Fete and Aperitivo

We are not strangers to morning fog, especially in the low lying areas along the Dordogne river. This was the first this year when the temperature and dew point converged creating this blanket of low temperatures below the warmer inverted layer above. A short delay for our ride was acceptable but by late morning we decided to give the bikes a rest. 

Today was the local "fete" in the field below. A much smaller gathering this year than last. 

And even this adult pedal powered kids ride from last year sat idle.

and the mobile velo repair shop stand had little to do. 

Always in search of a bargain from the junk (other peoples stuff) Kim could not resist these two bread baskets for 1 euro for both.

The food stalls had meager offerings so we decided a shared burger with heaps of frites was a better choice. 

The shade covering cast a motley reflection.

The main event for the day was our invitation to one of Franck and Sandrine's other houses at the top of the Les Malandes grade. 

It was advertised (Sandrine's invitation text) as an Apertivo which is a traditional Italian pre-dinner ritual held between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM to stimulate the appetite and transition from the workday to the evening.

They are a lovely couple that we have come to know in the two stays in one of their five different gites in the area. 

This place is perched at the top of the hill commanding a panoramic view of the valley below. It is a modern alterative to our stone place built in 1777. Even though it would be an exceptional place to stay it is too isolated for our tastes, and would make riding from the house impractical. In the blistering heat of summer the pool would be a "must have" but less important during our stay in the fall months.   

As we proceeded into our second bottle of Champagne Franck decided to show us the French way to open a bottle. Probably dating back to Napoleon the sword technique is a unique method. Since his sword or saber was out being polished he resorted to a large chef's knife for the demonstration. 

The video captures the action but the still captures the moment as the cork goes flying off as it separates from the bottle. A closer look at the cork reveals a sliver of the glass rim which took flight into the pool. Look closely to see the airborne cork and the severed neck of the bottle. This technique has to be mastered and should be practiced on the cheap stuff lest a bottle of Dom Perignon be destroyed with the contents undrinkable. 

This being farm country raising chickens is a more practical alternative to cows, sheep, or pigs. Fresh eggs are always a few meters away with six for us to take home.

Whenever Franck and Sandrine are about you can always find "Oopsi" a few steps away. A herding breed she spends her idle time keeping the chickens in line. 

Even though an "Aperitivo" is a meal before a meal we were served enough food for an ample dinner and passed on Franck's offer to grill up some sausages to add to the feast.

No evening is complete without dessert to finish things off. 

We lingered until the sky went dark and stars appeared and we could see the lights from the castle and Saint Cyprian in the distance. What a delightful evening with our gracious and hospitable host and hostess.