Les Voisins

This morning, we drove across to Alès, where we had a mooch around the brand new indoor market, popped outside for a coffee at a café under a nice, broad umbrella, and then went back in to do our shopping. 

I enjoyed the market and Alés was also very nice, so we think we'll pop back one afternoon next week for a proper wander around. 

On the way back, we past the little signs on the square advertising 'Las Fête Des Voisins' or 'Neighbours Day'. We'd already assumed the invitation wouldn't extend to us, as we are only visiting and that was just fine with me!

However, during the afternoon, we could hear voices on the square speaking English, and I could see the Minx getting twitchy, so in the end I suggested she go out and say 'Hi'. 

She was out of the door like a shot, and gone for absolutely ages. 

To be honest, I think the only thing holding her back had been what boils down to shyness on my part but probably manifests as me being antisocial. But any such concerns had flown out of the window by the time she got back.

She disappeared off the the supermarket to find the ingredients for a salad, some sausage rolls with a French spin, and some other bits and pieces, before returning and cooking up a storm, preparing dishes to take to the party.

And so it was that we spent the evening on the square with our new and very welcoming neighbours. Everyone was super-friendly and keen to have a go at their English, and I was surprised how much French I managed to follow. 

Now it's all over, I can be grateful to the Minx for dragging me out of my comfort zone!