Not their real names of course but, knowing that this blog is so widely read (I think that at the last count I had four regular subscribers), Veronique* and Sebastian* opted to tick the ‘no publicity’ box and I agreed to hide their true identities from an inquisitive world!

Anyway, I’ve known Sebastian* from the age of 14, and although for various reasons we’ve lost contact from time to time, its one of those relationships where one falls straight back into a relaxed friendship notwithstanding the passage of time.  Having met up with them several times over the past 18 months they kindly invited us to spend a few days with them in their home in the Bordeaux area in August.

Although the prospect of travelling is a little more daunting these days, the reality seems to be that systems are in place to provide help where its needed; so once again we requested, and received, Special Assistance at both Bristol and Bordeaux airports and even the Sleazyjet flight was painless.

Veronique* and Sebastian’s* lovely home in Salles is both stylish and comfortable, and to say that they made us welcome would be the understatement of the époque.   For five days we were chauffeured hither and thither, wined and dined in considerable style and generally treated like visiting royalty.  ‘No more than you deserve‘ I hear you say, but frankly it was the most relaxing and enjoyable of experiences and we are both profoundly grateful.  Thank you V* and S*, you are true friends.