At midday we left for the 70th birthday celebration of a good friend of the Regniers. Their daughter and son-in-law from Dunkirk came as well and they have a beautiful two month old daughter.
The family friend is Polish and although he lives in Louvroil, just out of Maubeuge, he loves his homeland with a passion and obviously keeps traditions alive and well.
It was such a wonderful celebration with his close friends and family and I was so lucky to be part of it. We arrived at about 12.15pm and aperatifs were being served. I was offered a glass of what looked like orange juice and took a sip. It was the most foul drink that I can only liken to a glass of meths with a dash of orange! It was so strong and I just surreptitiously put it on the table and poured myself a water! After some time the serving tables were laden with charcuterie meats. A charcuterie is a specialist butcher shop which sells cured meats, pates and a whole range of delicious smoked and dried delicacies.
My plate!
The selection included various pates, little 'boats' containing half a boiled egg, a prawn, a slice of fish terrine, and a little vegetable salad . There were cornichons (little gherkins), and little dishes containing minced something or other, and two huge cold salmon. It is the strangest thing eating food that you have no idea of what it is! I ate the boiled egg first because I was confident about that, but then after swallowing it, pictured the variety of birds that are on display in shops here. At the market yesterday, Danielle wanted to buy pigeon and quail for me to try, but one look at those pathetic teeny little quail bodies was enough for me. There is no way I could eat one of the lovely little creatures I love seeing in my garden - those or pigeons! The boiled egg I ate was quite small upon reflection so goodness knows what sort of bird laid it! We were at a table with other people and I didn't want to appear rude, asking what everything was so I was 'eating blind' today. I have yet to find out what lies in my stomache tonight! I thought that this was the meal, but a couple of hours later, out came the main course! It was a selection of four different types of ham, a huge mould of what I think was brawn, a plate of rare beef (or maybe horse!), and a range of saucisson. There was a big potato dish and a pasta dish to go with it. By this time it was about 5pm. There had been polish music playing in the background all afternoon but it cranked up a notch after this course. They were all so happy and started singing traditional songs loudly together and then dancing. It was great to watch. I was dragged up on the floor for what looked like a version of the conga except everyone waved their serviette in the air as they danced around the room!
Me waving the flag for Poland!
Danielle with baby Elise and Bernard
There was a Powerpoint shown of the birthday boy's 70years and then his three daughters spoke, moving many to tears. It certainly was a special family occasion for them all.
By 7.30pm, there was still the salad course, the cheese, and then dessert to come! Talk about a marathon! Elise was tired and hadn't slept much throughout the afternoon as the hearty cheers and singing kept waking her up. Noamie and Christophe decided to come back to La Longueville to put her to bed so I returned with them. Goodness knows when the meal will finish and Danielle and Bernard return!
Playing Nana
Tomorrow is a big fete day in La Longueville. Apparently all the square and main road will be lined with market stalls. Emma, Danielle's grand-daughter is riding in the gymkana on one of Bernard's paddocks so we are all hoping for a fine day.
Hahaha ... I did find myself laughing out loud, thinking of you at that meal! Another amazing experience. Quite difficult being on the fringe of those emotional family celebrations isn't it.
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