A lush bamboo forest bends and breathes gently in the summer sun. But I don’t hear it.

A majestic home built to last, dressed to impress, groans it’s age. But I don’t hear it.

A storm is brewing beyond the lake. But I don’t hear it.

Two treasure hunters, X marks the spot. They sing delight. But I don’t hear it.

All I hear is a world gone mad. Lies, deceit, broken promises. An uncertain future. Brexit. …Thank god for French Wine! Everything tastes better in France. Even Brexit.

So with that bit of melancholy melodrama out of the way. Let me tell you two things.

Driving to the bottom of France (past Bordeaux) is a really really long drive.

Nothing beats a pool, two inflatable crocodiles (and a giraffe) and the company of good friends.

We spent a week in the company of the lovely Martin, Natalie, Freddy and baby Arthur in a farmhouse in Arjuzanx in the Aquitaine region of France.

A week full of relaxation, little beach towns, delicious food, European musings and toddler adventures.

Amelie is smitten with her ‘Fred Fred’. She followed him like a lemming the whole week as you can see in these pictures. She’s still waking up saying, “where’s my friend?” Their reunion will be photographed.