Today is the 14th July which in France is a national holiday as the title would suggest. English speaking countries tend to refer to it as Bastille Day, however this is not the name that the French use. Having now lived in France for just over a year this is the 2nd Fete Nationale that I have witnessed. However given the situation last summer and the on-going situation this summer I have yet to witness the full spectacle of the day. I know that there will be a feu artifice, fireworks display, in my neighbouring village Huelgoat however given that it doesn’t start until 11pm I don’t think that I will be attending.
Earlier in the week I was in two different shops that stated that exceptionally they would be open today. I was disappointed to see this. I really hope that France is not going to go the way of America and the UK with a 24/7 culture. Whilst the lunchtime shop closures can annoy me, I am quietly pleased that they still occur. I popped in to Huelgoat earlier today and was going to go to Carrefour, formely huit a huit, 8 to 8. I was actually quite pleased to see that they were closed. The restaurants appeared to be busy with families out eating and celebrating. I may have to wait another year to see the full celebrations of Fete Nationale but I’m sure I can.
I have started crocheting again and am working on a new slipper pattern for men. I am hoping that I might get at least one foot finished this evening. I was going to start using the anti-slip paint last night but it was more complicated than I thought so I need to set myself up with hot water for cleaning tools and newspaper to stuff the slippers. So hopefully I will be getting to do that over the next few days. Everything seems to take so long. The pain in my back is significantly slowing me down which doesn’t help. I will report back as soon as I have used the paint.
There are two rooms in, in the gite tonight so a certain amount of the day was spent cleaning and changing beds. All of which means less time for sheshed activities, however it also means that I am earning money, so I can’t complain. Given that this is the first season and I am only on Airbnb I think that I am doing ok.
So until tomorrow bonne fete Nationale!
Tales from the Sheshed France 