Bonjour,
I hope that you just and yours are nicely.
Spring appears to be nicely and really on its method right here within the north of France. A bunch of golden daffodils are sprouting subsequent to swathes of snowdrops in gardens and alongside the hedgerows, tiny buds are showing on the branches of bushes, the solar has been shining all week and the air is warming up. Even Jean-Claude my neighbour, whose retirement pastime appears to be grumbling, has been chipper in regards to the climate.
Grumbling is a really French factor – and the French will let you know, regardless of it seeming in any other case, this isn’t the identical as complaining although it may be troublesome to identify the distinction generally. For the final I don’t know what number of years, instantly after assembly Jean-Claude and sharing a kiss on the cheeks and saying bonjour, the primary phrases out of his mouth will at all times be gripes in regards to the climate, it’s too sizzling, too chilly, too moist, too dry, too foggy, too frosty, too windy. If that’s not a match matter to grouch about, there’s at all times the continuous barking canine that belongs to Monsieur Who-lives-in-old-man-Antoine’s-house (Antoine has been gone for 22 years however not forgotten, largely due to the truth that he at all times, apparently, had superb wine if you visited, earlier than my time – however folks spherical right here bear in mind an excellent host), or the billy goat that lives in a steel shed on the farm on the prime of the valley and head butts the partitions when he’s indignant, the sound echoing across the village for hours on finish. If all else fails the federal government often suits the invoice for an excellent outdated moan.
The French say ‘râler’ which isn’t fairly the identical as to ‘plaindre’. It’s delicate however there’s a distinction. ‘Se plaindre’ is to complain, ‘râler’ is extra of a grumpy criticism, a little bit of a grouch, fairly than a severe criticism that requires motion. And when a French individual shares a grumble with you, it’s really a pleasant gesture, an opportunity so that you can share their vexation, however with out it going additional, nearly a bonding second.
I’ve perfected the artwork of responding to each lament that comes my method from Jean-Claude – a shrug of the shoulders and an enthusiastic ‘pfffft” which implies “you’re completely proper, however what can we do about it? We’re all in the identical boat. Solidarity mon ami.”
I feel I could also be nearly French now.
Wishing you a really bon weekend, wherever you might be, from a bit of village the place there may be not a lot to complain about.
Bisous,
Janine
Editor
ps prime picture is the Opal Coast this week, close to the place I dwell, wanting throughout the English Channel to the White Cliffs of Dover.
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Janine Marsh is Creator of My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream, My 4 Seasons in France: A Yr of the Good Life and Toujours la France: Residing the Dream in Rural France all accessible as book, print & audio, on Amazon in all places & all good bookshops on-line. Her newest e book The best way to be French – is a celebration of the French way of life and artwork de vivre.
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