tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77409170000990768912024-02-21T05:33:52.957-08:00FAB-POFAB PO is a registered association : French Anglo Business in the Pyrenees Orientales. We are an international group of business people with small businesses in the Pyrenees Orientales. With over a 100 members, we meet once a month to network, exchange ideas, plan events. www.fab-po.comKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-67767614563078125412010-04-08T07:34:00.000-07:002010-04-08T07:34:00.542-07:00Maison Guilhot - Wine Cave in Perpignan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcqfgk3QFWEie6aNmFSSE3U-79aF4iS06l43XI6amzw-pndb33IIXw7xO-6Cv92-i2wMiGYjtoOfNJZ4a02yHec8HWampNnueae8oAQK4OV70uDlUTClR62KNqpPMj3kVMmw1k85lKFwl/s1600/guilhot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcqfgk3QFWEie6aNmFSSE3U-79aF4iS06l43XI6amzw-pndb33IIXw7xO-6Cv92-i2wMiGYjtoOfNJZ4a02yHec8HWampNnueae8oAQK4OV70uDlUTClR62KNqpPMj3kVMmw1k85lKFwl/s400/guilhot.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div>You are always assured a warm welcome at Maison Guilhot by proprietor Georges who runs the show. Georges enthusiasm for wine and food marries perfectly with his well stocked shop, full of a wine lovers goodies.<br />
As well as a wide selection of local Roussillon wines, Georges also stocks wine from other parts of France and Spain.<br />
A fine selection of champagnes are also available as well as some well chosen whiskies.<br />
Georges speaks perfect English and is great to consult if you having a dinner party or want to find the right wine to match the right food. He also hosts tasting nights with different themes.<br />
Situated right in the heart of Perpignan city, why not call in for a chat and a taste?<br />
<br />
Maison Guilhot,<br />
13 place des poilus<br />
Perpignan 66000<br />
Tel : 0678445480Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-54907930153780673802010-03-22T04:00:00.000-07:002010-03-22T04:00:01.895-07:00Advert : Alfmed - French ClassesFrench in Ceret - Free test on Monday 22nd March 2010 <br />
French conversation classes are coming back to Céret.<br />
Don't miss us on Monday 22nd March, 3pm at the Café de France.<br />
Come and take the Free French test and ask for further information.<br />
As some of you already know, the French conversation classes run twice a week, for the moment on Monday afternoons from 14h30 to 18h30, 2 levels are convered and each lesson lasts 2 hours.<br />
These classes have been running succesfully since 2006 and now ALFMED is able to not only give the conversation classes in Ceret but also:<br />
- one to one lessons<br />
- Intensive sessions over 1 or 2 weeks<br />
- Full 66 resident package<br />
- Specific French for professionals with financial support<br />
- TEF diploma preparation, official certificate attesting of level of French<br />
Not forgetting our very flexible 'come n'go' conversation packages. Buy your hours today and use them up as it suits you. No limit in time to use the hours up, come 'n go as you wish.<br />
All these programs take place all year round.<br />
We look forward to seeing you on the 22nd March, 3pm at the Café de France.<br />
First lesson on Monday the 29th March 2010 2.30pm.<br />
We also run the conversation classes in Perpignan on Monday and Thursday afternoons.<br />
Don't hesitate to ask for further information, either give us a call: 04 68 62 20 20 or send us an email: contact@alfmed.com<br />
-----------<br />
ALFMED, 21bis Avenue du Général de Gaulle - 66000 Perpignan<br />
Tel: +33 (0)4.68.62.20.20 - Fax : +33 (0)4.68.53.30.58<br />
WWW.ALFMED.COM - contact@alfmed.comKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-22946971820806601992010-03-22T03:56:00.001-07:002010-03-22T03:56:49.013-07:00FAB PO March meetingIf you are in business or thinking of starting a business in the PO you are more than welcome to attend the FAB PO meetings or join FAB PO. <br />
<br />
FAB PO meeting - WEDNESDAY 24th March 2010 - 6.30PM - ALFMED in Perpignan, 21 bis Avenue du Général de Gaulle in Perpignan (Tel. +33 468 62 20 20 www.alfmed.com) <br />
<br />
Guest speaker Martin Wardell will be giving a presentation on marketing your GITE/Business. <br />
<br />
If you are interested in attending please ph 04 68 95 02 29 or email Rachel at info@domainetreloar.com <br />
<br />
Rachel Treloar ( acting president)Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-2394169756039312562010-03-04T02:49:00.000-08:002010-03-04T02:49:28.074-08:00FAB PO next meetingThe next FAB PO meeting will be held on 26th March in Perpignan, an evening meeting. <br />
Put it in your diaries!<br />
Rachel Treloar from Domaine Treloar will be hosting the meeting, venue to be announced soon.Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-4166947305955134432010-03-04T02:46:00.000-08:002010-03-04T02:46:29.088-08:006th March walkDue to forecast of snow on high ground, the walk on Saturday, 6th March is cancelled.<br />
However, I will be walking on the coast on Sat with some of the group. If anyone cares to join me for this scenic coastal walk, please feel free to call or email me.<br />
There's no charge.Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-53357519135109658292010-02-16T04:13:00.000-08:002010-02-16T04:17:24.939-08:00March FAB PO meetingOur next FAB PO meeting, chaired by acting president, Rachel Treloar will be in Port Vendres on 2nd March at 10h30.<br /> <br />We have scheduled the meetings for each month so that one is during the day, one at night and in different parts of the Roussillon so we can get a wide range of people coming to meetings and hopefully get some people who have not normally been able to make a meeting because of location and time.<br /> <br />If anyone has any items for the agenda or would like to speak at the next meeting or come and promote their business or pass on their experiences please email me before next Thursday. Proposed items carried over from the January meeting are:<br />-changes to membership <br />-discussion regarding the website and setting up a sub committee to look at what we want and need and how<br />-Finding a replacement president - suggestions and nominations welcome<br /> <br />Please NOTE: <br />The next meeting will at Bistrol Le Cortal in Vernet le Bain which is owned and run by Tiffany and David Smith. Date to be decided.