Weekend trip to Perpignan – France

Before I go ahead with this blog I have to say what a fantastic time I had and really enjoyed the company of Lisa and Caroline.

When the trip had been planned back in March, I still had a session or 2 of chemotherapy to finish; I had thought going on a trip like this would give me something to look forward to post treatment.

Since the end of my treatment I have been on a health kick of exercise and eating to build up my self confidence and body.

Day one – Friday

I had made my packing list a week before (I am a Virgo and that list had categories!) and had been getting excited over this trip and it finally arrived.

On the morning it had started to rain and was also windy, so I was feeling happy to set off to a warmer climate. I gave smudge lots of kisses and cuddles and set off for the little walk to Southend Victoria station.

I had no trouble at the station as I had bought my ticket 2 days before, it does save having to get stuck behind someone renewing a weekly ticket and also I am quite anal in organising, it’s just the way I am!

It takes 60 minutes from Southend Vic to London Liverpool Street, I had a 20 minute break before my train set of for Stansted, which I filled with a quick browse around some shops, then it was a 45 minute journey to Stansted.

It was an easy and pleasant trip and I had my faithful IPod and also a book to read to pass the time or drown out the senseless chatter some travellers in Essex can engage in.

I arrived at the airport a good two hours before our flight and had spotted a few shops (yes I like shopping) then Lisa phoned, as she had also arrived nice and early.

We found somewhere for a little snack and got good value at the “Frankie and Benny’s” counter, I thought a tuna and spring onion sandwich and a cup of coffee for £3.50 was good value, considering the usual rip of prices that airports or train stations exercise over a “trapped” customer base.

I then had a magic MAC moment, yes I found a MAC makeup counter, an oasis in a desert, a best girl’s friend and well I was not going to just walk past it!

I had a skin testing and bought some foundation and a lipstick.

It was funny as we were going through customs, stopping mid queue to pack items in the clear plastic bags, but it went smoothly and we were soon seated on the plane.

Now I was going to have a cup of coffee on the plane, but Lisa insisted that we have a Gin & Tonic! There was an offer of 2 for the price of one and I thought that good one each, but we ended up with a double each (once again I blame Lisa) it seemed a shame to let this lovely drink go to waste.

It did seem that everyone else were drinking tea or coffee and I could swear we were getting some old fashioned looks of disapproval.

Me and Lisa were seated on the window and middle seats and the poor lady on the row seat must have regretted this, I think we got her up about 4 or 5 times and I did feel a bit guilty.

As we were getting off the plane a kind gentleman helped Lisa with her case, I thought this was nice because at this stage in her life, confidence builders like this really do help and life as a woman is so much better.

I soon recognise Caroline at the airport and we were soon exchanging hugs then in the car to Perpignan.

I have forgotten at this stage to mention Lisa suitcases yes CASES! She had a large one checked in, and even her hand luggage was a mini suitcase with wheels! I was relieved that Carolinas car has enough room for them J

When we arrived at the villa introductions were made to Caroline’s lovely wife and family and a nice cup of coffee.

We went to Caroline’s exhibition which was very good, she is very talented and I had mentioned that there were a couple of photos that I would buy as I really liked them.

At this point me and Lisa declined the offer of a lift back to the Villa as we want to walk back and get the feel of the place, I also want to walk down the lovely narrow streets with balconies and shutters, very “Allo Allo”.

As me and Lisa were walking back, I did see a sign on my right and thought this looks like where we are staying, but only quickly and on we carried on walking and walking.

As we walked up a deserted country road it dawned upon us the dreaded word “lost” It does help when you are not alone and we both kept a sense of humour and found our tracks back to our safe nest.

We then had a lovely meal courtesy of Christian who is a highly qualified chef, and some lovely wines.

At the end of the evening the three of us were talking in our room and it was a lovely relaxed feeling.

I slept very well after a long but wonderful day and woke up in the morning feeling very refreshed.

Saturday - day 2

Our room was really lovely; it is set in a villa, with a lovely bathroom and a large door that opens out onto a patio area.

The beautiful morning sun could be seen outside, the birds were singing and I could feel the wonderful heat of the s

After a shower and continental style breakfast of we went into town

The town was lovely, and it had shops! We had a relaxed walk around the shops and little lanes; I hope I did not drag Caroline and Lisa into too many

We went to a lovely little cafe that Caroline recommended, it was set in a beautiful courtyard and I went for the drinking chocolate, although this does not do it justice as it was an orgasmic masterpiece of loveliness and a French style desert.

Although I did try on some dresses and saw a few things I liked, I did not buy anything, as later was to reveal, it was other items that fate wanted me to buy.

We then went to a Colliune a seaside town, and at this point I must mention Caroline’s sat nav, it has an Eddie Izzard voice and is flipping hilarious, so any journey was a joy.

We got to see a lot of the town as Caroline was driving around looking for that elusive parking spot.

It had lots of pretty rental places and I could have happily stayed in this town for a few days

Once again there were some wonderful little shops and I finally did spend some money and a bit of plastic.

I have not got many rings, I just had not seen any that had appealed to me, but I saw some lovely Amber and lapis stone rings

I did buy two Amber rings, which I really love

We found our way to a lovely little seaside cafe and relaxed with some glasses of wine

I had not brought my swimming costume, but Caroline had said that Sunday would be “beach day”

As we were drinking wine it felt so relaxing with the warm sun on my face and body

After a little walk about and taking some photos it was time to head back.

Caroline’s partner had mentioned a concert that we could go to that evening, but I was aware that it was the England v USA match in the world cup and did not want to offend Caroline by this, as I found out they are a relaxed bunch and was totally ok with this

We went to what I would call an all round shop – a mix of post office, news agent, cafe and wine bar where the smoking ban was not observed, only in France

It did have a TV screen and served wine, so the 2 likely lasses settled down to watch the football game

Shame our goalkeeper handled the ball like a slippery eel, it was a lovely evening as me and Lisa had a great laugh.

Caroline and Clara meet us on the way back from the concert and also the shutters were halfway down on the front (think it was a hint, GO HOME English women!)

I also think that we got picked up so that we would not get lost again!

After all it was now night and the lonely dark back roads would have looked like a scene from a Wes Craven horror film, I could see the headlines now

“2 drunken English women go missing in horror woods”

So owe did end up back safely at the villa and having lots of wine forced down our throat again.

So then of to bed these 2 tired maidens went.

I will write part 2 of this blog on Sunday fair reader.