Arthur's Diary - in the Pas de Calais
Day Two
Beautiful bright blue day but with a freezing wind. A man masquerading as Victor Hugo shows us the battlements of Montreuil and then we head to the battlefield of Agincourt and its new museum. It must have been a tough day at the Champ de Bataille for the French Knights in 1415 but it was tough for us, too with the cold wind.
Arthur quotes from Henry V |
A Monsieur Fenet gave me lessons in the long bow on the battle field. We both quote Henry V, me in English, he in French whilst firing arrows across Agincourt in a high wind - much to the consternation of wandering tourists.
Arthur takes a bow |
Aim high! |
After the recording we are invited for coffee with the Mayor, Bernard, who has held this position for 18 years. He talks to Sara Jane who fails to understand a word.
Not content with one mayor we bag our second at Hesdin, a town rudely relocated by the Spanish Hapsburgs in 1554. After the mayor's show, we go to the hotel, Auberge de Monastere. It is Valentine's night and S-J is thinking about her boyfriend and looking lachrymose. I feel concerned for her until I remember she always looks lachrymose. I don't think the French go for Valentine's dinners since our excellent restaurant is inhabited only by us and one other couple. The owner plays a bit of jazz and tells us cheerfully about his lung cancer. He has made superb foie gras. My bed is so soft I am reminded of that scene in Trainspotting.
Read Day Three
Read Day Four
Read Day One