<br /><br />New members are always welcome - please do contact Rachel of Domaine Treloar if you are interested in joining : info@domainetreloar.comKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-47257297356515813422010-02-10T13:24:00.001-08:002010-02-10T13:32:05.787-08:00Walking in the Springtime<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PjZQ0JKbzQDtErMByu9UfBNkZIqN2u1WahaAMBF2fMcMcoFi1wsdHUUbWhDey1owZXuhyphenhypheniEz_TLkFHAb9cPqSwQXj9yVotdMM7ZruQv2DRv0Rik_ng9nKqUNiy7NYZZFPLD2MKB1rOtp/s1600-h/train+jaune.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PjZQ0JKbzQDtErMByu9UfBNkZIqN2u1WahaAMBF2fMcMcoFi1wsdHUUbWhDey1owZXuhyphenhypheniEz_TLkFHAb9cPqSwQXj9yVotdMM7ZruQv2DRv0Rik_ng9nKqUNiy7NYZZFPLD2MKB1rOtp/s400/train+jaune.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436730660613860610" /></a><br />Christian from Enchemin, one of FAB PO's members is proposing the folllowing walks for the Spring season :<br /><br />February <br /><br />*Tuesday 9th: MONASTERY <br />SANT PERE de RODES (Port de la Selva - Costa Brava) - adaptable distance <br />*Sunday 14th: MONTBOLO & <br />PALALDA (Vallespir) - family walk<br />**Saturday 20th-Sunday 21st: BEGET & ROCABRUNA (Alta Garrotxa, Catalunya) - adaptable<br />*Sunday 28th: ROMAN WAY <br />of CAPSACOSTA (Garrotxa, <br />Catalunya) - no difficulties<br /> <br />March <br /><br /><br />*Saturday 6th: LE PETIT TRAIN JAUNE ANNIVERSARY (Conflent) - train + moderate loop walk in the Tet valley<br />**Saturday 13th- Sunday 14th: SAINT JAMES' ROUTE (Garrotxa & Osona, Catalunya) - 2-day exclusive adventure walks<br />*Wednesday 17th: PEAK of BASSEGODA (Garrotxa, Catalunya) - challenging (gradient 1000 m)<br /><br />Most people are interested in the Petit Train walk and I'll forward more details re same at a later date with regard to time and place of departure / any equipment needed and what to bring etc.<br />The walk is open to everyone, not just FAB PO members and is a great way to meet people in a relaxed environment while getting a bit of exercise and enjoying some FAP PO scenery.<br />Contact me if you are interested : info@thefrenchtourco.comKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-52093891866066422272009-11-05T01:40:00.000-08:002009-11-05T01:46:34.790-08:00Volunteers for the Christmas Fair<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUz68IVpsjPXZcAaRAf57VmBvYwbC7sly8cf2Omb-ocoVAGiwZUVK3lIn10QoOPDUVV-qfYSNqxcddlMRibJVNzs0N0KDl2ixXYuIykrWpJhVMuo6KxlfF4WVHxqnq3i7gvp5wV6kdpOT/s1600-h/P1012980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUz68IVpsjPXZcAaRAf57VmBvYwbC7sly8cf2Omb-ocoVAGiwZUVK3lIn10QoOPDUVV-qfYSNqxcddlMRibJVNzs0N0KDl2ixXYuIykrWpJhVMuo6KxlfF4WVHxqnq3i7gvp5wV6kdpOT/s400/P1012980.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400553402506206418" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJBDE1p2xDrW0tOh8nFST606ftBSd3bRfp0gbIvihT7pjEEot8TEqC0pCAPBgrj7fUr2LDDYXqhAeMoqQ54s6pUb_evEek9MTdDRp93Vs81_BGbgsHGyLBVL9Q2D9B4UDDHnmEB9wiFHq/s1600-h/P1012967.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJBDE1p2xDrW0tOh8nFST606ftBSd3bRfp0gbIvihT7pjEEot8TEqC0pCAPBgrj7fUr2LDDYXqhAeMoqQ54s6pUb_evEek9MTdDRp93Vs81_BGbgsHGyLBVL9Q2D9B4UDDHnmEB9wiFHq/s400/P1012967.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400553392924420386" /></a><br />As you already know, this year’s Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 29th November from 11am until 5pm at the Salle Polyvalente in Saint Jean Pla de Corts. <br /><br />The Christmas Fair committee has been busy working to organise this year’s event which looks like being a huge success again. This is your chance to contribute and help out both FAB PO and Cancer Support France. We really need help with the following – please be generous as it’s for a good cause.<br /><br />1. VIDE GRENIER - the stand needs your unwanted books, CDs, DVDs, Jewellery, ornaments, vases etc. Please donate good quality items but NO shoes, clothing or furniture this year.<br /><br />2. CAKE STAND – this was a huge success last year and the cakes sold out early. This year we need even more cakes so please get baking and bring your donations to the salle polyvalente in Saint Jean Pla de Corts in the morning on the day of the fair. <br /><br />3. TOMBOLA PRIZES – we are asking all members to please donate a prize for the tombola. We would welcome any unwanted gifts you have around the house as long as they are in good condition and unopened e.g. CDs, DVDs, glassware, homewares, wine etc. If you have a business such as a gîte or restaurant you could donate a free stay or meal, artists could donate an artwork etc etc. The value is not that important we need a large amount of prizes of varying worth to make the tombola a real success.<br /><br />4. FAB PO STAND – there will be a stand for members to promote their businesses and products on the day. Please could all members who wish to use the stand provide A5 brochures or print outs to be displayed. <br /><br />5. VOLUNTEERS – all the above stands need volunteers to help man the stalls on the day. If you can spare an hour or two on the 29th November, please contact Louise Sayers at louisesayers@wanadoo.fr or on 06 20 03 54 46.<br /><br /><br />For vide grenier and tombola donations, please deliver these to any of the following drop off points:<br /><br />o Rachel Treloar at Domaine Treloar in Trouillas<br />o Louise Sayers at Med and Mountain’s offices in 1 rue Saint Francois de Paule in Perpignan (phone ahead as the office is not always open – 06 20 03 54 46)<br />o Penny Statham at Les Hirondelles Holiday Gîtes in Fuilla (again phone ahead – 04 68 05 63 08<br />o On the 28th November ONLY between 2pm and 5pm at the Salle Polyvalente in St Jean Pla de CortsKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-41136008385360324982009-10-29T13:58:00.000-07:002009-10-29T14:07:26.568-07:00FAB PO Christmas market is back!