France was remarkable in so many ways, but as we were heading for the Spanish border we got hit with one last great memory. We stopped off for the night in a small and unremarkable town of Saint Gaudens. Think Matamata. Rolling in it was like a ghost town.
Never judge a French village at 4 in the afternoon
We should have know better. Out of the blue this town fired up with one surprise after another! Starting with a full-on sideshow carnival in the late afternoon. Next we wandered into the deserted town square and stumbled across a super-slick 15 piece band running through their soundcheck for that night’s show. Sitting in the sun with a beer, we soaked up the performance (iconic hits belted out in flawless English, then a switch to fiery French to abuse the drummer).
As it got dark the street barriers started to make sense. The sleepy town woke from its nap, pulled on its fete best and rolled out an incredibly vibrant and elaborate street parade.
What an experience and lesson in travel. We arrived with no expectations and left covered in confetti with some of the most amazing memories.
Gap year for grownups 
Great experiences you guys are having. The photos do it all justice and I feel there with you. That’s the best thing about free wheeling you never know what’s around the next corner. Sounds a great little spot you have found. You are probably in Portugal now so that’s another chapter taken care of.
Have fun
Nick
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Magic xx Sal and Jock x
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Really enjoying these Jane and Roger, I can hear Gwynne reciting these wonderful tales to you beer in hand and you pounding away at the keyboard Jane. Just another close call! I think you need to sell Mt Eden and take on a full time role traveling and writing little adventure books “the world through a couple of Kiwi boomers eyes”. Keep them up, no slacking off, looking forward to all the birthday tales, kick off on the 9th Jane, all the best for your little celebration, cheers and love to the family Lisa and John
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Haha, great story
We has similar in St Remy having lunch in the square and a band started up ! An amazing singer who got passing drivers stopped as they passed to sing along on her mike!
Luv the storys- Enjoy the party!
From: Gap year for grownups Reply-To: Gap year for grownups Date: Thursday, 5 September 2019 at 5:15 AM To: Subject: [New post] Just when we thought…
janegwynne posted: ” France was remarkable in so many ways, but as we were heading for the Spanish border we got hit with one last great memory. We stopped off for the night in a small and unremarkable town of Saint Gaudens. Think Matamata. Rolling in it was like a ghost t”
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Jane and Rog – we’re loving this blog series. Keep up the good work!
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Great start to the day, catching up on your blogs…
The photos are sensational. Will look forward to the book!
I am struck by the summery clothes and tanned limbs – still in layers of merino down here!!
Lots of love, and Happy Birthday Roger
Rosey xx
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