Saturday 21 December 2013

Road to Freedom

Wrapped up well as despite blus skies, there was a chill in the air and we were heading off into the mountains for the inauguration of a panel to mark one of eleven “Freedom Paths” in the area. In January 1939, Spanish refugees came north to flee Franco and then later the same year freedom fighters, allied airmen, Jews, communists and other such “undesirables” so deemed by Hitler started to leave France in the other direction. The ceremony and wreath laying was done with dignity and the turn out was surpringly good for being 10km up a very windy road at 9.30am, Of course, there was a snack afterwards.
All was not over though; we did an action replay in our local market town which was also the start of an escape route. A much bigger place but the ceremony was lack luster in comparison with people complaining that the passing traffic detracted from the gravity of the affair.
Christian came up trumps though … I’d remarked that the historian had spoken during his speech about “les hommes” (men) who had crossed the border and then later “même les enfants” (even children) so he went over to him and pointed out that women had made the same journey. The historian tried to make out that he’d used the masculine in its generic sense which was when I came in with “meme les enfants”! He actually took it better than one would expect so maybe next time ….
Had a quick apéro at the Mairie before going home for lunch.
In the evening, after a short presentation there was a book signing at the museum. The book was about the genealogy and history of a local family and had taken over 10 years to research and write. We bought a copy, had an aperitif and hot footed it home to prepare for Maggie, Nick and Lizzie who were coming for drinks and nibbles. We had a lovely bottle of red wine (can’t remember who gave it to us) at one point and we were all agreed that it was just delicious, so smooth. It’s called “Roc du Gouvernor” made  at the Arnaud Villeneuve vineyard so, if you see it, go for it; it certainly won’t break the bank.

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