Just Saying!
Occasional observations on living in France
1/18/20252 min read
Last weekend we took one of our customary walks around the village of Gourgas, in order to avoid the hunters in our forest. This beautiful spot, underneath the towering cliffs of the Cirque du Bout du Monde , never fails to impress. As usual we saw Angel, who often lingers alongside the fountain. He always likes to pass the time of day. Everyone else seemed to be indoors. But then we saw some children. I often bemoan the fact that so many kids nowadays never seem to play outdoors. Such is the lure of modern media. But last Saturday was different. Two boys of about ten or eleven years of age panted past us as they climbed uphill on their bicycles. Shortly afterwards we had to step out of the way for two slightly older boys who were careering along at great speed on a battery powered 'trotinette' (scooter.) So what is extraordinary about this you might well ask? Well...each one of the four boys who passed us greeted us with a loud 'Bonjour.' Let me hasten to add that we did not know any of them. This is a feature of France that I love, for all children are urged to be polite. Even the youngest toddlers are encouraged to say 'bonjour' to strangers from their pram as they pass. Whilst France may not be perfect, this is in general a well mannered society, and it is one of the many things that I love. . ...Just saying!



