Intense is Done!

I'm have returned to the brasserie at Agen station to wait for my train. 9 days of intensive jewellery making, and 10 days of intensive eating and drinking too. After the first 24 hours I put a stop to the elaborate breakfasts - the heavy feeling at night made for poor sleep, and a certain persons reference to buses (think size) was worrying - a bit. I didn't come to focus on food, wine and cheese, but I have had an extra special experience because of it.

The French onion soup 2 nights ago was superb. I love the pastry crust on top with it.

The last evening meal started with foie gras and thin slices of duck - a bit like salami but very tender. With a small glass of floc - a local sweet drink. Sauternes are also paired with foie gras. The sweet is to cleanse the fat between mouthfuls so that you get all the flavour and texture each mouthful. Champagne is also acceptable to achieve this.

Then lamb - with a slab of butter and parsley melting on top. It was a great meal. I won't bother to mention or provide more about cheese. It's always there with a meal.

The jewellery making in Caroline's cocoon of patience, encouragement and occasional well-timed pushes when things were hard, was amazing. I think I am hooked. So much to learn, and so much practice ahead. Here are a few examples. All were an exercise in learning a skill, and some involved more opportunity to choose some aspect of design in particular the bronze pieces which I am very happy with.

Yesterday we had the morning off to go to market and coffee again at Nérac. We also called into one of the last inhabited circular villages. Beautiful. But sleepy at this time of year.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/b7ea7d_92116bc0a5e047ac99c1d611a6d728cd/360p/mp4/file.mp4

The drive back to Agen was still lovely in the rain - Caroline called it that. They think a drizzle is a lot of rain. I'm in love with the Plane trees.

So here I am back at the brasserie at Agen station. Happy, a wee bit sad leaving. And celebrating with a 2 course lunch and Prosecco. The crème brûlée is sooooo good! The covered train area is just outside the window of the brasserie. It's is a superb way to hang out at a train station! And at 11.45am most tables have alcohol on them!

I have given up on milk coffees.

Next stop Bordeaux.