Where has the time gone, I hadn't realised that my last entry was in September. It is 09:30 hours on Saturday 15th December 2018. I am contemplating two musical Christmas cards sitting on the shelf in front of me as I drink my morning coffee. Purchased in November events overtook their intended use. At this moment I receive a message from friends in Spain that their family will be gathering in Madrid. Decision made, one addressed there and the other to my friends in the "Garage Club" where I lived in Bulgaria. Perhaps if I drive into Tarascon-sur-Ariége the larger post office there may be open on a Saturday morning so off I go.
What a surprise, arriving down the back road from Aulos I swing right over the river bridge adorned in traditional bows, Christmas anthems to be heard as I drive. Finding a parking bay near the post office it is in deed open and the Christmas music is louder. Speakers mounted in the streets broadcast the local radio DJ to all parts of the town. It would appear that this is a day of Christmas festivities. It must also be last posting day for Christmas here in France as the post office will remain open until late afternoon. I feel sorry for the lone assistant behind the counter as the queue steadily increases despite her best efforts. Everyone is patient and observes their place, no barriers and tapes here. Someone finds a chair for me as I have my walking sticks with me. Shortly I am politely informed that it is now my turn at the counter, I haven't lost my place in the queue.
Cards dispatched I walk round to my favourite bar here after popping in to the local baker for croissants. I change my mind as they have some delicious baguette sandwiches on display. There are no seats outside the bar, it is obviously too cold but there is a warm welcome inside. Questioning the barman I discover that there are a series of events taking place during the afternoon. Lunch over I go in search of the carol singers. Activity on the other side of the river led me to retrace my steps to the paved area near the post office.
An old fashioned street organ, a keen group of singers led by a very enthusiastic conductor and a stall selling cups of mulled wine, all we need is snow however it is much too cold for that. The organ moves off whilst the choir continues with familiar carols even when sung in French. An enthusiastic band of dignitaries lend support. I listen for a while before retracing my steps across the bridge towards the main shopping street. Browsing shop windows as I walk, conveniently the bar is on the corner should I need to warm up. Turning the corner I discover where the organ had disappeared to.
By this time dusk is falling, the festive lights both in the streets and shop windows twinkle invitingly. The DJ continues to broadcast popular Christmas anthems and I notice that he is working from an outside broadcast van when he walks over to the street organ trailing his mic cable behind him. Interviewing the organist as a crowd gathers to listen and join in, it is not long before the choir catch up. Again I linger before browsing the shops and stalls set up along the street. Some artisan chocolates, a stuffed puppy both gift wrapped with Christmas paper, ribbon and card by the respective shop keepers at no extra charge. Retiring to the bar for a warming coffee it is a pity that they do not serve food. I gather my packages and return home to my own Christmas lights at number 14 in Aulos. A compilation of several photographs became my on-line Christmas card for 2018.
Excellent descriptive detail as always Arthur; and photos to match. Glad that you're back into writing mode.
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