Lunch, eggs and beer

Off to the Gare du Nord today. Caught the TGV to Lille. Left and arrived bang on time and covered the 185 miles for r so in just under and hour. Picked up by Vincent a French friend of over 40 years and back to their house to settle in. By 11.30 some neighbours had popped in and stayed first for aperitifs then were persuaded to stay for lunch.

A beautiful sunny day so a leisurely lunch was had of melon and avocado soup; beef cheeks slowly cooked in Bourgogne wine; fromages; fruits gently simmered in Vin d’Alsacen with Madeleines and coffee. All accompanied by some rather nice red wines.

We’d never met the neighbours before but we all had a lovely time chatting in a mixture of French and English.

The egg reference in the title comes from our afternoon visit to Cassels where there is an excellent exhibition of festivals and fetes. Mainly showing Bruegel and contemporary artists. The luminosity of some of the paintings was stunning. The displays of dancing and carousing were overlaid with many sexual references: some subtle; some much more explicit. References to lemons, cherries, strawberries, oysters, lobster, bagpipes, balancing knives on the edge of tables all took on extra meaning. And often way in the background were scenes of the prodigal son. When they partied in the 16th and 17th century they went to town (or village).

The dance of the eggs was new to me - see extra. It too had fertility aspects associated with it!

Back home to regroup then crossed into Belgium for a bite to eat in a country restaurant which specialised in beers. Extra of Vincent enjoying his in a special glass.