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzi1JDU2fPjIbspJyZaPmlOFKxqbuge7lW3h9Knli32rlqyVr1k25PQm6wfM3HCOX7poZlY25UyydWoGXELA-KsXC7nr2rZ5X33J69NTvcrd0ug5kEmsRuCobXSqqiN3vD7ZHs_DGlPt/s1600-h/santa-clause-presents.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmzi1JDU2fPjIbspJyZaPmlOFKxqbuge7lW3h9Knli32rlqyVr1k25PQm6wfM3HCOX7poZlY25UyydWoGXELA-KsXC7nr2rZ5X33J69NTvcrd0ug5kEmsRuCobXSqqiN3vD7ZHs_DGlPt/s400/santa-clause-presents.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398131340916497538" /></a><br />The FAB-PO Marché de Noël is back!!!<br /><br />FAB-PO (www.fab-po.com), an international non-profit making business network based in the Pyrénées-Orientales, is pleased to announce the return of its phenomenally successful Christmas Market. This year’s market will take place on Sunday 29th November from 11am until 5pm at the Salle Polyvalente in Saint Jean Pla de Corts – make sure you put the date in your diary now!<br /><br />It promises to be a fun day out for all the family with Father Christmas making an appearance, pottery and facepainting for the kids, wine tasting and French language workshops, carol singing, a tombola with fantastic prizes, stalls selling local produce, cards and Christmassy delights and much much more. Cyberia Café will be serving delicious sandwiches, soft drinks and snacks, and there will be a bar run by local winemakers, so come along and make a day of it. <br /><br />It’s all for a good cause too as 25% of the profits from the day will be going to Cancer Support France (www.cancersupportfrance.info) , which provides English speaking support to cancer sufferers in France.<br /><br />We hope to see you there!Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-83457120089809490142009-10-12T04:29:00.000-07:002009-10-28T00:45:35.187-07:00It's Christmas Fair time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zlLU3AaNJiNyPwilVP26ePeEDwRqPCCNFQ79_eEljL-HJyROp0WxRxF7JlMe-M_Cp3dD_QgUkXWugbVYi1OLxuZwnSgHo8g-RuxbCpvWO7l48MjgODkwvNN1PFG_3iAhN5-Fcw1n8DKd/s1600-h/santa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zlLU3AaNJiNyPwilVP26ePeEDwRqPCCNFQ79_eEljL-HJyROp0WxRxF7JlMe-M_Cp3dD_QgUkXWugbVYi1OLxuZwnSgHo8g-RuxbCpvWO7l48MjgODkwvNN1PFG_3iAhN5-Fcw1n8DKd/s400/santa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391674751667167586" /></a><br /><br />Christmas is fast approaching and as you know, this year FAB PO are hoping to repeat the phenomenal success of last year’s Christmas Fair. We hope to be able to confirm the venue to you next week. The Fair will take place on either Sunday 22nd or Sunday 29th November in the afternoon. <br /><br />We are currently compiling a list of stallholders and are offering precedence to members of FAB PO. The fair was well publicised last year on local radio and in the local press (including <a href="http://languedoc.angloinfo.com/">Anglo Info</a> and L’Indépendent) and attracted over 2000 visitors, with a great mix of French and other nationalities.<br /><br />If you are an artist who would like to exhibit your work, or you have a product or service that you would like to promote by taking a stand at this unique event, please contact Louise Sayers at louisesayers@wanadoo.fr to register your interest. <br /><br />There will be a nominal fee of around 30 euros for each stall, the amount will be confirmed once a definitive venue is found. <br /><br />It goes without saying that we hope to be able to count on your support to promote and attend the fair.<br /><br />Best wishes<br />The FAB PO Christmas Fair CommitteeKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-15594399118115373722009-09-25T01:54:00.000-07:002009-09-25T02:01:30.025-07:00An open invitation to an exhibition in Ceret<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWw8Pnsl4jOQgkd5QIh1qdvNEyHrJw7CoPgPqbI7dAksloNNmE6weQCRermpQiikv_7Cj7rn7-9uvaCOvVEe721-OhB5lLSG6IGsR3kj2mMzUJieLFywqbXPM7ZX6yl8Q2BymUuGp-5k1/s1600-h/gem.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWw8Pnsl4jOQgkd5QIh1qdvNEyHrJw7CoPgPqbI7dAksloNNmE6weQCRermpQiikv_7Cj7rn7-9uvaCOvVEe721-OhB5lLSG6IGsR3kj2mMzUJieLFywqbXPM7ZX6yl8Q2BymUuGp-5k1/s400/gem.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385327465729005570" /></a><br />FAB PO member and internationally acclaimed textile artist, Gem Melville is hosting an exhibition in Ceret from 25 September to 10 October.<br />She invites you all to the opening night tonight at 18h00 :<br /><br />Helle Frosterod and Gem Melville are having a joint exhibition of sculpture and hand painted textiles.<br /> <br />You are invited to attend our vernisage at ESPACE Pierre MAU in Céret which is at the Sant Roch ART centre at 18h00.Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-78803572328196239552009-09-15T06:15:00.000-07:002009-09-15T06:20:04.737-07:00FAB PO in French Property NewsFAB PO secretary, Louise Sayers of Med and Mountain, as well as running her property and translating business and looking after two small kids, also contributes to a number of magazines in France - FAB PO gets a mention in this interesting article about ex pats in France in French Property News : go to page 82 to read all about it <a href="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=8Mw0P15x2g1T&PBID=d60f50fc-1b87-41f3-8f0f-a142fd782d94&skip=">here</a>Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-84123300059594705482009-08-27T02:51:00.000-07:002009-08-27T03:48:32.704-07:00Wine Harvest and Spa Tour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIOH-4165i9iKGycazxasLt2kCrKlBD5Cpk7nAtMWXPiqHkDJjtQT4Alwc7xodeGcZxm-hyzyHRpXomEXDO6jusO1r-6LlKNwpUxLmcmU5fT7_lnqwcch8PPjG8auxRLmJ0OhfhjNdj-l/s1600-h/P1012863.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIOH-4165i9iKGycazxasLt2kCrKlBD5Cpk7nAtMWXPiqHkDJjtQT4Alwc7xodeGcZxm-hyzyHRpXomEXDO6jusO1r-6LlKNwpUxLmcmU5fT7_lnqwcch8PPjG8auxRLmJ0OhfhjNdj-l/s400/P1012863.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374581252284181810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprKYLvjtyo6MKALy3UndnMyS2nRQko-gPPC-RLz7YlqfPKiPvvcXI33LEFiTRf0WETlCXB5p41yAUycuFhXKo6KMod26gILB0HkgxNOP49Rt1ZXyIRTQC2qyMQ7PnRWb2DqXQLB0JpaHZ/s1600-h/P1012875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprKYLvjtyo6MKALy3UndnMyS2nRQko-gPPC-RLz7YlqfPKiPvvcXI33LEFiTRf0WETlCXB5p41yAUycuFhXKo6KMod26gILB0HkgxNOP49Rt1ZXyIRTQC2qyMQ7PnRWb2DqXQLB0JpaHZ/s400/P1012875.