How things have changed over the past few short weeks… I returned to Ste Foy on the 7th March saddened that I wouldn’t ski with Jonathan again this season, but still looking forward to friends joining us for several weeks before the end of April. Carol arrived the next day and we had lovely fresh snow in Les Arcs and Val d’Isere, with one lost day for Jonathan’s surgery. Little did we know that the glorious day spent skiing Tignes, with a sunny lunch outside Le Coffee and a fabulous, if challenging, descent in spring snow down the moguls of La Sache, would be the end of the ski season. We waved Carol off after a fantastic lunch at Le Monal, complete with Café Gourmand, and started planning friends’ visits and a trip to Nendaz to ski with family. The next evening the French president announced closure of all shops and restaurants but no mention of ski resorts. Only the next morning, when I looked over to the lifts of Villaroger, did we realise that everything was closed, including the village shop.
We’re now at the end of the first week of lockdown. The weather has remained sunny and our lovely neighbours, who had to return to Scotland, have kindly given us the use of their deck. This has stunning views down the valley and has quickly become gym, dining area, sun terrace and wildlife viewpoint. This cheeky gecko has no awareness of social distancing and the swifts swooping at dusk are oblivious to the embargo on travel into Europe!
The lockdown stipulates that on leaving home everyone must carry an “Attestation de Déplacement” stating why we are outside. We may shop for food, see a doctor, work, visit family members in need or take individual exercise. I’ve taken advantage of the sunshine to cycle the 20km round trip to the bakery in Seez whilst our local shop is closed. There’s a feel of spring in the air and some trees are in bud, although there may be snow next week. Happily the shops have not been stripped bare and people are all politely observing social distancing. I expect this may be because we are in such a remote area. Looking at the news reports from the UK we’re not relishing the prospect of returning home.
We’ve made and unmade so many plans over the past few weeks that for now we are learning to live in limbo. We need to stay here until Jonathan’s next hospital review when, hopefully, his cast will be converted to a weight bearing boot and he can commence physio. We’ve been asked if we will return to work in Cornwall and, of course, we will if we are needed. Currently it’s not possible to book a Eurotunnel journey on line, but we hope to be able to do so if we have such a good reason to travel. In the interim we’re focussing on all those other activities we’ve never had time for – learning music and French, mastering Killer Sudoku and finally watching all the box sets of Peaky Blinders and Game of Thrones!
It’s lovely to hear of how you’re doing in these strange times. I think I’d rather be on your neighbours terrace!
At least you have the DVD’s to help see you through with plenty of food and wine. Speaking of which, Gary has just popped to the supermarket to get our rationed 3 bottles. We thought if we go everyday for 3 bottles, it won’t be long before stocks are up.
Take care G & K
Rationing wine? I can’t see that being tolerated out here!
Oh and good luck with the recorder Cate 😃