The Journey -
'Rosy' and some disconnected bits - and Nevers

With reference to the exhaust stack I mentioned, I've been asked to explain the term 'cutter'.

The exhaust stack could be termed a funnel - it sticks vertically up from the roof.  The exhaust is puffed up through it by the engine.  It comes out in puffs, just like a steam engine, on account of the fact that the engine is so slow running.

In a UK canal tunnel, with a bloke driving it, the puffs hit the roof of the tunnel, and dislodge loose bits 'n' bobs, including animal life, and especially our 8-limbed arachnid friends.  The speed of the boat through the tunnel, and the distance from the funnel to the steerer, tend to be such that these bits 'n' bobs drop down the back of the steerer's neck.  Girlies tend to drive boats a bit slower, so the bits fall down the front of their blouses.  Apparently, people don't like this, though I've met a few girlies who would find the thought of an eight-armed (or fingered) animal inside their blouses quite enthralling.  Anyway, the cutter is a metal loop over the top of the funnel - it looks a bit like a handle.  It cuts the puffs up, dissipating their force, and helps prevent bits down the back (or front).

At this distance in time form the Creation, it is difficult to determine God's reason for inventing the French.  Surely it cannot have been solely for the amusement/annoyance of the English?  The English have given the world the notion of a parliamentary democracy, but what have the French contributed?  I know that they are still seething at the fact that the 0 degree meridian of longitude goes through London and not Paris.  I also appreciate that the French have managed to make ravishingly gorgeous culinary dishes out of the intestinal and gibletty (and other) bits of animals that the rest of humanity would discard as being wholly inedible.  (The best that the Brits have come up with is tripe and haggis).  But, surely, there must be a better reason for the French.  I'd be grateful, please, for any clues.

I've been to Nevers.  Somewhere, I seem to recall reading that it has long been an important crossing point of the Loire, and that the pilgrims travelling to Spain, to Santiago de Compostella, knew it well - but I can't confirm that from Rosy's library, so don't bet on it!!.

The town mooring is on an arm of the Canal Lateral de Loire, that leads down from the canal to the Loire.  Or at least it used to.  The actual link to the Loire is now a swimming pool.  Nevers is very keen on being properly dressed, and some little pictograms ban my swimming shorts, insisting that I wear a 'slip'.  The cathedral, too, stresses the dress code.  No hats for men (especially no baseball caps worn athwart-ships) and no manly chests.  The cathedral spans several styles, but up in the conch of the apse at it's romanesque end is a 12th century 'Christ in Glory'.  It's OK - but having seen so many lively and glowing wall paintings in Cypriot churches, the example in Nevers is a bit ...  well, 'dull' actually.

Going back to the hats ...

The Jews and the Moslems ask male worshippers to cover the head as a mark of respect to God.  The Christians ask one to be bare-headed.  Why the difference?  I asked this many years ago in Sunday School, and some old fool told me it was because a knight's helmet covers his face and you can't see who he is.  What utter tosh!!  The proportion of knights was very small, so you COULD see the faces of the rest of the congregation even if they had their hats on.  And why are the bishops and above allowed to wear hats (mitres) in church whilst the rest of us aren't?

Similarly with driving.  We drive on the left (we are told) so that the sword (right) hand is in the centre of the road to ward off the evil ones coming the other way.

Two points.

ONE: If I was an evil one, I'd hide in the bushes by the side of the road, and not come waltzing down the middle of the road.

TWO: If the explanation is true, then why does the rest of Europe drive on the right?

The shops in Nevers reflect the dismally dull array of shops that seem to predominate in modern towns.  Lots of pharmacies, estate agents, banks, accountants, hair-dressers and phone shops.  Lots of bread shops, this being France (where the bread goes stale after about 30 minutes, so it has to be bought twice a day at least).

And lots of driving schools.  I suppose they teach the French rules, which are at variance with the English rules.  As you know, the Brit system gives most points for a near death experience, culminating in a PVS (persistent vegetative state).  The French give more points for total annihilation.  Which probably explains why the French health service gives better treatment to non-vegetative human beings.

Incidentally, I believe that Brits with a life-threatening illness are no longer being advised to 'Go European' - i.e. to travel to continental Europe, and claim treatment on the E111.  Rather, one should fly to Rwanda (or some such place) and trust to the excellent service provided by Médécins Sans Frontières.  Either route is, of course, preferable to reliance upon the NHS, and cheaper than private health insurance.

Lots of Swiss on the canals here.  More than I thought existed.  I'd imagined Switzerland with a small population ...

• Quite a few people in the banks, counting up all that money ...
• A few more in the odd chocolate factory ...
• A few in garages somewhere, making watches ...
• A few 'Heidi'-like, bucolic people looking after the goats and cattle in the high mountain pastures ...
• And a few ski-instructors ...
• The rest of the inhabitants EITHER being foreigners leading lives of idleness and luxury working for international, philanthropic organisations OR being playboys, located in Switzerland to shag all the aristocratic English girlies who are enrolled in the (aptly named) finishing schools.

Toodle pip!!

Bill