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374581246249042306" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b-czdw9I6KPvl_A0vLFE4LgRWcEGvRD2dMIdx6y_OboyN9hWRt72gUWlkXuthtxXVhUhs7u-1q8MvS8Po4nxdul_exjYfiiAsIY6gn9s48yvOQIC2XO2nqyCWPA18tjuWQ2HybXUITQW/s1600-h/harvest.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b-czdw9I6KPvl_A0vLFE4LgRWcEGvRD2dMIdx6y_OboyN9hWRt72gUWlkXuthtxXVhUhs7u-1q8MvS8Po4nxdul_exjYfiiAsIY6gn9s48yvOQIC2XO2nqyCWPA18tjuWQ2HybXUITQW/s400/harvest.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374581237494107938" /></a><br />FAB PO members , <a href="http://www.thefrenchtourco.com/">The French Tour Co</a> and <a href="http://www.frogbus.com/en/Home/1000003.html">Frogbus</a> are organising a fantastic 3 day trip to the Pyrenees Orientales around the atmospheric wine harvest festival which takes place on the 17th October in the Catalan capital of Perpignan.<br /><br />From Thursday 15th October to Sunday 18th October.<br /><br />Catch some late summer sun, Pamper yourself in a luxurious spa hotel, relax and unwind at the Perpignan wine festival and enjoy an unforgettable gourmet wine tour. The French Tour Co and Frogbus.com have teamed up to put together a weekend package filled with fun, sun, wine, cuisine and culture. <br /><br />From ONLY €379 pps, THIS AMAZING OFFER INCLUDES:<br /><br />3 nights at the top quality spa hotel <a href="http://www.cela-alenya.com/">Résidence Cela Alenya,</a> 3 breakfasts and 1 evening meal, full day wine tour to top winemakers in the Perpignan area with 4 course lunch, discover Perpignan at the Nouveau Roussillon Wine Festival and visit the beautiful fishing village of Collioure which is ranked in the Top 7 most beautiful towns in France. <br />Full use of all luxurious spa facilities at the hotel during your stay.<br /><br />Fly to Girona - Transfer to/from Girona airport (1 hour) and all other bus transfers included. Flights are currently 0€ from Dublin to Girona on these dates with Ryanair.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.frogbus.com/en/Perpignan-Wine-Festival-Tour/1000142.html">Click here</a> for the full itinerary and booking details. Numbers are limited so hurry and reserve your place now!Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-45001100933041572782009-08-25T01:19:00.000-07:002009-08-25T01:22:10.582-07:00FAB PO in the Irish TimesIn March of 2009, FAB PO invited a couple of journalists from Ireland to the PO to show off our fantastic adopted new home. <br /><br />Gemma Tipton ran a great article on the Irish Times this Saturday 22 August - you can read it <a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2009/0822/1224253068120.html">here</a><br /><br />Well done to all involvedKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-21525039147907575602009-07-06T03:03:00.000-07:002009-07-06T03:15:55.283-07:00FAB PO conquers Canigou!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysePiuGCitsJf-4er4c_UYSgivRVxuMROXBtfJGyETw7LtM2Pw9vwJy5XYFiYkjYouEZ_zSLAZau5GvJciq0Ikc8OMIJMEeBjTYPx_OkR8ikPVPsS-_0HYskFEuOPwNvvzWYSryvS_-uO/s1600-h/P1013436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysePiuGCitsJf-4er4c_UYSgivRVxuMROXBtfJGyETw7LtM2Pw9vwJy5XYFiYkjYouEZ_zSLAZau5GvJciq0Ikc8OMIJMEeBjTYPx_OkR8ikPVPsS-_0HYskFEuOPwNvvzWYSryvS_-uO/s400/P1013436.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355288485057726802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3twO2rWR1UJFzDH45WnuJ561HQvknvlq2hXW08wtv4H5eRRnqocV7vGtI1jdPHIYFvdnF61ujr7dqK7YOAfB5mAnPzu0lfjXuNR4zV7AHfqhtonH0NJYhEgxcEdsNQvxcCb9JOqcxR4o/s1600-h/P1013439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3twO2rWR1UJFzDH45WnuJ561HQvknvlq2hXW08wtv4H5eRRnqocV7vGtI1jdPHIYFvdnF61ujr7dqK7YOAfB5mAnPzu0lfjXuNR4zV7AHfqhtonH0NJYhEgxcEdsNQvxcCb9JOqcxR4o/s400/P1013439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355288474457917154" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ30NO4Z4K_RbS_DlrXtrQ03H7yg_Gl1pqw2v01k33QbrHxL17CO5KJEm5V2jVTkM5_ILkggol1aKq1YaSik_eMzhkhznHBJ0ssukXVXsvAD5i7wsLwyJa8LVl-8gmuvbnaWZk4xy1bO-E/s1600-h/P1013440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ30NO4Z4K_RbS_DlrXtrQ03H7yg_Gl1pqw2v01k33QbrHxL17CO5KJEm5V2jVTkM5_ILkggol1aKq1YaSik_eMzhkhznHBJ0ssukXVXsvAD5i7wsLwyJa8LVl-8gmuvbnaWZk4xy1bO-E/s400/P1013440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355288465526575346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6_ONdXXWMg9ttS6SEQbwgByvTwvxfUq8XANphqTiQtx_D3-PCrJCRwdkUUkqnSKyCNeAYTVaGcxD4SbEXzN78QoD1I9ldWi8IMlGLK_cLOtRpQqAsxVTCj5DQSc_mEQqOmf1n3nOp1k8/s1600-h/P1013451.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6_ONdXXWMg9ttS6SEQbwgByvTwvxfUq8XANphqTiQtx_D3-PCrJCRwdkUUkqnSKyCNeAYTVaGcxD4SbEXzN78QoD1I9ldWi8IMlGLK_cLOtRpQqAsxVTCj5DQSc_mEQqOmf1n3nOp1k8/s400/P1013451.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355288459590260930" /></a><br />As Dora would say:<br /><br />We did it<br />We did it<br />We did it<br />lo hicimos!<br />Hurray!<br /><br />With our qualified and experienced guide, FAB PO member, Christian , we made it to the top of the Canigou, the sacred mountain of the Catalans here in the Pyrenees Orientales.<br /><br />The peak , which can be seen from nearly every point in the Roussillon plain, dominates the landscape and holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. After living here for nearly 8 years, I felt it was time to get to know this stunning mountain more intimately and off we set, all 18 of us, bright and early on Friday morning 3 July to put our legs to the test.<br /><br />Our guide, Christian, was fantastic ; cool, calm and collected, he guided us at our own pace to the summit, unobtrusively keeping an watchful eye on us all. <br /><br />On this trip, we took 4x4 vehicles to "base camp" at Chalet de Cortalets and then started walking from there. It took approx 2 hours to reach the 'pic' from here where we enjoyed a well deserved lunch with amazing views. At the summit, there is a cross , where people have left their flags and momentos - we made our own mark and left the Munster flag flying there. Apparently, the USAP team had been up to the summit the week previous with the Bouclier de Brennus ( the Champion de france rugby trophy!)