It's raining again and again and again...

What an experience the last couple of weeks have been and it's taught me a couple of very important lessons. Never agree to work outdoors in Le Havre, Normandy in November and, although I already knew food was important to the French, nothing else

matters. Le Havre is a mixture of rain from Manchester (although to be honest even Manchester isn't that wet), wind from Newcastle and the numerous petrochemical plants and heavy engineering of Middlesbrough. What a picture that must conjure up? There is, however, an abundance of excellent seafood and fish restaurants one of which we were lucky enough to eat at for Sunday lunch. The choice of seafood was extensive but being the ever unadventurous Brit I chose the chevre chaud salad followed by moules and frites, boring I know.The restaurant was also famous for its beer and after a couple of 'small ones' it was time to visit the little boys room. French toilets can be 'different' but this had something I'd not witnessed before, a latrine half way up the wall with silver handles on either side. Obviously the inhabitants of Le Havre were either very tall or good shots. Had I had the camera with me at the time there would have been a picture here but I suppose being caught in a mens toilet taking photographs would have been difficult to explain, 'well you see officer I write a blog that no one reads and wanted a reminder of my visit to Le Havre'. Anyway it turns out the 'toilet on the wall' is for those patrons who have had a couple too many Ricard's and want to make space for their dessert. It's either that or I'm going to wish I'd kept off the mussels.

Despite the appalling weather we managed to get the job finished and enjoyed some excellent food. I find it's always a good idea at times like this to take a retired chef with you who has worked in some of the best London restaurants and been the development chef at M & S, so 'not just any chef'. Although you would not believe the incredulous reaction there was when coq au vin was made with chicken and not cock. Everyone in Normandy was made aware of this and I'm sure I saw a piece on 'Look Normandy'. As always the hospitality has been exceptional with one exception, the house where we've been working. Despite the horrendous weather and record rainfall there wasn't one offer of coffee, something I've not experienced in France before. I've been told that the citizens of Normandy are well known for their deep pockets and short arms and the residents certainly lived up to the Normans reputation.

The trip 'up north' has also given me the opportunity to watch a bit of French telly. Hearing Homer sound like Homer but in French and CSI New York dubbed in French and renamed 'Les Experts Manhattan' mixed with Agatha Cristie's Poirot the only thing that was missing was Allo Allo.

Whilst I've been toiling away in a wet Le Havre Barbara has been enjoying herself in the North west Rivera. Much progress has been made in the painting of our house there and carpets and blinds have been fitted. From the pic's I've seen it's all looking good and I'm looking forward to seeing it in late December.