My 500th blip - Poitiers in the rain

As promised we woke to quite heavy rain, and a much cooler day. So packed up the car with food for a day out. We had already planned to visit Poitiers, so it was that or sitting indoors all day.

It was quite a long drive, but once there Jon negotiated the roads to find a parking place within walking distance of the main town. We all donned our raincoats at wandered into the town. As usual, we arrived not much before the shops began to close, for their 2 hour lunch break. We have been visiting France for 30 years, but still struggle to time it just right! No problem, we found a café to while away an hour. Then a couple more shops were also open, including the French equivalent of Poundland where we bought an umbrella (& Jon stood outside, because he hates those shops!) so we spent some time & money before returning to the car for lunch.

Later the rain had subsided, and we explored the shops as they opened. We also ventured through an older bit, stumbling on this memorial to Joan of Arc, from 1929 - 500 years after she was interrogated in Poitiers. I tried to read up about Joan of Arc, but it was too much to replicate here, although if you are interested, there is loads here http://www.joan-of-arc.org/joanofarc_life_summary_victoire.html. I did discover that she was only 19 when she was eventually burnt at the stake in Rouen. The photo of us laughing seems a little insensitive & disrespectful considering her sad end, but its late now & it was nearly 600 years ago. The alternative was another Gibbs family selfie, but looking miserable in our raincoats (such a contrast to yesterday's weather)

We were back by 6.30 and Mollie cooked tea. Too tired to play games we have just watched a DVD. Unheard of for us when we are on holiday, but as it's here, and the night wasn't nice enough to sit out, it seemed a good idea. The Grand Budapest Hotel. It was different.

Tomorrow we hope the sun will be back. Fingers crossed...