The Beziers Blog

Hello Everybody

Are we depressed because of the economic crisis? No. Even less so this evening than we were this morning following a visit to Montpellier where we had arranged to see our bank manager. That in itself is wonderful, just to be able to pick up the phone and speak to the man himself. We do not end up speaking to someone in India or where-ever the call centres for U.K. banks are. We needed to adjust our finances slightly and were able to do this with his very pleasant attitude and help.

After leaving the bank we were able to treat ourselves to dejeuner (lunch) in an Indian restaurant that is situated in one of the historic parts of Montpellier. The Bombay Restaurant is a bit like the Tardis, a very small frontage but seating for about 70 people inside. Today we did eat inside but in the summer we have enjoyed a meal outside. As we entered we were welcomed and shown to a table where we could sit without Peete (the dog) getting in anybody’s way. We have never had a problem with taking her into a restaurant and so long as she has a bowl of water she settles down quietly until we have finished. O.k. she very occasionally gets a tit-bit but this is as a treat not the norm. Anyway back to our meal. What did we fancy? I must have been in greedy mode because I really fancied a Thali. Three small starters, Samosa. Pakora and Salad, followed by two different curries, Prawn and Chicken served with basmati rice and Naan bread. Did I say greedy? Suffice to say my eyes were bigger than my stomach but every mouthful was lovely. Of course we had to have some wine with the meal and finished off with a very good cafe grande crème. Even the bank manager would not object to the bill that was less than 40 euros for the two of us.

Feeling warm and replete we left the restaurant and went to look around the Christmas market that was arranged all around the Place de la Comedie which is the in the centre of Montpellier. I must admit I was surprised to see soooo many people about, so much so that I asked Geoff if they had not got jobs to go to. Golly I am beginning to sound old !!!!No comment. There was between 75 and a 100 stalls (no I did not count them) They were all very pretty and we could have spent a fortune if we had had one. It is difficult to capture the essence or the atmosphere with a camera but I have done my best.

We also went into the Polygone shopping centre mainly to look and also to warm up a little as it was starting to get a bit chilly. Again we tried to photograph some of the decorations and they do not look too bad, probably because Geoff took them. At about 4.30 we decided to return home to Beziers and at 6 o/clock we were sitting in the house with a cup of tea. Very British you know !!!

That’s about all for now, I have not forgotten to tell you about the fair in Beziers and I will do so next time. Until then do not stress out . IT IS NEARLY CHRISTMAS.

Oh dear- so many good intentions. Who said retired people have time on their hands?  I will now endeavour to be more organised and bring you good people up to date.

 Mothers holiday- Well we managed to visit several places in the region. While she was here it was necessary to visit Montpellier to have a look in Ikea. Bad move really (the Ikea bit I mean)  They are very large stores aren’t they?  After about 15 minutes Mum had had enough, her leg was sore and she was bored. (See it is not just the youngsters) Anyway we had seen and priced what we thought we wanted so we left.  It was possible to leave the car at the tram park and catch the tram into the city.  By the time we got there it was coming up to lunchtime, a very good excuse to visit the Entrecote, a favourite restaurant.  They only serve steak with frites, all they want to know is how you want it cooked.

It was ideal for Mum because she only has a small appetite, this meant she had a plate and shared mine and Geoff’s.  The steak was cut into thin small slices and served with their own special homemade sauce, laid out on individual serving trays.  After lunch we very slowly strolled around the Place de la Comedie.  Montpellier is a very beautiful city with a mixture of old and new architecture.  Again I did not think it through and Mum got weary very quickly (where has that spritely lady of old gone?).  Before when we visited with her we wandered and looked for ages.  The fountains, the street-side cafes and the snickety little side streets are all well worth seeing.  On this visit however after 1 hour we left, caught the tram, collected the car and came home.  The day taught us a lesson - walking was out of the question.

During her holiday we drove to many interesting places just to see the views.  The river at Cessenon-sur-Orb, the lakes in the Haut Languedoc and also the beach at Serignan Plage.