What a lovely weekend in France

What a lovely weekend in France.
After some early appointments on Friday, I made my way to Stansted airport and parked in the long stay car park. I got changed in the car into some female clothes but didn’t bother with any makeup or breast forms as I was worried a little about going through Security and immigration, with my passport in the wrong gender.
I met up with Lucy in the terminal and we checked in together. After that we went through security and passport control and then did a bit of shopping.
The plane was on time and we boarded and took off to Perpignan in France. We decided to order the travellers drink of choice and went for a double gin and tonic each. 2 hours later we arrived in France. As we were leaving the plane a kind gentleman seemed to take pity on me being a poor and weak woman and kindly got my case down for me! :- )
When we arrived in the hall to collect our bags we could see Coline (Caroline) and she gave us both a big hug. We made our way to the car and set off to the villa.
We arrived and were greeted by Colines lovely wife and her family. They made us a cup of tea and we had a chat in the late afternoon sun. We were then whisked off to see Colines exhibition which was really wonderful. She is so talented. The pictures were not only wonderful but the detail in placement and organisation was also fantastic.
Lucy and I decided to walk back to the Villa as we had been sitting all day and wanted some exercise. We only had to go up one road and still managed to get lost. A 5 minute walk turned into 45 minutes. We ended up going up a huge hill and reaching some wind turbines until we decided to go back. Too much chatting I guess.
We then were treated to a wonderful 3 course meal by a Michelin rated chef (Colines brother in law) served by her sister in law and her niece.
What a lovely evening. The wine and chat flowed all night.
Saturday we spent exploring Perpignan and shopping. We also treated ourselves to a coffee and cake. After that we went to a seaside town and after exploring the shops there finished the afternoon with a couple of glasses of wine overlooking the beach.
After getting back and changed we went to the small local cafe / bar and watched England play USA in the world cup. Coline and her wife went to see a concert which we would have also loved to see if the England match had not been on.
Sunday we spent the early part of the day on the beach, after which we visited another local town to see the flower festival. In the evening we had a wonderful meal at the beach restaurant with Coline and her wife. When we got back we drank wine and chatted until 3.00 AM!
Monday morning we visited a local market and came back to pack our cases. We were then treated to a wonderful lunch. I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever eaten so well. In fact not only the food was great but the wine was also fantastic. We got bottles of fabulous locally grown wine at bargain prices.
It was then time to sadly say goodbye to Colines family. They had made us so welcome and were wonderful people.
If anyone would like to visit this part of France I would highly recommend this restaurant and hotel. Not only are they first class but the service and friendliness they give is second to none.
After a goodbye hug we made our way back to the airport. I had made my mind up to go back as myself. I had a lovely long dress top with white summer trousers, a little makeup and my unfortunately fake breasts (hopefully not fake for too much longer!)
I was a little nervous on checking in and going through security but it was completely fine. I was madamed everywhere and had no issues.
On arriving back at Stansted we collected our luggage, went through customs and then hugged goodbye. Lucy was getting the train home and I was on my way to the long stay car park.
The weekend was as better than I could have hoped for. I gained in confidence, seemed to just fit in and had lots of time to be me.
I felt completely peaceful and relaxed (until the last few hours, still trying to work this one out) and got to know 2 wonderful women better than I had known them before.
I was also so impressed with Colines wife and family. They are all adapting to this change in their lives and were extremely welcoming of Lucy and I.
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