Day 20.          Sunday 18th June 2017.                   Mileage:        0000   Total: 

From:             Les Buis Limoges.     To:   Les Buis

Weather:       Sunny and Hot. In fact quite hot!

 After a lazy breakfast my nurses thought I might like a trip out in my bath-chair and so I was wrapped in a nice cosy travel rug and bundled into the car. Tom was the duty driver. We drove to a local village some thirty minutes away to what is known as a Vide Grenier at Javerdat. Vide grenier translates literally to 'empty barn'.

Now, dependant on one's viewpoint this is either a lot of old tat or potential antiques. Admission I believe is invariably free with the stalls ranging from children's toys and clothing to well literally anything. This is a treasure trove for Tom as he is building a 3" scale model of a steam engine, named in honour of Angie's late mother 'Audrey'. All types of old knife switches can be sourced along with much brass and copper boilers, hinges, candlesticks and ironwork that with Tom's skill is soon adapted and incorporated into his working scale model. Now at this point may I remind those of us without much knowledge of this skill that a 3" scale model will allow Tom to sit in the trailers driving seat and control the steam engine from that position as well as have Angie sat on board. Presumably handing him sarnies. They will also tow, all under their own steam remember a water bowser! I must say at this point not only is Tom extremely talented and skilled but he has swarthy Italian good looks. Or so the ladies tell me.

The stalls, as one might guess are numerous and varied. There is invariably a beer tent, a sausage and burger tent and a 'frites' tent. That's lunch taken care of! There is today a very large marquee as over the weekend there has been a music festival. Quite common in villages around here it seems. Today for our delectation and delight there are a few acts on.

I return from studying a huge set of tables of Playmobil to find Tom in animated conversation with a couple, husband and wife. She pasty faced he all beard and fuzzy top. As I was not introduced and Tom was talking I sat on the side with what I hoped was a pleasant smile looking interested in a conversation I could not hear. A fantastic couple of guys were up on stage playing what I in blissful ignorance will call Spanish guitars and music. There spot came to an end, there was much clapping, Mike included, an announcement was made, in French obviously and this English couple jumped to their feet, ran on the stage and started banging out tunes and songs on numerous instruments ranging from accordion, flute, harmonica, guitar, recorder and saxophone. You could have knocked me down with a feather. They were most entertaining. His voice was not to strong but his catalogue had been selected with this in mind. Turning to Jackie I asked "Do you think I ought to nip onto stage and give 'em my rendition of 'Little ole wine drinker me?" She thought the French weren't quite ready for that just yet.

I'm Playmobil rich.

Jackie and Angie queuing at the beer tent.

Spanish Guitars.

The English couple.