And the music goes on

A full day today. Swim in the morning -- my heart sank when I arrived simultaneously with the tiny tots (4-5 years old) from the activity centre in Lézignan. Fifteen of them. "I'll get in right away and do as many lengths as I can before chaos ensues," I thought. Surprise ... the three childminders imposed military discipline. Get changed, line up to be slathered in sun cream, put hats on, line up to have armbands blown up and put on, line up in the shade while minders get changed, line up on the steps of the pool to have their necks ritually splashed with water (most French people think you will die of hydrocution if you don't do this). C and I looked on in astonishment ... it took them nearly an hour to actually get into the water, shrieking at how cold it was, and I had plenty of time for 26 lengths.

In the afternoon we made our annual trip to Fanjeaux for the summer art exhibition at the Maison Gramont. This has become a must-see for me. Even if I don't necessarily love the art, there's great variety, stunningly displayed in well thought out combinations. The warren of rooms lends itself to pleasing aesthetics. I was impressed by the workmanship of Eveline Kieskamp's frozen queens, inspired by Hilary Mantel's historical novels, even though I wouldn't give them house room. And we were amused by Jean-François Scalbert's playful kinetic art, even though it would be terribly distracting at home -- it springs into action when you approach it.

We paused in the shady garden for home-made chilled mint tea and ice cream. On the edge of the village a walker and her dog had joined the group of pilgrims overlooking the plain below (extra 1). Fanjeaux is in a stunning situation -- not possible to do justice to it with a photo.

Back home in time for a quick pizza night before the show.  Tonight it was the Duo Mar -- Olivier Martinez on guitar and Cécile Camarasa on accordion (blip and extra 3), playing a French and Spanish repertoire. They are well known locally and very popular. Alexandre, on the front row, was obviously a big fan. He knew all the songs and popped up regularly to sing and play air guitar on his white stick. The duo obviously know him and took it in good part. He has a good voice and a great sense of rhythm so it only enhanced the show (extra 2). I took the big camera, it was worth it! Better even than the Olympus in low light.

Yet again the show ended with Catalan anthem l'Estaca. I think that's the fourth time this summer. There is now a scheduled pause in the entertainment :)