Hi!
Sorry not to have written for a few days, but what a few days they have been!
Last Tuesday I took the train to Nimes, and then travelled on to Bellegarde in Provence to visit Cobie aboard her boat.
What a wonderful experience! As soon as I smelt the wonderful aroma of lavender and citronelle on boarding the boat, I fell under the charm of Etoile. Built in 1889 this Dutch passenger barge has been lovingly converted by Cobie to provide a home from home for up to 8 guests, in four ensuite cabins. Cobie and Nico kept me well entertained as they prepared our evening meal, while I enjoyed a glass of white wine from the Rully vineyards. What a meal! Friends of mine reading this blog will know that I have an excellent apetite. As one of four children, I was brought up eating as much as my brothers, who are 6ft as opposed to my 5ft4, and my mother liked us to finish everything on the table. Cobie presented me what she insists is a typical lunch aboard Etoile, but to be this sumptious meal was more than enough for a dinner. Clearly an excellent cook, Cobie served a variety of dishes including fresh melon with ham, a wonderful quiche and a prawn salad ( NOT to be confused with a prawn cocktail!) Easy conversation, wonderful wine and amusing anecdotes completed this evening. As I lay down on my 2m square, canopied bed, I noticed the stars on the ceiling before drifting off into a deep sleep.
Morning came far too soon, and after a breakfast of fresh pastries and croissants, it was time to take the train back to Dijon, and my return to the office.
I smiled all the way back, but came back to a potential disaster!
One of my charters due out on Sunday was under threat of cancellation as the Captain had had an accident during floods on the Saone.
My poor clients! A group of 4 octegenarians coming from Canada.
While I desperately searched for an alternative cruise for them, I didn't have time to call Cobie to advise her that I had returned safely.
On emailing her later that evening, she came to my rescue, offering me two cabins aboard Etoile for Sunday's guests, having had an unexpected last minute cancellation!
When I first met Cobie a couple of weeks ago, I sensed that we would be able to work well together, and that here was a woman that I could trust. Now I am certain of this.
My clients joined Etoile yesterday, and are now enjoying their Provence cruise.
A few days of frantic activity and all's end that ends well.
If you would like to see the Etoile, visit the following site:
http://www.bargingholidays.com/Needless to say, the Etoile will soon appear on our site at
http://www.hotelsafloat.com/Now, I must get on with my emails and all those Monday morning tasks.
Have a nice day, and to those that were wondering, yes, the Loire is fine and due to be returned to the wild this evening.
