The weather so far had been rather kind to us. today was no different. Fine and about 16-17 degrees Celsius. We continue to monitor the upcoming weather and in all our locations, it appears we will not face the extreme cold we had been fearing: even in Russia which is some 2 weeks away !!

Breakfast was to be in the Manoir Des Deux Amants residence: our place for the next week or so. Situated on the banks of the Seine River. Yes, another of the mighty rivers of the world: let alone the major one which passes through Paris. We are upstream, just some kilometres from where the River Seine empties into the English Channel. In this vicinity, the main river channel splits into a number of channels (technically called anabranches); it is on one of these that we are situated.

Our residence is set well and truly in the “countryside”, where a car would be essential to get around. It took us about 40 minutes to drive from Rouen (“roo-on”). Still very serene and a good setting. I think we will settle in here rather well. Not many houses near us; just farms that appear to grow wheat and canola. there are however a few impressive Chateaux nearby. The local village of Connelles is about 2 kilometres up the road. A small sleepy village which is just an agglomeration of perhaps 10-15 buildings. No services available; these would need to be secured in the nearby villages of Andre or Pont St Pierre. 

At breakfast we met up the 2 Australian couple we shared the “Le Comptor” restaurant with last evening. One couple, Don and Lyn from Perth, we invited to join us at a local village doing some shopping. They didn’t have a vehicle: hopefully they were fully insured as they were to be passengers in the car I was driving. I suggested that they just cover their eyes and practice, “are we there yet ?” If they did, they did it in silence. 

Our target was to be Pont de l’ Arche a village on the River Seine some 15 minutes away. This we were able to find without too much of an issue. We were headed for the local markets: from what we were told these would have plenty of local fresh produce. We were generally well set up from our shopping expedition previously, but Don and Lyn seized the opportunity to gather the week’s supplies. We were also able to top up.

The markets closed a few of the village’s streets: along either side of the road, clothes etc and all food (meats, vegetables etc) were on offer. We all had some interesting experiences communicating with the stall sellers: again, those who couldn’t speak English, were very tolerant and patient.

Some interesting sights seeing such everyday tasks as buying the week’s cheese supply which requires the Fromagerie using a large knife to cut into large wheels of cheese. My experience where I felt that I purchased some “pommes” (potatoes) using French was a rather satisfying experience. These were locally grown, as there was enough soil remaining on these to top dress your front lawn. Still walking away with some fresh produce and supporting the local farmer was “good stuff”. Fred also struck up a conversation with a vendor selling locally made honey. He spoke reasonable English and was very interested in the Australian bee-keeping scene.

The Notre Dame’s bells were chiming: it was somewhat of a salutary moment.

We were able to walk around the small village complex where we visited the nearby towering structure so familiar in french villages, the Notre Dame. Built in 1608, again typical of most of the French attributes we have been exposed to. Fred and the others sat and had coffee in the local La Civette caffe. The owner asked her “from where you are ?”, “Australie”. 

The French gent then proceeded to kiss her hand, “salute”, he said. We are not all that far from the “western front”, we extensively covered last year. This combined with the Normandy beaches (such as Dunkirk) just about 100 kilometres away, the relationship between the Australians and the French would be most evident and strong in these areas. 

Each time we are asked where we are from, when “Australie” is mentioned, we are warmly accepted. Not so much if you’re from other English speaking countries. Fred indicated that he was lucky that she had her shower that morning. 

Just as we were leaving the 12 noon chimes from the Notre Dame rang for some 3 minutes. I found this to be something to experience. The locals appeared to go ahead with their tasks as normal: very commonplace, unique if not for all, but for me it was almost spiritual. It certainly had that special ring about it !!

We made the trip back to Connelles: lunch was a salad (some of which was out of the residence’s garden), meats all supplemented with a Rose purchased locally. Chateau Amaniers 2017 nonetheless. 

We were able to sit and soak up the local environment, in preparation for the wine and cheese night the residence had organised for the newly arrived. It was here that we met a number of other Australian couples. As was the case in Tuscany, it was a long night with a great deal of French wine and cheeses consumed. I decided to be loyal and left with Fred late into the evening: her sustaining and endurance powers at these very important functions amazes me. I would say, a very supportive husband indeed. Perhaps she will read these words and be prompted to recognise this rather important aspect ?

I guess we have not had a competition since the last one ? So the challenge is to determine what we had to eat at the aforementioned lunch. 

Again, just hit the “add comment” button to gain access to this rather unique and challenging opportunity. 

Here is the list of our lunch items: you interpret at your own risk:

See how you go with this.

Au revoir, c’est magnifique