A good flight and easy through the formalities. It was very kind of Kingsley, Jean-Luc and Joel to see us off and a delight to see Christian and his wife at the airport.
We're now off to pick up Andy's Auntie and I'll tidy up the blog over the next few days.
Allez TOSSAS, Allez VROUM.
Monday, 19 January 2009
16 plat du jour s'il vous plait
We are checked in and enjoying a smashing lunch at the airport. More news and pictures after the break.
TOSSAS achieve VIP status
I an posting this from inside the 5 star Hotel de la Cite where we have had a private tour. Very nice, very tasteful, love all that.
DAY 4 - The housemates are in the bar
We're all looking remarkably frisky and distinctly French. It is amazing how quickly handshakes and espresso become the natural way to start the day.
A little kid - Caption Competition
I was introduced to a three day old kid at Gilles (Captain VROUM) and Fabienne's home last night. It is being hand reared after being abandoned by it's mother.
It has been suggested that we should have a caption competition for this photo. Can't think why but if you want to have a go post your entry as a comment. If we get enough entries I think have suitable photos to do one a month for the rest of the year!
Sunday, 18 January 2009
A further clarification
I have been asked by the Press Complaints Commission to bring some balance when reporting the activities of a Mr Steve Jaggard so here goes.
He scored a goal, got a medal, was man of the match, missed a penalty. More importantly he is our spiritual leader and a diamond geezer. Cheers Steve.
He scored a goal, got a medal, was man of the match, missed a penalty. More importantly he is our spiritual leader and a diamond geezer. Cheers Steve.
Pizzas
We are being royally entertained yet again. This time in the bar with pizzas. How does Christian produce so many pizzas of such high quality in such a short period? Astonishing.
Meet the pilot
Following a customer service review Ryanair have introduced a 'meet the pilot' scheme where your captain drops in to meet you the night before your flight. Our pilot has just turned up in the bar. Nice idea but I think in this case ignorance is bliss.
Snow Patrol
We're all off the mountain in one piece although it was touch and go for a while when I tried to keep up with Black Run Brown. The whole group had fun and medal-winning, penalty-missing Steve is now known as Steve (MOTM).
Off to the slopes.
It's 12.48 and we have had a good breakfast. Apart from Andy and Darren we are all off skiing. Martin's first attempt so good luck to him and anyone who gets in his way.
Morning has bro ken!
What a glorious morning. It's a shame Steve (penalty miss) and Darren (gherkins) missed the start of it.
The BBQ is alight and the wine is flowing so it's party time again.
Saturday, 17 January 2009
More fabulous hospitality
Food, wine, songs. Marvellous cassoulet followed, or course by Sunshine Mountain, Arc de Triomphe and Whiskey in the Jar amongst others.
An over excited Rick in the distance.
Fred and Celine give it a go.
Andy managed to achieve this amazing feat.
With the co-operation of the ladies of course.
I didn't understand much but it was very funny!
If you want to see the impact cassoulet had on the US election
follow this link
Civic reception
Steve thanking our hosts with from L to R Kingsley, Didier (M. Le Mayor) and M. Durand
Didier presenting Martin with his Belveze badge
Steve with the medal.
Kingsley, Didier, M. Durand and Joel.
Wow. The mayor and the chief of the department said some very kind things and presented Steve (penalty miss) with a medal and Martin with a badge. Nibbles and drinks followed. Both teams received some very tasteful shirts with VROUM and AUDE motifs and wore them for the rest of the night. We feel like celebrities but don't get us out of here!
Wine tour
We have been honored with a tour of an experimental wine station where France is reclaiming leadership of the wine industry by
+++ By ORDER OF THE PRESIDENT OF FRANCE THIS POST IS CENSORED +++
and that will stuff the new world producers.
Lunch
Oh my word!.
At least 7 wines with 3 courses and views to die for. We are going to pay for this in this life or the next. Nobody deserves to be this lucky.
At least 7 wines with 3 courses and views to die for. We are going to pay for this in this life or the next. Nobody deserves to be this lucky.
Steve finds his favourite wine
My favourite
The meal in full flow
Presentations
We are tasting some gorgeous wine at the local wine research centre with a stunning view towards the Pyrenees. We have been given bottles by our defeated but magnanimous hosts and penalty Steve has been named MOTM.
Our welcome.
Steve in full flow
View from the research station dining room.
Martin and Didier with Steve, the Man of The Match
A personal thanks from me to Regis and Martin. Many a blue wave of VROUMers crashed and were lost against the twin rocks at the heart of our defence. Brilliant.
Clarification
The other Steve wants me to make it clear that he scored his penalty so I hope that's understood.
Victory!
Where do I start? A hard fought 1-1 draw? Andy's cameo appearance in the penalty shoot out? Steve's penalty miss? Yes, let's start there. Steve missed a penalty in the shoot out but we won. Tossas victorious! And now we celebrate.
Friday, 16 January 2009
Quote of the tour?
Don't use long words like that when there's gherkins on the table. Thanks Darren.
Back in the bar
It's all going beautifully. We are all installed and back in the bar for a jolly evening of tactics and paella.
The plan
It involves a council meeting, food, drink and something else but i'm confused. The car is emptying - i hope they haven't forgotten me.
Where's Martin?
He's on the Dublin plane! Seriously. Lucky he was spotted. Our flight is delayed 30 mins so we're in the bar.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
The song sheet
In 2006 we were half way through a famous footy song when the volume reduced because a few members forgot the words. Very embarrassing. So this year I've produced a song sheet to prevent that happening again. With no time available to get a consensus on the titles I've had to go with my own opinions and the instruction that American Pie and Yellow Submarine had to be there, come what may.
The list:
Yellow Submarine
You'll Never Walk Alone
September (Earth Wind and Fire)
Can't Take My Eyes off You
Three Lions
The Impossible Dream
The Flower of Scotland (for Martin)
Everybody Needs Somebody (volunteers to be Elwood?)
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
Tears of a Clown
American Pie
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
Hot Stuff (actions optional depending on audience)
Plenty of opportunities for choral ineptitude there I think!
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Here we go again
The Tired Old Sad 'n' Slow Alcoholics football club are off to France again. The theme for this tour is Leibrick's last stand as it will include Martin's last appearance in a full eleven a side match. Looking around the table on Monday night I think a few others might like to take a hint and consider their footballing futures.
As "scribe" for the tour I will attempt to update this blog with the edited highlights but as you all appreciate I will be be following the very sensible rule that "what goes on tour stays on tour" so the more interesting moments will have to remain the private shame of the tourists and their hosts.
Bon Voyage TOSSAs!
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