<br />It was a great achievement for everyone to make it to the top and we look forward to doing it again , maybe taking a different route the next time.<br />Most people were dreading the descent, but , guided by Christian , we all made it without a hitch. <br />An ice cool beer was the perfect finalé to a perfect days walking.<br /><br />Bravo tout le monde!<br /><br />Contact www.fab-po.com for tours and nearby accommodation for climbing the CanigouKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-44841001727027144122009-06-22T06:34:00.000-07:002009-06-22T06:45:49.832-07:00Focus on Christian Piquemal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwATKm7fgfNAuQR1OooSlMNImLYdp0v5DYyafEh-8CAR64dmnuKaAhmdAihbkH_xEGWGrid7cpoBMuRiTuz7XJYFu1KKiRNz-4gfBVkGCIvZjLb93tfVnproMr4ow63mp4NhAkwL9zh_IT/s1600-h/cp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwATKm7fgfNAuQR1OooSlMNImLYdp0v5DYyafEh-8CAR64dmnuKaAhmdAihbkH_xEGWGrid7cpoBMuRiTuz7XJYFu1KKiRNz-4gfBVkGCIvZjLb93tfVnproMr4ow63mp4NhAkwL9zh_IT/s400/cp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350147612564789906" /></a><br />Christian is a professional English speaking local guide. His <br />walking tours provide a large and varied display of destinations in <br />French and Spanish Catalonia. The programmes are flexible and <br />adapted to all levels and interests.<br />Find more information on www.enchemin.com.<br /><br />Samples of his one day tours are as follows :<br /><br />Walk one :<br /><br />ADVENTURES in ALTA GARROTXA<br />1000 Years of harmony between Man & Nature<br />1 full day - 4 to 5 h walk <br /><br />One of the least known areas in Catalonia, Alta Garrotxa is a wonderful sanctuary for nature and historical heritage. It provides dramatic scenery from karstic gorges to rolling hills and emerald green rivers. Ancient footpaths lead to Romanesque churches, medieval bridges and isolated farmhouses.<br /><br />2 programmes are available:<br />* GORGES of SANT ANIOL - The itinerary follows a deep valley at the foot of limestone cliffs with successive crossings of the river. It finally reaches the idyllic setting of the 11th century hermitage of Sant Aniol. To go back, the easy way goes the same way. Hikers may fancy going back on a vertiginous path over the cliffs.<br />* From OIX to BEGET - Both villages were (and still are) favourite stop-over for travellers throughout centuries. Footpaths are ideally designed, offering panoramas over the legendary peak of Bassegoda and the Costabona mountain range. The renowned village of Beget is classified as “National Monument of Catalunya”.<br /><br />People opting for a 2-day trip can stay for the night either in Oix or Beget where first class b&bs and good food are available.<br /><br />Walk two:<br /><br />ROUTE VAUBAN in CONFLENT<br />Balcony over the Tet Valley<br />1 full day - 6 h walk with no hurry<br /><br />This is one of the most appealing walks in Conflent. The quiet atmosphere, wild environment and variety of landscapes turn this trail into an unforgettable experience.<br /><br />Meeting point at the train station in OLETTE to embark on the legendary “Petit Train Jaune” for a unique 50 mn trip on the highest railway line in France.<br />From La Cabanasse, the group walks to the fortified of MONT-LOUIS, Vauban’s architectural 17th century masterpiece. <br />Walkers then step on the GR10 before diverting on the ancient Roman “Via Confluentana” overlooking the suspension bridge “Pont Gisclard”. The guide takes the opportunity to tell the story of the railway line, an incredible achievement of the early 20th century.<br />A steep path leads to the village of SAUTO and its medieval church where walkers reach the famous “Route Vauban”. <br />At the altitude of 1900 m, a large plateau covered with meadows and forests of pine trees provides spectacular panoramas over the mountain range from Canigou to Puigmal.<br />After lunchtime, a mule’s path leads straight down to the remote hamlet of LLAR and the beautiful stone-built houses of CANAVEILLES. <br />The easy going last hour offers more views over small villages in the valley and a final drop down to the river Tet and Olette for well deserved refreshments.<br /><br />A welcoming b&b is available in Olette for those aiming to complete Vauban’s Route with a second day across the Nature Reserve of Jujols to VILLEFRANCHE de CONFLENT.<br /><br />Christian is also organising a weeks walking in Mallorca in Spring 2010. More details can be found on his website : www.enchemin.comKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-21949998523741710612009-06-16T05:52:00.000-07:002009-06-16T05:58:15.406-07:00Artist Gem Melville open day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3SjY1kV05RGwZHo3PjtYOcJQjsuhLdW4xCqdFhyboUafmmt162UAMNzn8MgzgR1AHHLjo3QtvXkNDJnB2L3gQSlukhAGGQ6vAY-yxlUb_eExf6x7nI6h4KeiB4FGfV0aJwvVIIJUzpjE/s1600-h/gem1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3SjY1kV05RGwZHo3PjtYOcJQjsuhLdW4xCqdFhyboUafmmt162UAMNzn8MgzgR1AHHLjo3QtvXkNDJnB2L3gQSlukhAGGQ6vAY-yxlUb_eExf6x7nI6h4KeiB4FGfV0aJwvVIIJUzpjE/s400/gem1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347908811334779282" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68yg25P1KOoh2vUykW9uqKVhYw-xHE_xXIw0hFqsHtwqwCuVAaNzEupmcKbjhYNnKZSGYLd5x-iCaxqNrXMBH0ypxBQb3mgpQm8o05jrlMEnFgQAnBEpdVH-n6Uo5wvyLkVIAuUlsZKrD/s1600-h/gem2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68yg25P1KOoh2vUykW9uqKVhYw-xHE_xXIw0hFqsHtwqwCuVAaNzEupmcKbjhYNnKZSGYLd5x-iCaxqNrXMBH0ypxBQb3mgpQm8o05jrlMEnFgQAnBEpdVH-n6Uo5wvyLkVIAuUlsZKrD/s400/gem2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347908806452979810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7nf1cr_NRZiUCFhyUnvju4BIKRUEXenmQIgSQuGk1A2qBitgYFfmnfZsVfsiWrAkM_fMGWH4SQQKg2TWFRSWO54DJXiCvIxk7C3ymZduAS4sZchJKYIKDdLsRfy3x5bG8Cyk0E3GTA_m/s1600-h/gem3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7nf1cr_NRZiUCFhyUnvju4BIKRUEXenmQIgSQuGk1A2qBitgYFfmnfZsVfsiWrAkM_fMGWH4SQQKg2TWFRSWO54DJXiCvIxk7C3ymZduAS4sZchJKYIKDdLsRfy3x5bG8Cyk0E3GTA_m/s400/gem3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347908799757150706" /></a><br />FAB PO member, Gem Melville is hosting an open day at her atelier in Reynés on 28th June 2009 from 3pm to 7pm.