Pétanque & Picnics

Quite the lovely weekend here in Paris. Lots of firsts for little old Heather Caisse. It was the first weekend that I spent becoming "immersed" in the French community. Saturday evening I was invited to a picnic on the canal with some friends rom work and their circle of friends. At first I was a little nervous, had no idea what to bring and no idea if any of them besides the ones I worked with would speak english... but after stopping at the market and picking up a nice bottle of wine and a tasty looking strawberry tart, I met up with my friends (Fred and Agnes) and we were on our way. Once we started walking and chatting I stopped worrying about the speaking and what to bring part and just began enjoying the evening.  We ended up at a great little spot along a canal of the Seine where 7 others met us, including one of the cutest darn babies I have ever seen in my entire life. The next 4 hours were filled with laughing, eating - smoked sausages, bread, hummus, fresh veggies, potato salad (with fresh homemade mayonnaise), fruit and french cakes. Now these are not real cakes but salty cakes filled with delish little things like mushrooms and ham and onions. Now to wash all this down we had wine, champagne and beer. Aside from teaching each other  silly words and sayings - French for me, English for them and laughing and really just enjoying we witnessed someone jump into the river and take a swim. Now this may sound normal BUT seriously I wouldn't touch this river with a ten foot pole. As soon as it happened the conversation went to wagering bets about how many hours it would take for this guys skin to fall off::

Once the shock of the mystery swimmer wore off and everyone had a full belly and glass of wine in hand, I was introduced to the lovely French game of Pétanque.  This game is quite similar to Bocce Ball and I am just as bad at the French version as I am with the English version.  Either way it was one of the best nights and experiences I have had since I have been here in Paris. Being invited to join a circle of friends during their Saturday evening was flattering and exciting. Even though I wasn't able to understand everything that was going on we were able to communicate, laugh and enjoy the beautiful evening together. I am very much looking forward to having many more of these picnic parties while I am here.  One last interesting tid bit. I was requested for next time to make CUPCAKES - apparently this is not something that is common here and my skills are needed to bring these happy little treats to the hands of my French friends. Anyone want to send me a box of Duncan Hines??? Hahaha...... just kidding, just kidding, I'll make the real deal the first time around then all bets are off!!

                                

Today (Sunday) was also an awesome day. Picnic in the park (Luxembourg Gardens) with the fine gentleman responsible for offering me this opportunity!! More on that one and pictures tomorrow. Right now I am debating on a before bed treat and a glass of wine......