Now right here’s a factor. What conjures up a budding writer to really sit down and write a guide? For my first memoir ‘Please Wipe Your Boots’ it was the humorous chaos and mayhem skilled as a younger phone apprentice with the GPO (the publish workplace within the UK). I by no means thought I might meet such characters and mayhem once more. Then I moved to France!
The yr was 2005 and we had no concept about what, the place or how we had been going to exist. That is what occurs while you retire early and need a final journey… and what an journey it turned out to be.
In my rush to be French I attempted to hitch every little thing and do every little thing that the British consider when making an attempt to pigeonhole a typical Frenchman. From becoming a member of the native Chasse (The traditional French hunt which runs through the winter months) to competing in pétanque competitions – badly! And from opening a village bar to working a disastrous, hilarious village fête. Alongside the way in which I grew to become a wedding service chauffeur with my newly acquired historic Citroen Traction automotive and was tricked into the strangest Vendange meal ever seen. (The Vendange in France is the grape harvest in preparation for the wine making course of.)
The Vendange meal was hosted by my neighbouring native shepherd and I’ll quote from the guide to offer you a flavour of what I used to be about to expertise:
‘It’s onerous to explain the affect of a primary sighting of this character however maybe it’s best achieved by describing his look and allow you to image it in your thoughts. And bear in mind it, as you can be bumping into Jean-Pierre at common intervals all through the guide.
Slight of construct at round 68 years of age, pores and skin wanting like tanned leather-based. Wearing getting older garments that every one appeared like that they had as soon as belonged both to his dad or granddad. Battered, stained trousers held up by a chunk of blue string overlaying an equally battered pair of trainers.
A shirt that after was white, then gray, now beige coated by an equally battered cardigan… comparable color. And an getting older jacket that after belonged maybe to a swimsuit, another person’s swimsuit… a very long time in the past. All this was topped off by a battered cap worn at a jaunty angle.’
The remainder of Jean-Pierre’s household had been additionally a bit unusual and after volunteering to assist along with his Vendange I used to be tricked by the opposite ‘helpers’ into staying for the standard Vendange meal alone – simply me and his household!
Amongst the humorous tales and unusual behaviours I explored some historic background to the lifestyle in France. For instance which Mayor banned folks from dying in his village, why it’s unlawful to name a pig Napoleon and the explanation why French guys salivate over penknives!
I additionally found that the issues that annoy or bewilder any newcomer to France, slowly turn out to be accepted, cherished even. In spite of everything they’re what makes the French…effectively – French!
Stanley George, writer of French Farce, out there from Amazon
