A foreign country is not designed to make you feel comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.

For Bob and Sophie there's no such thing as 'just another quiet Sunday'. At first light they're out of the door and hurtling round the garden with an enthusiasm that says '' This is the best day. EVER". Later on there's an illicit half croissant to be shared at the cafe under the arcades.

Today is polling day for the elections to the European Parliament. An exercise in democracy that has failed to enthuse the 67 inhabitants of our little village.  At 7.30 the blinds on the Mairie are raised. We know it's an important day because in addition to his red chequered pork pie hat the mayor is wearing his tricoleur sash. On the terrace outside the mayors wife  has set up a tressle table . She is whistling as she sets out a large pile of her trademark honey filled croissants. Bob and Sophie are greatly taken with the idea of honey filled croissants.

There are now eight election posters up in front of the town hall. The established party candidates all have forced smiles on their photographs. The happy couple on the Ecology Party poster have clearly not been told to look serious. The lady from the Europe Citoyenne party '' Vote for You " may , or may not, have had her hair done for her photograph. 

The Old Farmers Christmas Star came on , as planned, at ten last night. It presumably went off at two.