Hector's Vacation

This morning we were highly disapointed to wake up to the sound of rain falling on the patio outside our window. After a quick shower today's breakfast was crusty baguette with french beurre and confiture fraises with hot chocolate. Half way through dad returned from the boulangerie with a tarte aux pommes which was extremely delicious.

We spent the morning in the hotel foyer then late went to explore the place; Dad read his papers while I caught up with old friends- I looked through Miles' online photos and reminisced. Good times were had by many.
Here is the view from our room over the pool, the river and to the second half of the hotel. The layout is quite odd with most of the facilities on our side of the river while there are about 40 rooms to the far side.

The bar, dining room and breakfast pyramid-yes pyramid which has inside it another very small pool about 20 feet square- are all over here as is the main swimming pool just outside our window; on the far side is a baby pool and further sun loungers.

Bizarrely the two halves of the hotel are connected by a monorail, just in case you can't face the rain you can squeeze into this piece of 'You only live twice' memorabilia and get to the other side nice and dry.


As Hector and I were exploring the place we came across this awful piece of art at the entrance to the pyramid- apparently the hotel has invested in lots of such pieces, most of which are scattered around its golf course about 2 miles away. We've never played it as its new to us and we don't do change; afterall my Dad has been coming here the the best part of the last 29 years.

While outside looking around the grounds we found the tennis centre- apparently some pretty high profile tennis players book in here to use these facilities- 6 indoor courts, 8 outdoor clay and a full gym. Its a very impressive set up. With the weather still disappointing- cloudy, a chilling breeze in the air and the odd light drop of rain I had complaints form Hector as I tried to capture this image. Needless to say we had to wait for the monorail to actually traverse the river but he was quick to mock me for my shivers as I stood there in flip-flops, shorts and T-shirt while he was snug in his Canadian hoodie.
Lunch was pate etc... with new pates today and another fresh loaf.