More St Clement

Last night, I ate my first snail. I was in a cave, with a fire and everyone else was eating happily, so I thought “why not”. No, it wasn’t Survivor New Caledonia. I am in France. This is normal behaviour here. We were in a restaurant on the other side of the river. Stone used to build the castles was dug out from the hillside in large blocks. The deep tunnels left behind were used to grow mushrooms and for storage etc. This particular “cave” restaurant serves a set menu of old regional cuisine. Bread rolls are served puffed up fresh from the wood fire. Also from the fire, the accompanying fare: snails in garlic and parsley, cooked white beans, various mushrooms (of course), roast duck as well as cheese, butter, and pork pate. Simple and hearty food, very French.

Raphael has been very patient with Kael. Raphael is a craftsman. He has plenty of things to capture the imagination of a boy. Together they constructed a little boat after Kael was inspired by a project book. Lissa chose a bag to be fabricated in the leather workshop. She was overwhelmed with the choice of colours and styles but eventually, she made her decision. These are beautiful bags that Lissa has grown up admiring.

Last November we hosted a young couple Benjamin and Charlotte early in there Australian adventure. Benjamin’s parents were eager to have us for lunch along with Charlotte’s mother Nadine. Brigitte and Xavier were delightful. Kael had rolled his ankle on our arrival and after lunch Xavier volunteered to push him as we walked along the local country roads. Unfortunately, after leaving the wheelbarrow by the side of the road, we had to watch on helplessly as someone drove past sporting a new acquisition.

Rosine has been cooking us beautiful meals as well as maintaining her 2 jobs. She oversees administration in the Leather shop and is a local government representative. How’s this for a French cuisine spectacular: breakfast croissant and coffee, boef bourginion for lunch with red wine, dinner of galette with scallops and mushrooms and cider. Quite the trinity for those who worship the French food Gods.

We made 2 visits to castles near Saumur. Chateau de Saumur overlooks the town and Chateau de Breze is a unique underground fortress. The kids enthusiastically stepped back in time as we explored the tunnels and chambers. Kael and Naomi showed a lot of interest in the history of the French Revolution. Even though we were a long way from Paris, particular attention was given to the intricate details of the guillotine. We seemed to drift away from the topic of execution only momentarily. I can't blame them. The French certainly know how to entertain.