It was good to settle back into port life. Meet up with old friends and make some new ones. At the start of the season was the port party held in the capitainerie.
 |
| Simon, Christian and Scott |
 |
| Sutsan, Doug, Randy and Madelaine |
Randy has just been told that "Yes. he will be served" Sutsan is Soooo happy for him.
 |
| Jean Claude serving the Paella |
 |
| Anton serving Derica |
Yes, he was served!
Our lovely Debbie celebrated her 29th birthday on Alouette
The weather had been lovely and we had a very pretty autumn
In the months leading up to Xmas many of the local villages hold fetes. Villerest is a small medieval village - and their fete was a potato festival! Why? They told the story of the arrival of the humble spud into France with a play. It also featured a small market full of local produce, and home baked cakes.
This pot was made using the old 'coil' method....and so quickly.
Vegetable carving...an art greatly undervalued!
 |
| I had a go at Archery, only to find that Randy was an expert! |
The final scene of "The Potato Comes to France" with everybody on stage.
One of the highlights of last year was regular outings to the local chinese for a boozy buffet lunch . We managed to fit one in around the other activities.
 |
| Peter and Katinka |
Brian, Eleanor and Simon taking advice from May. Good luck folks!
Kevin thinks he really does know the answer! Terry and Mary holding court.
Randy and Debbie decided to hold a Thanksgiving party and invited their friend Katherine who came over from the USA. They turned on a magnificent traditional Thanksgiving feast - featuring the worlds most expensive turkey. It was fascinating as although very close to traditional Xmas fare the flavours and accompaniments were totally different. It is the same in that you eat and drink far too much!
The Chef de Cuisine team!
 |
| The table is set. |
 |
| Sweet potato stuffing |
Green bean casserole.
Delish turkey.
 |
| Cranberry relish |
 |
| Chef de Partie! |
 |
| Before |
 |
| After! |
The Chef de Partie may have, well, partied a little to hard. It was a great day...we Ausssies salute a great American tradition.
We had the opportunity to visit a winery in Beaujolais for the release of the 2011 vintage of Beaujolais Noveau. Last year we had to drive, but this was a bit restrictive, so the Port Association laid on a bus, driven by Alain who lives in the port (he is a bus driver). After a lovely drive where Alain manouvered the big bus through tiny streets in old villages we arrived at the winery. After some tasting we all moved into the hall where we enjoyed a raclette. (You have boiled potatoes and lots of different cold meats, then pour melted cheese over the top - yum)
The wine is very, very fresh...the faces reflect this!
 |
| The cold meats |
 |
| The raclette cheese |
 |
| All melted in a raclette grill |
Four faces reflect the first sip!
Lots of photos....not many top-ups!
 |
| Joseph |
Gradus finds an audience for his photography
 |
| Josheph and Madelaine took their dog along...he was miffed that only water was put in his bowl. |
 |
| It was this big - you must be joking |
 |
| Peter rubbing the labels to reveal the naked ladies! |
In addition to the social life, there were of course cakes for afternoon tea from the wonderful Patisseries
Brittany's parents - Michell and Paul with their dog Atticus were passing through Roanne, and we had the pleasure of inviting them aboard for dinner.
 |
| Paul and Michell |
 |
| Atticus |
The main time for St Nicolas is the 6th of December. The port association in conjunction with a local club organised the Fete St Nicolas in the port. Herve (the captain of the port) brought St Nicolas (Jean Claude) up the port by boat, where he came ashore, and distributed chocolates to the local children. There were speeches telling the story of St Nicolas, accordion players and the Dutch and English both sang Carols
Last minute choir advice from Simon.
A few days later Roanne held its big annual Fete, the Tous en Flamme. This was a major production held in the port. It is a show that has been shown around the world and was in Darling harbour in Sydney a few years ago. As there were lots of floating things on fire, the boats up the end of the port had to be moved. This included Eendracht (Scott and Kartinka's boat) which then provided the ideal viewing platform for the show, and drinks afterwards.
the show was quite weird and I think was meant to tell a story - although what this was is a mystery! Click on the link to see the video.
Tous en Flamme
 |
| Moving Eendracht |
 |
| Debbie and Randy ordered a bed for their boat - a bit of trouble with their french I think! |
 |
| And the stirrups? |
Of course after the event we carried on partying on the back deck of Eeendracht - a good time was had by all!
To see a short video of the wonderful evening click on the link below -
Tous en Flamme after party
No comments:
Post a Comment