Faire La Fête

 

For such a small village what a turn out!.... Such a great evening.... Music, dancing, food and lots of great company. Missed Erin and Milton but great to catch up with everyone else!

Of course the following day was La Fête nationale française or Bastille Day.  

The Flags of the Minervoir which usually fly on the Tour and pretty much everywhere else are taken down and the French flag raised.  It's a much more sober affair although they did serve wine and raclette at 1.00am!!!  It was actually very moving to here the Maire speak and we all sang La Marseillaise led by four primary students and of course led by the local brass band.  It was strangely moving.  Especially as Jessica Servet is so vibrant.  The pompiers (fire brigade) stood bravely in the 38 degree sun in their heavy uniforms while Jessica acknowledged each one of them for their efforts to quell the horrendous fires we have had. 

We were supposed to walk to the cemitiere to honour those who died in the war (like anzac day) but it (like many other events) was cancelled because of the intense heat.

So with a shower of 'Bonne fête nationale !' and 'Joyeux 14 Juillet !' we made our escape to air con.  For us it was sad as we were not sure when or where we would see everyone again...Oz, UK, France?  Who knows.  Our trips are always such a flurry of hellos and goodbyes!

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