Middle-aged flash packers

While sitting in the garden last night, we heard a bit of a domestic drama unfold. It’s surprising how much you can grasp about what’s going on even when you don’t speak the language very well and can’t see the people.

I could hear earlier that the lady next door was struggling with her baby who was very grizzly but eventually all was quiet. A man’s voice could be heard a bit later (defo hubby/partner) who sounded very chilled indeed, bordering on drunk. (All this was taking place in their garden by the way.)

The wife was not at all chilled and started ranting at hubby. Hubby was still chilled even when she threw some liquid (assuming water) all over him. He did say “ooh la la” which I honestly thought was one of those things Brits think French people say but actually don’t. He swayed around for a bit in the garden and then went inside. Nothing else was heard. Crikey. We’ve all been there though haven’t we? Haven’t we?

Moving on, the next morning we packed up ready for the penultimate journey before getting home. This happened to be our 38th wedding anniversary but we felt a bit flat as we don’t really want to go home. It makes sense because things are definitely cranking up for peak holiday season but still…

Anyway, the journey was fine, no dramas, and we stocked up on wine yay!.we got to our final accommodation of the holiday just outside Troyes near Arc-en-Barrois. It’s an area famed for its forests and it’s very much “old”France.

We didn’t get off to the best of starts with our hostess as we had a bit of trouble getting in to the estate and had a language breakdown. Did I mention it was a big property with its own deer park and church? The peasant v aristocracy theme continues!

The house is part farmhouse, part chateau. It has a bohemian feel as it’s a work in progress but what is done is pretty but homely. We popped into the church and it really is quite special. It has been neglected but the red windows and the way they reflect the light are unearthly.

We had signed up for the optional evening meal and were very glad we had. The food was delicious and the ambience relaxed. It was a very nice way to spend our wedding anniversary.

Tomorrow we have a long day – 4.5 hour drive to Calais and 2 hours the other side. Hoping for a good nights sleep 🤞🏻