This and that and Appeltaart

Bonjour,

Not a huge amount to write about this week. It’s our first week back after our big trip and things are getting back to normal (well, our normal anyway).

The weather has been very mild compared to this time last year when we were seeing snow. It’s still not exactly warm and you can tell by watching the seagulls sitting on the water. They must realise that the water temperature is warmer than the air temperature and will just sit there like ducks until the fishing boats grab their attention.

Not the greatest photo, but you can see the seagulls on the water.

And while we on seagulls, here is something we have not seen in Australia. We have sometimes watched seagulls doing a bit of a dance on the grass and assumed it was some sort of mating ritual. Not so. Apparently they are trying to convince the worms and underground critters that it is the pitter patter of raindrops. Whey they come up to get some air and escape their homes being water logged then voilà – lunch for the seagulls!

And look what visited us! Usually when there is a ferry in town we will see a few council buses or horses pulling carriages to bring the passengers into town. Not this time. Shiny new coaches were on the job for these cashed up tourists.

Last Sunday we went to Vauville, a really pretty little village about 20 kms away. Often we have seen villages that are turning into crumbling ruins, but this one was really well maintained and there were many new houses on the outskirts. This probably has something to do with the village being located quite close to the nuclear power station, so employment in the area would be very high. Even on a cold and overcast day, there were Kodak moments around every corner, so we are looking forward to going back when the weather is warmer.

There was a little stream running through the centre of the village with lots of little stone bridges crossing from one side to the other.

Just near the village was the beach. It was also VERY windy, perfect day for wind surfers over the Channel. Wet suits were a must.

When we were in Holland we discovered Dutch apple cakes or Appeltaart. These are served in coffee shops and restaurants and we were told that these cakes are only available at certain times of the year because the particular apples they use are only available in winter. We are having a go at re-creating them in France. Masterchef quality they are not, but taste ok.