Well, here we are in the south west of France close to Toulouse, we have travelled here after spending 2 weeks in Alsace in the north east. Driving through France we have been struck by the density of population, the amount of clear fresh water, the speed and wildness of the driving and the lack of wildlife- all of which may go together in some way. The people have been very helpful and friendly and our French is progressing slowly, unfortunately access to the net is a bit difficult so messages and postings are few and far between.

The countryside is highly varied and we have passed densely farmed country in the lower areas and grazing country in the highlands - the livestock spend the winter in sheds and at the moment are just being let out so are dirty but full of energy the farming fields are tiny and at the moment there is lots of wheat, rape and bare cultivated earth waiting for spring planting I preume.

In Alsace we participated a little in farm life and planted Celeriac, harvested asparagus and I even slaughtered a few rabbits at lunch we woild have a huge, very alcoholic lunch with the family - beer before lunch, wine with lunch ans schnapps after - then off to work. Conversation at the table similar to any farm lunch table - prices going down, costs going up, the threat of globalisation etc - at least the access to water is generally not a problem in Alsace but the cost of land is incredible as is the yield of crop. Matthieu who is growing the asparagus sells them at his door and has orders for more than he can produce - the villagers see him harvesting and turn up looking for asparagus.

Some photos attached and more messages to come I hope