On Leaving Calais

'On Leaving Calais'

After a month in France we drive on to the P&O Ferry at Calais for the crossing to Dover.

A worker in a luminous jacket, hard hat and ear protectors, guides us to park just inches from the car in front and those on either side of us. Getting out is a contortionist's trick.

Up the stairs from car deck five and find somewhere to sit. It's about a ninety minute journey and the captain, via the muddy sound system, tells us that conditions in the English Channel are calm. My stomach smiles.

Yes it's calm but grey. This said the port of Calais, even in bright sunshine always feels a little grey, a little faded as does Dover where, with one blast on the ship's horn, we now set off for.

channel ferry

we capture four seats

and head for the bar

Paul Conneally

The English Channel

2014

Welcome to St Tropez

Travelling to St Tropez in summer is better by sea than road.

A shuttle service runs every 15 minutes between Sainte Maxime and her more famous neighbour. Out across the Golfe. Sit inside if you don’t want to get wet, especially on choppy days, outside for exhilaration and the view.

You go to St Tropez, when you’re on the Côte d’Azur, because you feel you have to. In the season it’s as much a theme park as any other.

Day-trip in August if you must but come back, if you can, in October or April. Savour the difference.

first boat of the day

a dolphin shifts

port to starboard

Paul Conneally

St Tropez 2013
Burn the Water

http://youtu.be/Kh2FRFhS7QY