<br />Gem specialises in textile hand painted workshops and gives courses for individuals and groups in a range of art activities: painting; drawing; mosaic and sculpture.<br />She also does commissions for exclusive wedding table linen and general textiles for interiors:commercial/domestic<br /><br />Her “Open day” will be at her atelier on Sunday 28th June from 3 pm to 7pm.<br />Her “Atelier” is situated in a lovely wild garden bordered by the Reynés river, along a small winding road called Route de las Quintanes, en route to “Can Art”, first turn-off left before the Reynés bridge en route to Restaurant “Can Fouste” (coming from Céret towards Amelie les Bains)<br />They are the second house on the left….no numbers along this chemin.<br />Her guest artists are Helle Frosrerod (Norwegian Graphic Designer) who will show her sculptures and drawings; and Chantal de Lanoye Bourdeau. (Flemish painter from Brussels)<br />Gem will be exhibiting her hand painted textiles, paintings, and drawings.<br /><br />There will be paintings and art work available to buy from €5 to €50<br /> <br />They will be selling waffles and their homemade “Sambuca Vital” elderberry cordial. <br />Wine and a fruit punch will be available on the house.<br /> <br />That’s 28 June from 3pm to 7pm – an open invitation to you all <br /><br />Her contact details are :<br />gem.melville@gmail.com<br />tel 0033 (4) 6887 2595<br />cell: 0033 0646887760<br />address: Route de las Quintanes. 66400 Reynés.Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-58210385894095683612009-06-16T01:19:00.001-07:002009-06-16T01:21:38.049-07:00Next FAB PO meetingOur next FAB PO meeting is on tomorrow, 17 June at Domaine Treloar. It will be a great opportunity to taste Domaine Treloars wine as well as meet members of the business community in the Pyrenees Orientales.<br /><br />Contact me if you are interested in joining and coming along<br /><br />www.fab-po.comKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-22006130275046928972009-06-11T02:41:00.000-07:002009-06-11T02:46:40.737-07:00Well done USAP!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ONPlX1CgCgrTsTrzERwgWDtCrVuORl3NwclICjY4ZEW4fPUnkw83Mg968Xt0ylrfExlsh2NOfrtvsT4i6voSZ2G7AnEGkiJ_ghCGyUrXUr247HuMJCIJH231mNysXiDj7tp9tgv_tc8f/s1600-h/P1013367.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ONPlX1CgCgrTsTrzERwgWDtCrVuORl3NwclICjY4ZEW4fPUnkw83Mg968Xt0ylrfExlsh2NOfrtvsT4i6voSZ2G7AnEGkiJ_ghCGyUrXUr247HuMJCIJH231mNysXiDj7tp9tgv_tc8f/s400/P1013367.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346003984263514530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3FMLHlhD4pHbSSkozxooZa5pYkRBTVwysk2oW9u-RcVIb7IC4_zosv6hZWqnilgeR_gcTiVO9kiSm2rz-DAGbF2zBq_5kEwqHONc6tKjUym38xDxKSh1hKkvgIoIw90BGcEcgfVjPhNn/s1600-h/P1013368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3FMLHlhD4pHbSSkozxooZa5pYkRBTVwysk2oW9u-RcVIb7IC4_zosv6hZWqnilgeR_gcTiVO9kiSm2rz-DAGbF2zBq_5kEwqHONc6tKjUym38xDxKSh1hKkvgIoIw90BGcEcgfVjPhNn/s400/P1013368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346003977041934514" /></a><br />Don't ask how or why , but the precious Bouclier de Brennus ( the winners trophy for the French league) ended up in my back garden yesterday evening!<br />After doing the rounds of Perpignan, it has been engraved at last : 2009, U.S.A.Perpignan and the whole town is in a frenzy of delight!<br />It's a great boost for Perpignan, the city and USAP the club. The Perpignanaise are really not interested in any other sport, it's a rugby mania town where rugby is a classless sport, a bit like Limerick in Munster, where I am from.<br />And! more exciting news : Munster and Perpignan have been drawn in the same group for the Heineken Cup next year. This means a home and away match for Perpignan and Munster. We are already been plagued for tickets!!<br />Don't forget to contact FAB-PO ( www.fab-po.com ) for all your travelling needs - accommodation, tours, travelling advice, restaurants etc. <br />We are all bilingual and can make your stay in the Peprignan area a brilliant one.Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-45904966341172018822009-06-08T03:35:00.000-07:002009-06-08T06:45:29.824-07:00Focus on Blyth Spirit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWepPEsrUY1YGaX3BRmw3zC2TvaebN6NWy4ymKATWzLTyHzUTkOEnJL7QcSNtuTOkl_G_D8X6aINigiWSmpdW0yRtNaz4YoYt0vXFVJ3t5mx_F9Aw7QTUSp14dm-u-vJm46goquB9Tz-l_/s1600-h/Blyth+Family+Photo%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWepPEsrUY1YGaX3BRmw3zC2TvaebN6NWy4ymKATWzLTyHzUTkOEnJL7QcSNtuTOkl_G_D8X6aINigiWSmpdW0yRtNaz4YoYt0vXFVJ3t5mx_F9Aw7QTUSp14dm-u-vJm46goquB9Tz-l_/s400/Blyth+Family+Photo%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344907583464204578" /></a><br />Michelle and Simon Blyth moved to the FAB PO over 11 years ago when they became the owners of a decrepid, no bathroomed village house in Eus. They were half way through renovating the house when Michelle became pregnant – they figured – what the heck! Simon had been working as a self employed Graphic Designer for the past 6 years, Michelle was a Sales Manager for Yellow Pages. With 12 months maternity leave to look forward to, they had nothing to lose – sell up, move out and if things didn’t work out at least they’d have had fun for 12 months and Michelle could simply go back to her old job. That was 10 years ago - I think they may have filled her position by now!<br /><br />They managed to keep hold of most of their UK based clients – the combination of cheap Ryan Air flights and the internet meant that it really didn’t matter where they were based. Clients also rather liked discussing their new brochures and web sites with a glass of wine over looking Canigou rather than in a converted pig sty in Bedfordshire!