The French always refer to their President as Le President de la Republique. A somewhat lengthy and fussy construct to Anglo-Saxon ears. Anyway, President Macron was on the television at eight last night. A four week national lockdown announced. Bars and cafes across the country to be closed. Permits needed if you want to go out. Earlier in the year the country was locked down for two months. This time round the dark skies and cold weather will make it all the more necessary but also much more unpopular and much more difficult to police. For the first time in his speech a hint that there will be real economic and political damage.
This weekend is supposed to be All Hallows. A time when families get together. Not the best of times to impose travel restrictions. 2020, as in so many things, will clearly be different. On the churchyard gates a notice has appeared. The police are advising visitors to the graveyard to watch out for car thieves and make sure their vehicle is locked. On the other side of the gate both the old and the new mayos can be seen busily at work sweeping the gravel paths in readiness for visitors coming to their family graves.
This morning we head off again for a walk down by the river. Our last chance to go there until the lockdown is lifted. Sophie is now well versed in clambering up and down the car ramp. She is less keen on the new tailgate which rises and falls with the press of a button. She regards the tailgate with a ' What manner of magic is this ?' wariness.
13 comments:
We feel for you and hope it is only for a couple of weeks. We found lockdown in winter easy as the weather made staying inside perfect for reading and watching shows.
It's a shame, but good thing you are well-stocked with both wine and washing up brushes. On the other hand, I suppose this means the builder won't be back anytime soon.
I was impressed by Macron's speech. I cannot imagine the fool currently in the White House saying things like protecting the vulnerable is part of our values. France was pretty successful in tamping down the virus from May to August. Nobody wants it to get worse. The ones opposed to restrictions are in favor of magical thinking, that they personally don't need to do anything. My kiné tells me that, among her colleagues, they have seen a big overlap between Gilets Jaunes and anti-maskers/anti-lockdown.
Re the cemetery, it's a sad fact. A neighbor who had moved to Paris was buried in the village. His widow parked next to the gate and "went to talk to him" days after the funeral. She heard her car door, ran to it and saw another car speeding away. Her bag was gone, with a large sum of cash, her driver's license and all that, and her husband's death certificate. She came to our house for help and was mostly upset about the death certificate and the trauma of getting that replaced. We put out the word and the bag was found a few days later along the side of a road, intact except for the cash. It is really the lowest of low to steal from the grieving. But along those lines, did you see the article about the elderly driver who hit a tram in Bordeaux? Somebody robbed her while she was getting first aid.
No more searches for the perfect croissant - no more ratings? Oh Angus, we feel for you and Sophie. Will you be able to still take your walks around the village and to the stream to fish for minnows?
We aren't in lockdown again yet, but feel that it's just lurking below the horizon. Glorious weather again today so we'll enjoy it, whilst we can.
Hari OM
One cannot help but think this ineveitable - and there will still be those who think it doesn't apply to them. YAM xx
So here in the UK Boris is saying there won't be another lockdown. I feel like the manager of a Premiership football club whose Chairman has just said publicly that I have their full support.....
BUT, can you still go to the drive-through bakers? No croissants? We're slowly opening up again. The Victorians did a sterling job of cooperating during the 16-week lockdown.
The village mothers will be thankful that this time round the schools are being kept open.
Amazingly, the builder pulled up in his new silver metallic Mercedes van to say that he'll be focusing on 'outdoor' jobs. The excavation of the foundations for the new pergola are on his 'to do' list. As they say 'It's an ill wind ... '.
A mad rush to the cemetery on Thursday afternoon ahead of the attestation requirement. Rather charmingly both mayors were on hand to welcome visitors to the village and show those who were lost to the right tomb. Thiswas one of those things that make France - France.
For the next month Picard croissants cooked in the oven for 18 minutes. Sophie is a fan of them.
The villagers have taken to standing five metres apart and shouting at each other. This makes village life even odder. It's as if we've chosen to live somewhere all the inhabitants are stone deaf and anti-social.
Good to see Scottish numbers coming down again. London may be going in the other direction.
Post a Comment