The other day Hubby and I went on a day trip to France. Nothing unusual there since we tend to go every 8-10 weeks to stock up on wine/beer and some of that lovely French produce. The vegetables really are fresher than those we have the opportunity to buy in our supermarkets. You can tell, because not only do they smell fresh, they are not all the uniform size or colour and they only last a few days so you know they have not been pumped full of chemicals to preserve them. The taste is so good too!
The main aim of the journey was to stock up further supplies for our daughter's wedding in August next year. It is cheaper to provide our own wine and pay corkage than to purchase the wine on offer from the venue. Corkage, I hear you say? Screw 'toppage' more like. Most bottles these days seem to come with a screw top which is much better. How often did the cork spoil the wine or when you were trying to extract the cork, did it split? Personally, I prefer the screw top since when I have had a couple of glasses I can just screw the top right back on and prevent the wine spoiling overnight!
One point, and the real reason for telling you all about our French trip is that whilst we were going around the hypermarket in Calais, called Auchan, a group of youngsters entered the store with their teachers. The kids were about 11 to 12 years in age. Their mission was to engage with customers in the store and ask them a few questions, if people were willing.
Two girls approached me tentatively asking in a very good form of English if I would answer a few of their questions? One of them had a clip board and held the questions under which she was to write my responses whilst the other asked the questions. Of course, I complied!!
There were the usual questions, did we celebrate Christmas, where did we celebrate it and how? I was asked what our Poppy Day was all about? I was able to answer that we commemorated Poppy Day to remember all our fallen heroes in previous wars. Did I celebrate Halloween? If so, what manner of celebrations took place. I explained that in UK it was not as prevalent as in USA but that I always had a bucket of sweets ready for trick or treaters. After a few more questions, I was asked...... did I follow American politics? What did I think of Obama? I explained that I did follow the politics and that I thought Obama was a good choice, anyone would be better after Bush (apologies to anyone who does not believe this)!! To which they smiled a wry smile!
Last but not least I was asked if I believed in Father Christmas? Of course I do, I replied!!!
The girls were charming, well spoken and intent on creating the right image. Their English was exceptional. After complimenting them on their achievements we parted, each wishing us a very happy Christmas and New Year.
There must have been about 20 or so kids doing this in the store and they were a pleasure to speak with and to watch. If only they would all grow up to be the same in adulthood!
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6 comments:
Very nice post!
How fun!! It sounds like these children are getting a good start. What a good way to learn to talk to adults and start a conversation with strangers.
What a fun post....I think many wine companies are going with screw tops or those plastic corks because CORK is becoming scarce. I love how you can just hop over to France. Thanks Pat, I enjoyed this post.
Oh Pat, we had to answer a similar questionnaire a while ago when we were in France. They seemed so much more confident than our teenagers too. Would you agree?
What an interesting experience.Kidos to their teacher.
What a fun post. I was smiling through the whole interview.
No offense taken in regard to the Bush comment. I am a US citizen and am thrilled that Obama won the election. The past eight years have been very dark ones indeed!
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