The final chapter - eventful departure

The night before we left the English class was followed by a knees-up at Tom (the English prof) and Dominique's. We gave Tom and Nicky a lift in our car to Tom's house which is situated just below the remparts of the old town.

Scene from Tom's garden

It's an idyllic situation with a lovely courtyard overhung by the illuminated walls and towers.

Dominique, Cecile, Tom, Nicky

So we had a great evening, but on returning to our car found a back window smashed and glass everywhere. Fortunately there was nothing of value in the back - evidently our coats were not worth stealing, nor our empty shopping bags.  However, it was still very inconvenient as, having to be at the airport at 9am, we clearly had no time to report it to the insurers and the next people hoping to use the car are non-French-speaking friends coming out on honeymoon.

So next morning we made sure our neighbours had a garage key in hope that we could arrange a repair at the house, and checked in for our flight. Shortly before boarding we were summoned to the information desk as there was someone wishing to speak to us.  It was Tom, asking if we had found the briefcase he had accidentally left in our car. He looked shocked when I said I hadn't and that the car had been broken into. His briefcase contained valuable items, so I only hope he is insured. We hadn't time to talk as the airline staff were anxious that Ryanair might not be able to play its fanfare (when you land on time, they play a rousing trumpet fanfare) so I hope he's OK.

We took off at 10.10am and arrived home at 3pm having achieved the whole journey from the airport by public transport, and free because we're that old! Bus to Leicester, Leicester to M Harborough, M Harborough to Rothwell and we walked up to Orton.


So there we are, closing the diary for now. See you all soon.