Soirée Française

Our neighbour invited few people from the nearby houses for an soirée of drinks and nibbles the other night. Since the weather was excellent and the traffic is minimal at that time of the night, we put up some tables on the street, enjoying the balmy air and cooling breeze, whilst tasting the produce of our gardens.We took some tomatoes and my bramble pie, as well as some lovely, local rosé (we take our own five litre plastic canister when we go and buy the wine, and it costs 7 euros, just over an euro per bottle. Hooray!).

It was lovely to see the nearest neighbours and talk properly for once, not just the normal bonjours and ça va's (my French is getting on, you know). The ages ranged  from 2-85 years old and as it often happens here, the 85-year-old went off to her bed before the youndest toddler. Teach them young, that's the spirit.

The beautiful evening we had. Well, nearly every evening here is beautiful and warm. This northern girl is ready for the autumn. I have had enough of sweating.

 It has taken me a rather long time to find out that we have some decent neighbours since I'm often distracted by the unpleasant ones; noisy music listeners, beer-drinking loudmouths and unemployed drug-sellers (unless that is classified as a job..?).

Very often I actually avoid going out because I don't feel at ease in here. Needless to stay, there is a plan to move somewhere more peaceful with a garden soon.

I know there was food, I am pretty sure there was alcohol and much fun was had. Why didn't we get this idea earlier?

The hosting neighbours' delicious grapes.

Looking at the unclear picture, I think it was nearly the end of the night. Luckily, the home is just a crawling-distance away - literally!