Monday, November 1, 2021

La Toussaint


Angus is up early talking to the Manhattanites. They want to discuss Silicon Valleys ideas of a metaverse and China 's plans for a “new technological civilization”. When it comes to Europe we discuss .... fish.

All Saints Day a national holiday in France. The village in a deep  slumber as Angus and Sophie head off to the modern bakers for the breakfast baguette, a tour of the car park and a shared croissant. 

Yesterday was the first time the village hall had been used in 18 months. The family in the white stucco house at the 'T' junction had booked it for a family gathering. About forty folks showed up for a two o'clock lunch. They were still there at eleven in the evening by which time they had moved on to that staple of French village life - the karaoke machine. The last folks to leave have forgotten to switch off the village hall neon lights. These blaze away as we pass. 


At the bakery car park Sophie sits patiently while Angus orders a coffee and a croissant. Dog and owner sit on the tail gate and put the world to rights. No less than five customers wander over to say 'bonjour'  to Sophie. This reinforces my view that the French are the most dog loving nation on earth. The bakers wife is still making her blue eclairs which she informs me ' fly out of the front door '. 


Back in the village there at least a dozen cars parked in front of the church. Start of day visits to family tombs. Last year , mid pandemic and lockdown,  the churchyard was quiet This year it's busy. Fresh chrysanthemums are lined up outside every grave.


Even the old  graves ,where the no longer readable tombstones have fallen over, have a fresh plant in front of them. A rather nice touch for long departed villagers and their not quite forgotten contribution to the community. Memories are long in the depths of France profonde. 


 

9 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

I am impressed by the picture of Sophie sitting in the car boot waiting patiently to be offered the ends of the oh so tempting croissant place in front of her.
Are the Manhattanites really interested in the fish row?
Cheers, Gail.

Coppa's girl said...

Did Sophie take her eyes off the croissant whilst waiting for the curly ends? Inca watches every mouthful I make, her eyes following from hand to mouth!
It made me smile to think that the Manhattanites might wish to discuss Europe's fish problems - such a lowly topic after Silicon Valley and China. Perhaps they want you to know that nothing escapes their attention and they are au fait with everything that goes on this side of the pond?

Angus said...

Not so much interested as incomprehending .

Lisa in France said...

I keep wondering whether the filling in the eclairs is blue as well. I think I would try one just out of curiosity.

Diaday said...

Blue teeth and blue lips from that blue icing!

EAS said...

The glossy blue icing resembles “slime”. My bet is parents are buying these for their kids. Everything else in the case looks delicious! I love that Sophie is holding court from the car.

Travel said...

Another beautiful morning. Who could resist Sophie? The blue is a strange colour.

rottrover said...

Otto and Osa are 'incomprehending' of Sophie's ability to wait to be offered a croissant end!

Angus said...

Sophie considers waiting for a croissant end to be the canine version of 'cruel and unusual punishment'.