Travel 2009

Crazy year for travel! We were in Jordan for New Year, travelling on to Istanbul for a few days on the way back to France. (more of that later) From France we went to Spain and back to collect the dog(!) in France - the area next to Carcassonne. Still snowy in the mountains - see right

The area in France we were staying was Mediterranean - very near to Collioure - here's a photo of Collioure market on a Sunday - we go for oysters and meet with friends to eat them outside with a glass of cold white local wine provided for regulars by the stall holder next to the oyster seller. He brings the oysters direct from the coast early in the morning.

You can travel over to Collioure from our place by boat! It's really fun and doesn't take long and arriving by boat gives you a very different view of the town. What's good in Collioure market? Flowers, artisan soaps, Cheese of course! saucisson, honey, wines, clothes, spices, pates, some organic bread although this is risky as it sells out! You have to buy your baguette before the boulanger closes at noon if you are relying on it for a picnic.

Great vegetables and fruit, not much fish because mostly that would be bought at the port. But it's a buzzing market, colourful and fun, and everything's fresh and tempting....

Of course a visit to Collioure would not be complete without a visit to Jean Phi's gallery. On Rue de la Fraternite Jean Philip Roch has a great little studio gallery and you can go in and watch him paint or have a chat, he is easily the most friendly person in town!

Not only is Jean Phi a great painter however, he is a great percussionist. It's a normal end to the day, a great meal with french market produce and then some music. Ricardo on guitar and Jean Philip on various percussion instruments, a little spiced rum to accompany the music!