Off to France for Lunch

We left early this morning to have lunch in France. It took us just over an hour (Clive was driving) to get to the Eurotunnel staging point, with enough time for a coffee before driving on to the train. The channel crossing takes about 35 minutes. On arrival, we went through a couple of villages, then stopped at Escalle to dine — and I do mean dine — at a restaurant called Le Cap. From the fixed menu I chose a starter of pigeon terrine and fois gras and an elegant salad, then a main course of beef rump steak with vegetables. My dessert was creme brulee with Grand Marnier. Every course was beautifully presented. After all of that we staggered out to help Janet and Clive do their very important wine shopping. The prices for a huge variety of wines they chose from started at 69 pence and most were under two pounds a bottle. We loaded up the car and headed off for more shopping at the French equivalent of a mega mall, offering vast selections of food, clothing, perfume and electronics to the crowds within.
The day had started out overcast and not very promising, but by the time we finished lunch it was sunny and clear. One lovely stop we made just after lunch was a viewpoint between Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez. The day was so clear we could see the white cliffs of Dover quite well 22 miles away across the channel.
After our shopping, we headed back to the tunnel start point for the return trip and were quickly back on British soil. We went this time to old Hastings, to visit Samantha and Tiffany in the house they have been doing up and decorating since they moved in about four years ago. This topped off a fabulous day for us!