Well, the work has begun! For the past two days the terrassier has done the heavy duty stuff: pulling down a wall that was too weak, excavating some granite rock that resided in what will be our lounge; and generally moving huge amounts of soil and debris. Our land looks like a quarry!

The locals stand in the road to watch, looking like supporters at a poorly-attended but eventful football match. One edge of their village is getting a long overdue make-over. They've got something to report back to their spouses when the dog has been walked. And they know the workmen.

We are expecting the maçon (builder) to begin his work tomorrow. He is local too. He is one of five men called Dargaud who live in the next village. We have only one Dargaud in our village - and he is rather proud of that.