Hosting Anouk

Last week we hosted a French student, Anouk, who wanted to improve her English language and gain more insight to 'British' living.     We knew Anouk from her visit last year so we were delighted to welcome her again.   A charming girl with quiet presence.  

Perfect sight and sounds

Anouk arrived on Saturday and with great excitement having scooped her off the train from Paris we dashed straight to a Pink Floyd Tribute concert at Chateau de Bonrepos-Riquet.     It was a perfect starry night after a very warm day and ideal for Anouk to experience being a Rock Chick.  

Rock Chicks!

The Tribute band Floyd Generations were amazingly good (we have seen several PF tributes and this was the best!).    Floyd Generations

Next two days Anouk and I walked for many, many kilometers firstly around the local valley and then on the Voie Romaine from Massac-Seran to Puylaurens.... Well done Anouk!!     We had a great blether in English and gid Scots all the way.    Just glad Jeff picked us up as we would not have fancied walking back!!

Next day we had a lovely visit to Albi including the

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 1864 - 1901

Toulouse-Lautrec Museum where we had a very interesting look at paintings by one of France's most famous artists and to learn about his life and inspirations.

We also had time to visit the wonderful Cathedral, Saint Cecile.

  

ready for our guests....

 Next day we invited some English and French friends to lunch which we prepared in the morning including a delicious cherry salsa made from cherries from the garden.    Anouk set the table beautifully..   After a splendid lunch of Jeff's home made pie and salad we set off for an art class with Allan Kirk at Tarnincolour enjoying a very relaxing ambiance with good people.    Everyone learned to draw an old door (full of character) and I liked Anouk's dreamy style....

Anouk's interpretation...

  

The day after our art class Anouk and I set off early to go to Julie's and meet again all our friends from yesterday.    This time to make some cakes and learn to create some interesting icing styles with Mandy .    

The girls produced some gorgeous looking and very tasty cakes - yum yum just in time for some visitors who must have heard the kettle boiling - out came the Yorkshire Tea and bone china cups - what could be better!

Anouk's delicious cakes

Tea Time

.... and so on the last day what else could we do?    It was Anouk's very good idea to visit the beautiful old cite of Carcassonne.    A perfect end to the week.     We were very sad to see Anouk leave us and the apartment seemed very quiet without notre jeune fille française.

Cité de Carcassonne