We ate dinner in the gorgeous triangular park. The cafe owners brought it over to the eight of us – 3 French men, 1 with a daughter, 1 French woman, 1 Polish Frenchman and us. They talked in French over dinner and we are accustomed and comfortable with that – we also enjoy the sounds of their beautiful language. The Polish amateur tenor however spoke very good English and he would often talk with us.
He thought that Europe was struggling to be a nation with a similar overall culture but divided in so many other ways, but it would eventually become one after some generations. I asked him about the memorials for les enfants and he said it was for all the sons and daughters lost during the wars. He went on to say that the reason France is sometimes hesitant to enter conflicts today is because of these huge losses. We chatted about music and song and then back to our room that looked over our dinner venue.
Albert and Isabella were quietly superb. We wished we could have talked more with him but our French is too poor. Isabella translated for us as our charades improved with both of them. We were in fine form over breakfast and by just taking time to get to know each other made communication easier. Albert was a former town mayor, and we discovered that Isabella is from one of our favourite places in France – Bayonne. I will send her a poem I penned about that special place.
The stars were spectacular, so vivid and bright and I will have to check with my astronomer friend to understand what we were looking at. Out into the fields once more, down shaded lanes, past chattering birds sitting above an equal noisy brook with no other sound but our persistent pole stabs. The farmers are out now gathering the zucchinis, the strawberries and the artichokes as poppies gather in the corners of the wheat fields holding their last small holdings tenaciously.
Because we spent time on a quiet roadway today we caught up with a chemin bike rider and spent some time swapping photo taking opportunities and enjoying his company in the welcome shaded spot he had chosen. It was another 30+ day today but the shaded dips in the road and the strong cool breeze reduced the potential discomfort.
We’re at home now, too early to check out our room but time to have a chat to you.
Today’s little bit of luxury with amazing view
I agree with Kirstin, Will , it would be wonderful to see book of images of both wonderful walks, together with your poems.
Hope you are both keeping well it sounds a little less taxing now than the first couple of weeks, with the rain, rocks, hills & mud, & now such delightful wee villages & the contrast of the hot weather. xx
I think your next book should be a photographic one Will! Some of these photos are absolutely stunning! I love the poppy and grain one…the focus is just perfect for the subjects. It sounds like you are into some very hot weather these days and that will make walking more tiring for sure, but I know you two always get nice early starts so hopefully you avoid the worst of the heat. Hugs to you and Corrie!