Summer holiday 2002
Charente − France


Saterday, 11th August

Early this morning after the appropriate goodbyes, our friends leave for home. The weather is clouded but the temperature is quite agreeable. Every now and then the sun even shows itself. Since we did not bring enough groceries with us to last the entire vacation, we go for some shopping. The best place to go to around here, we were told, is the large "Intermarche" supermarket in Montbron.

In front of the supermarket and alongside it, are large parking grounds. Next to the large parking alongside the building is an "Intermarche" tank station. The price of fuel here is generally a little lower then elsewhere. Something to keep in mind! This supermarket does not only sell the regular groceries, but also clothing, books, periodicals, household stuff, stationary and a lot more. They have fresh rolls and French bread every day.

I pass by a large counter with fresh sea-food, then a large counter with French cheese follows and one with al sorts of meat. Having done the groceries we headed back to the car. I start the engine (read: tried) but do not get any further then a weak nagging sound. The Wednesday before we left I had the car checked because of the same problem. At the time I thought that the battery was the source of the problem. It proved to be not the battery, that part was in tip-top condition. As far as my knowledge goes about cars, it then just had to be the starter engine.

During our travel south we stopped here and there, and each time I started the car again, I could here the strength of the starter engine reduce more and more. It worried me a great deal, but I kept it to myself (seemed better at the time). I am quiet relieved that it has finally broken down here and now. Here, on the place of destination with automobile workshops around and not halfway our destination somewhere in the middle of France.

I had noticed a customer service desk in the supermarket where we just came from and I go back there to ask if there is a garage in the neighbourhood. The young man behind the counter is quite helpful and picks up the phone. Within 10 minutes someone comes to assist. He takes a look at the car and concludes the same as I have done before him. The starter engine has broken down. We arrange to have the car brought in on a Monday, since parts are not available right now. We then get the car started by pushing it, and drive back to le Chat to rest a little. At least, I will! I am still quite tired from all that travelling during the previous day.