Thursday

Thursday 9th Sept.

This morning we had a little wander round Serignat, went to the post office, tried to go to the toilet - thereby hangs a tale! The French seem to take great delight in putting up signposts directing the unsuspecting traveller to places that don't exist, most commonly parking areas and toilets. We followed every lead in Serignat to find somewhere to park. I even went and stood in a vacant spot to guard it while Keith raced back to fetch the car from where he had illegally parked it, but had to beat a hasty retreat when a car made to zoom into it and showed no sign of stopping for the mere fact that a human being was standing in it! When we had eventually found somewhere to park, I saw a sign for toilets and, feeling that it would be expedient to take advantage before our next stop, set off to follow the sign. I found the local museum, the back of the post office and the police station, but toilets were there none. All I can say is that if there were any, they were extremely well hidden!

One reason why we were so anxious to visit this little town was that I had brought travellers' cheques with me. Yes, OK I know I can use my debit card in cash dispensers on practically every corner of even the most insignificant little town but when I last came to France, 35 years ago remember, travellers' cheques were the way to go. Nor did anyone at Barclays seek to dissuade me when I went for them. The problem is that when you try to change them here, they all but laugh in your face and insist that, non, madame, they absolutely cannot change them. So I'm not very impressed with either Barclays Bank or the local banks. The general attitude could be described as less than helpful!

On we went to the beach and stayed a couple of hours, long enough to brave the wind and choppy sea, more reminiscent of the Atlantic than the Med. Then off elsewhere to our little riverside haunt from yesterday for our picnic lunch before heading off to Agde to take some photos for Keith's dad, who often holidayed around here years ago. We called in at La Grau d'Agde also and bought some food for our evening picnic at a very French shop (not) called Spar, where the service was just as helpful and friendly as in any of our local Kwik Saves! :)