A Morning Swim - Fat Dogs and French Estates - page 98

We knew that it was located at the relatively high altitude of 1,900 metres. The Google
map images distinctly showed that the buildings were nestled amongst dense woodland,
which minimised the risk of being blown off the hillside and we were not unduly con-
cerned. This property, Will assured me, was an absolute 'gem' because it was a genuine
hunting lodge. So, carried away by his enormous enthusiasm, we completely overlooked
the possibility that, being perched on a mountain, vehicle access might be tricky.
The first thirty or so kilometres were very pleasant and the change was so gradual it
was almost imperceptible until it was upon us. As the snow-capped peaks of the magnifi-
cent Pyrénées gently gained form and height in front of us we began to climb. Our route
quickly transformed into a labyrinth of ascending hairpin bends that resembled an alpine
rally route. We never did calculate it, the distance to our meeting point can't have been far,
but our progress was unavoidably slow because of the severity of the bends.
We had no difficulty finding Boule-d'Amont because it was the only village in the
area. We parked outside the café and got out to survey our surroundings. The air was in-
vigorating to say the least but that didn't matter. This place was breathtakingly gorgeous
albeit rather more alpine than I had imagined. From our position, the horizon was lined
with majestic mountains that gave way to foothills, fields and streams far below. It was the
stuff of picture postcards.
Thierry de la Souza arrived promptly at 10:00am and was courtesy itself. Thankfully
Sam and Biff were tied to chairs because, with all that pecking of cheeks as a welcome,
Sam would certainly have decided a crotch attack was in order. In ravishingly stilted Eng-
lish, Thierry gave us a potted history of his business and connection to ItsWill. I hung on
to his every word and secretly hoped that his graceful treatment of our banal old English
words would never end. Sadly it did but by now I was convinced that Thierry's veins were
positively dripping with blue blood.
“I am understanding that you have already the domaine details,” he said in conclusion,
“so there is nothing more for me to add. Please to follow me in your car.”
With that he sloped off to his sturdy Volvo 4x4.
“Well, he's charming , isn't he darling?” I said earnestly to Jack.
“Yes, he's fine - so far. But would you please do your swooning in the car. If he drives
as fast as he talks, he'll soon be gone.”