16th November

I spoke to Mum and Dad this morning. They are both in good spirits and don’t want me to go home until we know what is happening and when, but they’ll keep me posted.

I spoke to Will and to Rob too and told them about Grandad Roy.

I then spoke to a very dear friend of mine who is having a very difficult time at the moment. Their news isn’t mine to share but suffice to say I felt very sad after we said goodbye. Adding this to my Dad being unwell and so far away, the temptation to just hole myself up in this lovely cocoon of a place was strong. But I had promised my friend that I would go out and explore and then send some nice pictures later on- and that’s just what I did.

And am I glad that I gave myself that kick up the derrière to do it because Tours is FABULOUS! What a beautiful place! I love it already.

I headed first of all to the fabric shop Chantal had told me about “Mode Tissus” It was heaven! So much choice! I settled though, with the help of the owner, on some velvet that looks, in some lights mustardy, but in others, limey green 🙂 I could just have bought a very small piece, just enough for my hat. But I bought a metre because the remainder will definitely get used. Gorgeous!

I went then to find the station as I’m going to Orléans by train next Wednesday. And I bought a “longue brioche” from the brioche shop on the corner opposite the station. Can’t wait to taste it.

The city seems to be divided into two halves. The station side, which has all the big high street named shops like Zara etc, and then the part nearer to where I’m staying which has lots of smaller, independent shops that are full of amazing things!!!

Whilst in the high streety part, I went into an arcade and had a wander around. Outside a little tailors shop was a rack of big furry coats- for sale for 30 euros. I was standing looking at them, telling myself I really didn’t need a big, furry coat when the owner of the shop came out to speak to me. He said would I like to go in and try on the coat- which I did. We started chatting and the upshot was that I bought the coat (obviously!) and he offered me a job if I decide to stay in Tours?!!! Of course he was joking and, even if he wasn’t, I’m not a seamstress- but what a lovely guy 🙂

I kept on wandering which is, I think, a great way to discover a place and came across the Basilica of St Martin. I went in and had a look around and lit a candle for my friend and her family.

A bit more wandering and I found myself in the Place Plumereau, a big square in the old part of Tours, which is full of really old and beautiful timbered buildings and has lots of bars and restaurants. It wasn’t brillant weather but there was still a buzz about the place. Really nice 🙂

A few things to share with you about today.

I spotted these pictures in a shop window this morning. Interesting! Wouldn’t you just love to put one on your wall and wait to see the look on people’s faces as they realise it’s not really batman they’re looking at!!! 🙂

I past this lovely old shop and there was just one thing left sat in the window. A book with a picture of Charles Aznavour on the front cover. I guess the book contained music scores. I sang two of his songs on the stage when I was in my teens. My Dad was in Round Table and they put on a concert for the senior citizens of Spen Valley each year. I sang at two of the concerts. Solos. Some Gracie Fields, including “The Biggest Aspidistra in the World”. I think I sang “The Trolley Song” from Meet Me in St Louis. And, my favourites, “She” and “Dance in the Old Fashioned Way”, by Monsieur Aznavour. My favourite version of “She” by the way, is by Elvis Costello.

Look who was looking at me from the end of the street here! Tommy Shelby!!! Be still my beating heart! Unfortunately it wasn’t the real thing. It was his picture, in a hat shop, Chapellerie Brun, which claims to be the official sponsor of Peaky Blinders- but since 1902?!

And, lastly, look at this beautiful bridal shop. How gorgeous is that? So chic and understated and elegant. And look at the styles too! Pockets and shorts and everything! Superb 🙂

I set off back to the apartment and when I got there it was all lovely and warm and welcoming. I sent my friend some “happy pictures” as promised and sent her lots of love too.

I had a lovely surprise this evening. Julia, Barbara and Catherine FaceTimed me from Cath’s caravan in North Yorkshire! 🙂

And the coat? Well, here it is in all it’s glory.

With the hood up I look like an extra from that cheesy video East 17 did for their 1994 Christmas hit “Stay Another Day”. What a dreadful song! But it made me smile (the coat not the song) and for only 30 euros too- and I will wear it-sometime. So heyhoe!

Bonne nuit 🙂