<br /><br />Then along came daughter number two and a move to a bigger house - renovating a gorgeous 4 storey Mas in Joch. Half way though the renovations Simon, suffered a serious Kite Surfing accident and was to spend the following 18 months in and out of various Hospitals and re-education. Despite regaining the use of his leg, an unfinished Mas with spiral stair case (with office on the 4th floor) was somewhat impractical. Move number three : buy a plot of land and build a single storey house - Everything was going swimmingly as they stayed in a little chalet while their house was being built. It was then the unimaginable happened. 4 weeks after celebrating her 7th Birthday, Victoria (their eldest daughter) was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. <br /><br />When Victoria was not in hospital she was unable to live in the chalet – a friend lent them her house for the rest of the time it took to build their house. The builders worked weekends and holidays to try and get the house finished, friends came to help with the tiling, painting and decorating. For the first couple of months Victoria stayed in an isolated room in the “hyperprotegé” department at Montpellier hospital, Michelle lived in a room in a house opposite the hospital for parents of children with cancer. Simon juggled taking care of Olivia, project managing the house build, visiting them and running their Graphic Design business. Throughout this period clients remained loyal, even when their service wasn’t always up to scratch. This was crucial to them. The downside of being self employed means that you don’t have the luxury of paid compassionate leave, the last thing they needed was the additional stress of losing clients/income.<br /><br />Victoria has endured 2 ½ years of chemotherapy, throughout which she has shown unimaginable courage. Thanks to the excellent care, treatment and dedication provided by teams of Doctors and Nurses at both Montpellier and Perpignan Hospitals, Victoria is in remission and has just celebrated her 10th birthday. They say they will never be able to repay the kindness they have been shown or sufficiently express their gratitude to all of the people who have given unwaivering help and support over the past 3 years. <br /><br />It’s not been your average episode from “A Place in the Sun” Things haven’t exactly turned out as they imagined they would when they loaded up their Volvo with cat, dog and baby 10 years ago, but as this chapter comes to a close (phew!), they are happily settled in their new (if not totally finished) home, Victoria is back in school and taking part in Judo competitions, and they have the time once again to enjoy all the things they moved here for in the first place.<br /><br />Michelle and Simon run Blyth Spirit, a graphic design company , designing websites, flyers, brochures, logos and much more.<br />See their website here : http://www.blyth-spirit.comKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-6777670575588627482009-06-04T01:49:00.001-07:002009-06-04T01:50:15.497-07:00Allez USAP<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdIp5BlEx-61vHfkaUXp01X_d6H2N8H4rXH_InkwEgxWtz8GhetyGyziEhcX04S7Xvf9e2ln8S7QBmeGGk0XIKvlEjTdIaqWKsb6Lo_g56L6Lx0lIwSHAEkuesuk5wD2ziX41XE4DCY9E/s1600-h/dan-carter-maillot-de-perpignan_diaporama.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdIp5BlEx-61vHfkaUXp01X_d6H2N8H4rXH_InkwEgxWtz8GhetyGyziEhcX04S7Xvf9e2ln8S7QBmeGGk0XIKvlEjTdIaqWKsb6Lo_g56L6Lx0lIwSHAEkuesuk5wD2ziX41XE4DCY9E/s400/dan-carter-maillot-de-perpignan_diaporama.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343391962030514290" /></a><br />Perpignan is awash with red and yellow flags; cars , buses, houses, apartments , even prams are adorn with the USAP colours this week as the city prepares itself for the final on Saturday of the 'top quatorze' - the french rugby league. <br /><br />It's no mean feat for this small town of Perpignan to make it to the French final, knocking some big names like Stade Francais, Toulouse, Biarritz and others to make it down to the last two. <br />They meet Clermont Ferrand in Paris this Saturday night and the whole of Perpignan will be holding their breath for those 80 crucial minutes! Despite the rumours that are flying around, Dan Carter will not be playing in the final, although he is heavily involved in the training and coaching side of the preparation. <br />He's been injured since the 31 Jan and he still has 6 weeks convalesence before he can play again. <br />USAP really have proved themselves by making it to the final without him. <br /><br />FAB PO cheer you on guys! Allez USAP!Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-72515080374191222882009-05-25T02:41:00.001-07:002009-05-25T02:53:00.440-07:00Barbeque at FAB PO member Domaine Treloar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQwx1rXtbxeBuhNM_3CXafvC4fzzpYpvaffNvK0KVclPb7GKJnC9I4QuiuQ-8XNovOsON3gXSCP1xStXswUVEuw025HKXMymt_xCoxo443A_EufJ493M5H89pFo9T6vOF_wkOwcS_Dcxc/s1600-h/P1013311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQwx1rXtbxeBuhNM_3CXafvC4fzzpYpvaffNvK0KVclPb7GKJnC9I4QuiuQ-8XNovOsON3gXSCP1xStXswUVEuw025HKXMymt_xCoxo443A_EufJ493M5H89pFo9T6vOF_wkOwcS_Dcxc/s400/P1013311.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339697132222873938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ujfjx0WlRBXprCV9EmPCw5TwluY-QliiaijUIdHxGG2ByexuzUXLPGlTrqjCfnDDWMQcON3LXTxO-scxzJGdXhoH3PKFEB76ovSlzLM7nwde_kRsOn9DGIbIGsolusEw996ycM_qvDAp/s1600-h/P1013322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ujfjx0WlRBXprCV9EmPCw5TwluY-QliiaijUIdHxGG2ByexuzUXLPGlTrqjCfnDDWMQcON3LXTxO-scxzJGdXhoH3PKFEB76ovSlzLM7nwde_kRsOn9DGIbIGsolusEw996ycM_qvDAp/s400/P1013322.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339697127078550034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzMUSKTmNMGForinawDINKx2nNqmKI88X3jJ_gkMkQM-84uWpFLfGe60HjREcxtp1zLx1qDzmn6xp7kz8BT5S8ph6ZRljq7KBKLLSSO-KFTiTzuMqvdi7LlRr7iIde83KmjPzGPbIFv5L/s1600-h/P1013316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzMUSKTmNMGForinawDINKx2nNqmKI88X3jJ_gkMkQM-84uWpFLfGe60HjREcxtp1zLx1qDzmn6xp7kz8BT5S8ph6ZRljq7KBKLLSSO-KFTiTzuMqvdi7LlRr7iIde83KmjPzGPbIFv5L/s400/P1013316.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339697126961831218" /></a><br />Award Winning Domaine Treloar hosted a fun barbeque yesterday 24 May in their vineyards in Trouillas.