Happy reunions for Edie, Barley, Bob and Sam

When we met up with Ben in Geneva, Edie was so excited to see him that she dashed across the car park and straight into his arms!

From there it was on to Salazac to reunite Siamese cat Barley with his owner Brian. We had to meet Brian outside the village as it’s so quaint and narrow there was no way we could fit our van down its streets.

Then we headed a bit further south and west to the town of Narbonne to deliver Bob to Ruth. In this rugby-mad part of France, Ruth’s partner is lucky enough to work for the Narbonne Rugby Club.

We stayed the night just outside Narbonne, then drove to Caramany, near Perpignan, which is Sam’s new home. It’s something of a sleepy hollow, overlooked by a lovely church and boasting its own wine label. The vendanges were in full swing as we drove through the hills — all done by hand, so we could see hods, buckets and tractors and trailers everywhere. After a quick nose around, Sam reacquainted himself with his special bedroom brought all the way from the UK.

Edie throws herself at Ben…

…and gives him ‘hello’ kisses

Brian delighted to have Barley back

Barley still chatting away as we left

Salazac’s magnificent 11th century church

Bob with Ruth at their new home smack bang in the middle of Narbonne

Looks like Banksy has been illustrating Narbonne’s street signs!

The picturesque village of Caramany

Ian points out the finer points of Sam’s special bedroom — own front door and favourite basket!