Just a typical week. Nothing super special or even out of the ordinary occurred during the past seven days. Well, that is until Friday evening. Mr. Verhey, being continually concerned for Melissa’s and my health, ensured that we are at least nourishing ourselves by sending us funds for a fancy French dinner. We made a big outing of the night and got all dressed up (even donning makeup and perfume – ooo) and headed out in search of a establishment worthy of our presence for a meal. (The matching outfits was completely unintentional).We ended up at this little Bistro downtown SaintÉ. Having received advice concerning the high quality of French bistros, we ventured inside. The food was absolutely amazing. The atmosphere splendid; the wine, completely delightful. The pregnant, but cute, waitress served us with a smile. We had previously decided that dining in a French restaurant required the French language. So throughout a large part of the evening Melissa and I conversed in a hack/our style French.
I’m not sure what it is, but French men, depending on the atmosphere and situation, can find themselves to be very charming. The waiter that described the dessert options and then took our order, was indeed one of these types. Not only were you sure that all of the desserts mentioned utterly sinful and absolutely delicious, you were left unsure as to which to choose. But choose we did. We indulged in true French crème brulée and fondant de chocolat – a warm brownie that was filled with hot fudge and drizzled in raspberry sauce. Even now, my mouth is watering again. The dinner lasted a whole 4 hours, which is essential for a true French dining experience.
Saturday, was celebrated with a nonending list of domestic and eduacational tasks. I did laundry, took care of paper work that still needed doing, and Melissa and I also headed to the gare (train station) to purchase tickets for Tous Saints. The last week of October we get off for the week of All Saints. Not sure why, but you don’t hear me complaining.
Sunday, we were again invited to spend lunch with Ray and RuthAnn, but we were also extended an invitation by Norbert and Annie (the only true French family part of GBSE – groupe biblique de St Etienne). They have 5 children, so the noise level was much closer to that which
we both are accustomed. After the crazy car ride – the fourteen year old daughter had absolutely no desire to go for a long Sunday afternoon hike with the family and their other friends if their seventeen year old son was not accompanying them. After a delicious lunch of roasted potatoes, sausage and sourcrout, followed by cheese and then dessert (true French style), we all piled in to the van for St Priest de Jarez, a small village 6km from StÉ. It was the official Fête de Chataigne (Chestnut Festival). It was a small version of the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival and not quite as sweet. We explored the village and also went for a hike that was marked out. It was a 6 kilometre journey, but totally worth it. We ended up on a gravel/dirt path that led us out into the countryside. There were COWS!!!!! AND TRACTORS!!! It was amazing. You wouldn’t think that a hick like me would miss livestock, but it’s true. Even the non green tractor was exciting. We were also outside of city/town for the second time since we arrived in France. There were also wild blackberry bushes along the path that we picked and ate. It was almost like a fairytale.
Upon returning to town, the last paper cone of roasted chestnuts was handed to us for free because we are.... Canadians!! I knew there were bonuses somewhere. I had never had chestnuts before, and they were alright, but I understood why they were once considered the poor man’s fruit. There were also vendors that were selling crèpes that were made entirely out of chestnut flour. Crèpes with nutella is the biggest thing here. – so yummy!
We returned home after 20h00, exhausted from the day’s activities but feeling relaxed and desperately in need of a good night’s sleep.
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