Saturday June 17, Mende

This Aire is in such a nice quiet spot and with the much more pleasant temperatures we decided to spend another day here. Had also heard there was a market in town in front of the cathedral so ambled up mid-morning to check it out. It was probably one of the best we have been to, with a really nice variety of goods with many of the stalls in the shade of the cathedral. Lots of locals buying their supplies and chatting.

Courtyard of hotel.

Armed, but a real community policeman.

No, I wasn't tempted!

Zespri kiwifruit at the market.

Slicing our bacon

At one stage two policeman wandered through the crowd, and everyone was stopping to chat with them and shake their hands. Obviously appreciated by the community, so good to see. Topped up our supplies of olives along with fresh garlic, more apricots and some freshly sliced very dry bacon. Also found a very loose cool dress at one of the stalls. Meandered around the little lanes poking into the small shops with such different sorts of products, and called in to a very small bakery in a little unassuming shop on a narrow lane in among the houses and got our bread. Real artisan bread that tasted so good with its crunchy crust. It is good to be able to just buy a small loaf which is enough for lunch as it is not nearly as good the next day. This was one of the most enjoyable towns we have been in, very unassuming but with so much charm.

The bakery was in a cave like building, which from
the outside was quite unassuming.

Back home and did the chores and the washing and after a late lunch it was siesta time with a book. Visited Jean and Barry and John and Mandy for an evening drink and were invited to share dinner with them, a great way to finish a very relaxed and enjoyable day.

A very happy evening.