Market Day in Besse Et Saint Anastaise

Monday is "market day" in Besse Et Saint Anastaise so our hosts gave us another day off to enjoy the market and explore the nearby village.  We took the bus from our village to Besse and then our hosts picked us up in the afternoon.

This large 12th century cathedral called Saint Andre` towers over the village.

Some of the grounds around the cathedral.

 You can see a volcano in the distance.  This area has a chain of around 450 volcanoes.

 The market lined the streets all around the square.  Below are some pictures of the market.

 Buying some local cheese

Exploring the town.

 Time for lunch and to try a local beer.

 Salads and yes...that is potatoes on top of a salad!

 The table next to ours ordered this plate of dessert so we just 

had to point and say, "We'll take that please!"

Just a little cat nap after a long afternoon!

 I think Anita is pleased with the job David did on the signs!

 Just a few of the ironed sheets and folded towels Linda completed.

 Dinner! 

 This is a 45 record of Alexander's Father, "Sania Poustylnikoff".  

He was a fameous Russian Balalaika player. (No longer living)

 We went for an evening walk and the weather was beautiful!  It's is forcasted 100% rain and drop to the 50's and 60's for the next few days.

 A herd of curious heifers.  This one liked us!

 Helping serve dessert to a large group of guests. 

By the time we finished our walk the full moon was rising over the horizon.

David's Project, Berry Picking and a Birthday

David was given a project of building a frame for the hotel/restaurant signs that our hosts has had for 4 years.  They bought the material David told them he would need.  The only tool they had for him to work with was a small skill saw.  When finished the signs will be posted at the city limits, on each side of the village, to advertise.

Not quite completed, but of course they loved them!

Time for a coffee break

This is Anita's Flea Market treasures.

After going on another run we came across more blackberries so the 

following day we both went to pick them

We also found several blueberry bushes but they weren't quite ready to pick

More amazing food - Tomato and Mozzarella Quiche

Potato Au Gratin and Fromage Blanc with our fresh berries

 

Local cheese with Fig Jam

Another evening walk in the village with the full moon rising

Saturday was Linda's birthday so we took the day off and decided to walk to the next village for lunch.  We thought it was 10k away so 6 miles there, have a nice lunch and walk 6 miles back.  Well....it was 9 miles but we made it!

The village of Condat

 We had lunch at nice restaurant overlooking Lac Des Moines

Our appetizer was chilled asparagus and anchovy soup

 We had STEAK! First time since arriving in France!  The small bowl is blue cheese sauce.

 An of course we had to end it with Espresso

 Saturday evening Alexander and Anita made Linda a special birthday dinner 

and started it with Rose` Champagne

 Appetizer - Red Pepper stuffed with Tuna

 Cod fish with white wine and capers

Birthday Cake - Chocolat et Poire Gateau

 A gift from our hosts!  Such a wonderful day!