Yesterday our French farmer neighbour called round to invite us to meet the family for an aperitif at lunchtime today. The English couple who own the holiday home just along the road were also invited so we got to meet them properly too.
We arrived as per the invite at noon and were made incredibly welcome by the family, and there was lots of "bisous" - kissing of cheeks - from all the family including the two girls of 3 and 12 and the 10 year old boy. I don't know of any 10 year old English boy who would have been as polite or as willing to kiss complete strangers! Don't get me wrong here, I know some very well behaved English children, but it does seem to be ingrained in the French culture that children will treat ALL adults and each other with respect.
Anyway we were motioned to sit at the table and the older daughter brought in plates of nibbles - slices of french saucisson, bread and pate, crisps, chicory leaves with a crab paste - all very pleasant and very tasty. Then Monsieur farmer, brought round the drinks! Well we started with a light liqueur (can't remember it's name!), then wine - lots of! There was also pastiche and whisky for those who fancied it! We finally rolled home about 3 hours later after a lovely afternoon getting to know the neighbours, complete with a bottle of M. farmer's home brewed Eau de vie. We are told it's very strong!
As a mix of ages and nationalities we managed to communicate in a variety of French, English, hand signals and something that wouldn't go amiss on Allo Allo!
I have to say that the neighbours have been wonderfully friendly and although I know that there a tiny minority of people who have moved to French and not been made welcome but so far we've been welcomed with open arms everywhere we go and people are truly keen to help with the language barrier, especially if you try to speak at least a little French!
My advice - give the language a go, even if all you can say is Bonjour and Au Revoir. It will be appreciated!
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