<br />The day was warm, with a light breeze blowing, perfect for dining al fresco with the kids, dogs and bigger kids ( ie us!)<br />About 60 people turned out for this relaxing day out which was held in one of the fields adjacent to their vines. After a delicious barbeque, washed down with some fine wines from Domaine Treloar, we settled down to the business at hand : the gum boot throwing competition ( distance), the wine spitting competition ( distance and accuracy!) and the wine tasting competition.<br />Great fun was had by all and I'm proud to say that a member of The French Tour Co won the wine tasting competition ( ie moi!) so I must be learning something on all these wine tours I do!<br />Many thanks to Jon and Rachel of Domaine Trelaor for hosting such a FAB event!Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-35129919557845145062009-05-22T00:43:00.000-07:002009-05-22T01:00:28.892-07:00VISA Pour L'Image - Perpignan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdRlO2ZcYDYiir9tOLVOSewy-UMfF3pog-FdHu3SILV-312wVjFNMoetgOSgHnERRFWh3zLUPQMjqPo7ReN-lrRNoU-a_CR_vLKG7TM_VNP1blXikdN3hhWtpJFxnOE7-embnj0i5UwAB/s1600-h/cannes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdRlO2ZcYDYiir9tOLVOSewy-UMfF3pog-FdHu3SILV-312wVjFNMoetgOSgHnERRFWh3zLUPQMjqPo7ReN-lrRNoU-a_CR_vLKG7TM_VNP1blXikdN3hhWtpJFxnOE7-embnj0i5UwAB/s400/cannes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338554609374019954" /></a><br />Cannes may have it's film festival at the moment, but little ole Perpignan holds it's own in September when it hosts Visa pour l'image - the 21st International Festival of Photojournalism.<br /><br />From 29 August to 13 September, the city will be invaded by cool dude types, taking themselves extremely seriously and looking dangerously skinny as they chain smoke and drink black coffee in the coolest bars in town. Black is always the new black for these guys.<br /><br />The photographic exhibitions are housed in the most beautiful historical buildings dotted around the city. All are within walking distance and it makes a nice day out, wandering from one exhibition to another. Old churches, convents, castles and even ancient burial grounds provide the backdrop in Perpignan for the world renowned photographers work.<br /><br />Accommodation is always difficult to find during these two weeks so contact us at www.fab-po.com for a range of different accommodation options or alternative days out wine tasting, shopping , cathar castle visits etc.Kaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-62007036943469202552009-05-20T03:19:00.000-07:002009-05-20T03:26:25.761-07:00Flowers in FAB PO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMK-YepF20eD633o2jJaUQUWC9VREJmABxOIdHOhZHjxLynpl5pAGyJzB0Xh7sGg2gvVioAmv56-4taAp9kpwsFeChHBc7XxbsVLoSNISMtd39FaJgP6hGcq54mjXsobVcrCVXKuPb56e/s1600-h/may09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMK-YepF20eD633o2jJaUQUWC9VREJmABxOIdHOhZHjxLynpl5pAGyJzB0Xh7sGg2gvVioAmv56-4taAp9kpwsFeChHBc7XxbsVLoSNISMtd39FaJgP6hGcq54mjXsobVcrCVXKuPb56e/s400/may09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337850355621302130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAR9MYx6aqoUPpQqOkTsp496dsw92xC6sOU2zlDRZojW47CN5TzDTTBm0CS9sMz3XcDq2s_a7XKAsl6885JlvRHjIIP-mvohT874QoSDC54uxzN60loaeeZxPlWG2VZSVnbpEWRjw0naZ/s1600-h/flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAR9MYx6aqoUPpQqOkTsp496dsw92xC6sOU2zlDRZojW47CN5TzDTTBm0CS9sMz3XcDq2s_a7XKAsl6885JlvRHjIIP-mvohT874QoSDC54uxzN60loaeeZxPlWG2VZSVnbpEWRjw0naZ/s400/flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337850352695082098" /></a><br />I wandered lonely as a cloud<br />That floats on high oer vales and hills<br />When all at once I saw a crowd<br />A host of dancing red poppies!<br /><br />The Pyrenees Orientales is awash at the moment with fragrant bright flowers. After a few weeks of rain, the lush meadows and valleys are a delight to see as you drive around the Roussillon plains.<br />My favourite time of the year here, I beleive it is the best time to visit the FAB PO ; on the shoulder months, when the beaches are uncrowded, the traffic flows freely and the temps haven't reached fever pitch!<br /><br />Visit www.fab-po.com for special offers off seasonKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740917000099076891.post-73844140581419281562009-05-19T05:49:00.000-07:002009-05-19T06:03:00.434-07:00FAB PO Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzeOK70t62UIyFzvQi8PVhcQ9Ccjz9C9gJNXHa6eFaNcvk35a1MUkV3eGNF-1wgIRhm5G1QWdTm6kF2KF2HJAvKg60Tc6tmMOOjyidTQormGany03uCo2XfVsb8kFi45YN34dEaGprzCG/s1600-h/P1013299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzeOK70t62UIyFzvQi8PVhcQ9Ccjz9C9gJNXHa6eFaNcvk35a1MUkV3eGNF-1wgIRhm5G1QWdTm6kF2KF2HJAvKg60Tc6tmMOOjyidTQormGany03uCo2XfVsb8kFi45YN34dEaGprzCG/s400/P1013299.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337519016213862546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpTQtbo1RPH0gWBj0Kux8LtpTyItzBQO9lNZf1OJ0KKjBRk49Dxg36Y_ZYjSjUz83a32x8g7oCrn8xYhcYJuvVKIk115NueU-e5KqnzTkxRNfsZWx1VOl77gfRJcwHPE2CAFUIwOLRQmh/s1600-h/P1013294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpTQtbo1RPH0gWBj0Kux8LtpTyItzBQO9lNZf1OJ0KKjBRk49Dxg36Y_ZYjSjUz83a32x8g7oCrn8xYhcYJuvVKIk115NueU-e5KqnzTkxRNfsZWx1VOl77gfRJcwHPE2CAFUIwOLRQmh/s400/P1013294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337519009852714290" /></a><br />I'm really new to this blogging game and so, after jumping in at the deep end and posting a few ramblings, I decided to do a bit of research on the subject ( typical me, feet first!)<br />Anyway, it seems that the average amount of time that Josephine Public spends on a blog is 96 seconds!!!!<br />So , the idea should be that you capture the attention of your reader with short snappy postings and don't ramble on ad nauseam <br />..<br />So, what's happening in FAB PO at the moment?<br /><br />Summer has arrived <br />Perpignan is mayor-less and so is St Cyprien<br />It's vide grenier season<br />The cherries are ripe for the picking<br />Wine festivals next weekend<br />The frogs are having sex<br />Great low season offers on www.fab-po.comKaz O'Reillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02503331616277132302noreply@blogger.com1