The Tour de France then Moving on to Angouleme

The Tour de France fever is upon Paris and so I took an advertised Fat Tire Bike Tour which said we could go up the Champs Elysee ahead of the riders - appealled and frightened me enough to keep me awake that night worrying that I wouldn't be fast enough - someone had kindly reminded me that the Champs Elysee is a slight incline and may be difficult to ride !!  So that worried me but after riding around to the major sites where the cyclists would come, the Police had decided to block all access to the Champs Elysee so we couldn't ride up anyway......returned later to see the cyclists but the crowds were so thick that even when I held the camera at the most extreme height that I could, I still only could take a photo of peoples heads................so much for the Tour and it's last stage............the big screen on the street which was terrific as well was the next option....

Really this is the best time to go to Paris - Bastille Day on 14 July and then the end of the Tour de France on 24 July - what a terrific time to see the National Spirit of France...

After that excitement, caught train to Angouleme near Bordeaux then to Magnac sur Touvre (the river) where I will be staying with a family - mother and son as the father is in the Army and has been given orders to go to Reunion Island near Madagascar on 26 July.  Mother, Vanessa and son 6, Ludwig don't speak english at all but it is good - they seen so nice - I think this is the ideal way to learn French......I hope anyway......

Also it gives me time to do whatever I want.............I'm thinking sketching, sewing, writing, cycling and just generally relaxing in beautiful surrounds.....that is, when the sun comes out and the rain goes away - it has been pretty wet since getting here....that's why I have had time to write this blog - nothing to go out for... hahaha!!

Went to the local Carrefours shopping centre (Lilian the dad said it is a small one) but the cheese area is about the size of a small shop back home !!!  So amazing with any type, flavour and animal making cheeses you would ever want...

Well, after a few days here, you certainly don't learn french by osmosis - I feel like I am drowning when they speak fluently and I have no idea, except for the few familiar words that I catch, what they are saying....they are soooo patient and speak tres doucement por moi but I still find it difficult.  I realise I will have to get lessons as well as having the living experience.....it is tres difficile !!!!

Vanessa's cousin has lent me her bicycle but she is only about 5' tall so it is un plu petit for me but that's ok as I now realise that the roads are not made for cyclists and are pretty narrow - I have bought a map and will go exploring soon...

Next week we are off to the Mediteranean at Canet Plage near Perpignan - a holiday booked before Lilian knew he was going to Reunion - hopefully see sun, surf and good weather ....can't wait!!