19th August 2008

Once a week in Caussade the stall-holders arrive, armed with all their latest stock. Unlike our local village market, which basically is just fruit and vegetables, this one is extensive and includes a pot pourri of everything under the sun. After three years in the area, me and him indoors can usually be relied upon to arrive at Caussade without taking the scenic route. As we approach we are always impressed by the hat sculpture at the side of the road. An assortment of delicate straw boaters are artfully displayed on an iron carousel and, guess what, no-one steals them! The city is called 'Cite de la chapeau', being famous for supplying Maurice Chevalier with his famous headgear. (For all you oldies, how can you forget: 'Sank 'eaven for leetle girls....'). A very useful addition to the market is the underwear stall. Can you believe it: they actually stock Playtex Cross-your-Heart bras! I thought they went out with the ark. All this takes him indoors back to his own market-stall in the UK. He sinks back into reverie about all his old customers. 'Can you tell me where I can get felt in the market?' was one never-to-be forgotten moment, as were requests for 'candlestick bedspreads', 'Durex batteries' and the unforgettable 'You can't get a decent screw anywhere'. Ah, such memories.

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