Caen à L'International

Yesterday evening was...rather pleasant. After deciding that the Roller Disco was most definitely for children, we decided to go to a bar instead. The choice of bar was the one that was giving out free food! Highlights include some very potent cocktails for rather cheap prices, being the only people in a bar dancing to Motown and Laura singing 'what shall we do with a drunken sailor' to herself. Was lovely to have a big group with equal amounts of English and French speaking people, although how good my French was I don't know! I am glad, however, that I didn't go out to Le What's afterwards...as I was almost asleep on the tram into town I knew that an early(er) night was needed!

Woke up rather later in the morning, but had a Skype with Andy before meeting up with Becky and Pawel at Rien de Rien (another coffee shop!). Both were nursing quite significant gueules de bois; although perhaps not nearly as debilitating as Baptiste, who had to cancel our later coffee! We were joined soon after by Claire, Jeff and Ste and all squished into a booth obviously meant for four. We're just such cool people obviously! Today outside the theatre was Caen à l'International, an event that showcased all the towns that Caen is linked with...we blatantly went for the free food, again. However it was very interesting to see all the different towns, and also have the nice surprise of finding out that Caen is twinned with Würzburg (town mentioned here). Anyway, back to the food as France really is all about it...an English stall had found its way from Portsmouth and was giving out free cups of tea, scones with jam and cream, shortbread, (English) wine and fruitcake. Heaven. Also managed to get some keyrings, a guitar pick and a balloon as well as venison sausage, (more) wine, cheese and bread. Pretty much had lunch there!

Pictured are Jeff, Ste and Claire. Although slightly posed and very wonky, Claire is showing off her onion and garlic chutney (bought from the British stall!)...and yes, Ste is drinking tea! Jeff actually came to Caen not knowing any French whatsoever, as he is only here for one semester and studies International Business and Portuguese at university at home...nothing like being thrown in at the deep end!! Ste is an assistant in a collège and a lycée and lives in Saint-Lo; a little town with not too much going on in it. Luckily he knows Claire from university, so comes to visit a lot and experience the more existing nightlife in Caen!

After meeting up with Kendra and Laura we all trekked (five minutes) to Au Bureau for a drink and a catch-up. The boys were very happy as there was football, then rugby, on the screens. Au Bureau is an interesting bar, as it is decorated to imitate a British Pub...but to be completely honest it's not like any one I have ever seen! However the decoration is really lovely, if not completely British, and it has some very comfy chairs. Was really interesting to find out a bit more about those that I didn't know too well as well as simply catching up with others. Very chilled out, with no alcohol involved, as I said...everyone was a bit hungover still!