, destination town, with Mercs, a Bentleigh, Porsche and the like
all fighting over full parking spaces. Pubs and beer gardens overflowing and
cafes and restaurants doing a roaring trade.
Monday we get the lowdown on the four dogs. Essentially Chihuahuas,
they are noisy little barkers, but well trained.
Very patriotic display in the sitting room, should be more of it!
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