The plot

The end of my trip saw me back where I had started, visiting again the two plots of land shown to me earlier in the day by Paolo.

The first plot was just above the village of Perinaldo, a short walk beyond the end of a difficult unmetalled track. The plot was covered with Mimosa and the position was wonderful, if a little windy, with unbroken views to the sea and across the hills to France.

The second plot was just below Perinaldo with views down the valley past the Cassini designed church to the sea, not as spectactular as at the first plot but still excellent and with much easier access. When I had stood on this plot earlier in the day the sun was out and the only sound I heard was the village church bell tolling 1pm. I imagined then hearing the same bell again but accompanied by the chinking of ice in a glass of G & T.

Both plots were pretty much within my budget. All was going okay, I had a choice of two plots - I just needed to persuade Michelle.

I returned to Perinaldo with Michelle a week or so later. I showed her both plots, the weather was grey and grim with a light drizzle, no views! - what chance, no chance.

Despite having had a pleasant weekend staying at Monte Carlo Beach resort, we returned to Nice airport for the return flight with little apparent interest in the project on Michelle's part - until that was when I caught her doodling in her diary. Asked what she was drawing she replied 'the floor plan to our villa'.

In the week following our return I was told that the higher plot had been sold - I acted quickly and made an offer on the other which, to my relief, was then accepted.

I knew then there was no going back.