While we waited, the stories began to circulate about more and more people, just private citizens, being allowed to travel abroad to visit their relatives and friends.

BBC: Could exit permit change speed up reforms in Cuba?

The living traditionally visit their dead relatives in early November, which gives rise to a frenzied cleaning of tombs and headstones throughout the country in the second half of October.

ECONOMIST: The world��s way of death

He was the regular babysitter while the toddlers' parents worked, and the girls were going to evacuate to Tennessee with him so they could visit with the relatives of their father, Everidge Green.

CNN: 'I knew it was over with'

With two bathrooms, a media room and numbered bunk beds matched with towel hooks and luggage storage, the summer-camp-style space was designed to house their three teenagers along with their friends and relatives who frequently visit with them.

WSJ: The New Luxury Kids' Rooms��WSJ Mansion

Mr Bertrand also urged people to visit elderly friends, neighbours and relatives - especially those living on their own during the holiday season, when the French traditionally vacate the cities for the countryside, including many care workers, doctors and nurses.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | France seeks medics for heatwave