Debout !

A hectic day. It started with a routine visit to the doctor for me. I had an appointment for 9 a.m. ... when I arrived the two people before me were still waiting, and I eventually saw him at 10:15. This is normal -- we all put up with this because we know he's overburdened, and he's a good doctor who takes all the time needed. Unfortunately I forgot my book ...

Lunch, then off to Narbonne for a meeting with an architect at the state-run architectural advice service that anyone can use. We had a slightly cross-purposes conversation with her, but it was still very useful as she gave us plenty to think about, and different ways of approaching the project.

Zip across town to Decathlon to buy some essential stuff for walking holidays. Then we had time for a sit down with a cold drink while waiting for a new watch battery and for a key to be cut. Back into town, and a brisk walk to yet another construction firm for a 5 pm appointment. This was extremely comprehensive and went on for ... two hours. We were punch-drunk by the time we got out. 

I'd optimistically arranged to meet B at one of her preferred cafes in town around 6:15. A forlorn hope ... I sent her a text mid-meeting and called when we got out but didn't get a response to either, so we walked briskly to the cafe, where the waiter told us she'd given up and gone home ten minutes ago. We were so tired that we sat down and ordered a glass of wine to recover. B phoned once she'd got home (her mobile was malfunctioning), so we drove over there refreshed and rudely wolfed down large quantities of the snacks she'd thoughtfully provided, along with a bottle of fizz, while exchanging news. Home at 10 pm!

Anyway: if you've got this far, the statue is of iconic mayor and député of Narbonne Ernest Ferroul -- a powerful orator and key figure in the revolts of wine-makers in 1907, whose memory is revered throughout Languedoc. Somehow I've managed never to blip it before. Extra is a detail of the bas-relief on the pedestal.