3 May – Apres Dijon!!
I’m writing as we travel today – and I’m very happy to be travelling. I know I have a little moan now and then, especially when I’ve endured a long day in my crate, but after yesterday I’m feeling lucky to be in my crate, admiring the big French countryside.
Setting out yesterday morning we reached Dijon – hometown of the famous moutard – within just a few hours. After lunch, and a spot of basking in the early afternoon sun, we set out on a thirty minute walk into town. Leigh and I estimated that walking there and back, sauntering around the centre, and perhaps stopping for a coffee to indulge in peopleanddogwatching, would take all of a couple of hours; my paws and her feet could cope with that. Three hours later we were still walking which is why I said to Rosie this morning, ‘Stay calm, no panting, no licking of the crate, no wild-eye stressy looks today, just remember that lying in our crate is heaven compared to walking our little paws off around town’.
So, let me tell you about Dijon. As you already know, we walked there from our campsite. The site was OK (but not as nice as most that we stay on) and situated at the side of a river so the walk started off pleasurably. Lots of other dog walkers, joggers, littlehumans on bikes, and humans using the exercise facilities along the route were enjoying the sunshine. As we neared town we had to cross a tram-line and busy road; we could see a railway line so had to skirt around that and that part of town was a bit grim. I was starting to wonder why the need to visit Dijon town. Once we reached the town I could see why. It is gorgeous. The place was busy with shoppers (a rare thing in towns in the UK I hear) and all ages drinking coffee, beer, wine at the many pavement cafes in liberation square – a wide open space that actually gives the feeling of freedom and light. Well done Dijon town planners.
Leaving Liberation Square, we explored the historic centre of Dijon. As in most of the medieval towns and villages of la France, there are many interesting buildings constructed out of huge chunks of grey or toffee-coloured stone.
These always mesmerize me – I just cannot get my head around how the people built them with no cranes or big machinery. Makes building today seem a doddle. I am sure any builders reading this may want to debate with me on that statement. Yelp!
Whilst in Dijon Tom purchased a rather nice fifteenyearoldbrandy as a gift for a fortieth birthday which is coming up. I think it’s rather self–indulgent as I am sure the receiver will offer Tom a tot. Mind you, I have been guilty of that myself, having sent doggietreats as Christmas presents to my late cousins, Ellie and Baloo.
I just mention a super site that we stayed at between Dijon and the tunnel. Apart from being secluded with superb facilities it was FUN. I must come back on day with some of my humans grandchildren as we could have an amazing time staying in tepees and wagons and playing Cowboys and injuns on the ‘Wild West Suzy’ campsite!
Well, that’s about it from me. We will be back in the UK in a few days. Did I tell you that our next adventure is morethanlikely to be on a narrow boat? No? You’ll have to look out for the blog then won’t you?
Lots of love, licks and woofs
Martha xxx
Philippa Annett says
Lovely ???