South of France Days 3 & 4

After our marathon trip to Monaco, we were all quite tired and I was concerned about Iain, so we stayed in Laurens and laid low. Iain napped while I read or played French Monopoly. ("Do you think means you owe Community Chest 5000 Franks or that you get 5,000 Franks?" Playing board games in another language adds a whole new level of fun!) Brian and Anthony took an extended walk around the village. Iain and I joined them for a bit, but he was quickly ready to go back and rest some more. It's interesting to note that in this part of France, they also hold to the tradition of siesta. The shops in the village were all open from 7:30-12, and then re-opened from 5:30-7:00pm.

Here are some shots from the village. Apparently the Mairie used to be in this building. I don't know what it is used for now.

The town fountain, which Brian waded in. I'm not sure if you're supposed to do that, but nobody said anything. Probably because they were all inside napping!




That night Lizzie, Sophie, and Darren arrived. They drove from Brighton, taking the car on a ferry. It is something like a 12 hour drive and they did it all in one day! Lizzie is also getting her PhD in Intellectual History here at Sussex and she and Brian have the same supervisor. Sophie is working on her MA in History, and Darren is her boyfriend.

The next day was another easy one. We got up late and headed to the beach for a few hours. It was SO hot there, but the water was really nice. Iain got covered from head to toe in sand. This picture in no way does it justice.

After awhile he got tired. He took a little rest in the shade, but we soon left so that he could go home and cool off.
Mama and Iain are beach buddies! Poor thing, he was really quite tired at this point.

And here is most of the group. Lizzie is taking the picture. Sophie, me, Iain, Brian, Darren, and Anthony.