Out on the bread runWritten by Craig McGinty
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Driving down a tight narrow track we would come across a collection of tumble down buildings, with smooth stone archways and a crumbling stairway to a wooden door. Or valley floor would open up and a large farm often producing foie gras would come into view. “I used to be a post woman which comes in very useful for remembering which lane leads where,” Marie Ange said. “And often on drive you will see a beautiful view or catch sun in leaves, it really is very calming.” By mid-morning van had been loaded up again and it was off to Villefranche du Périgord. Here we stopped in market square and attracted a bit of a crowd as they bought up their bread straight from back of van. We would also shoot up and down four main roads in village beeping horn, or tapping on window, as people came out. “I sometimes think I should stand in middle of square and whistle to attract everyone to van,” said Marie Ange. “And you always get one or two who think they are boulanger and ask how bread was made, is it fresh, what does it taste like?” By lunchtime deliveries are made and ritual of bread begins again in boulangerie ovens - but that is another story.
For more articles by Craig McGinty on living in France including tips on buying a home, the legal process and more, visit his website and live life the French way. http://www.thisfrenchlife.com
| | A summer weddingWritten by Craig McGinty
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The priest opened blessing with a short passage from bible and then Sabine walked up to microphone to deliver a short speech. She thanked many people that had turned up to see bride and groom and that it had been an incredible day. Then priest delivered a short prayer and a musical interlude with saxophone and accordion was played. The ceremony of passing of rings was undertaken with assistance of son of Sabine and Benji. He carried rings up to alter of church in a small, padded heart shaped bag and passed them to priest. The couple spoke a few words and placed rings on each other’s fingers as cameras again flashed a whirred. Everyone then began to make their way out of church waiting for bride and groom to stand outside church for some more photographs. But players of St Cernin had one more trick up their shirts as we donned our kit and picked up a football each. We made a guard of honour outside church and held a ball high over guests as they made their way out into village square. But it was Benji and Sabine who everyone was waiting for. People passed around rice and confetti waiting for them to leave church and run under footballs, as they did place exploded. The church bell tolled and rice cascaded down on our heads covering players and newly married couple from head to toe. Then it was time for more photographs, car horns sounding and children throwing rice and confetti at each other. As day drifted into late afternoon it was time for a small aperitif and a few nibbles in grounds of Mairie. Watching sun slowly slide behind church tower as celebrations moved on into night.
About the Author For more articles by Craig McGinty on living in France including tips on buying a home, the legal process and more, visit his website and live life the French way. http://www.thisfrenchlife.com
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