Image via WikipediaWhat had happened to 'le chat' who used to write a small column for the local rag in the area in which I lived when first in France casting a kindly but sharp eye on the various doings in his town through the medium of his two characters, le chat and la vache.
Even though I moved away, I still followed his column and was saddened when recently it ceased to appear in favour of something more anodyne.
Why?
Election time?
The anti-drink lobby?
Who knows...
So I was delighted to find a reference to a blog which 'le chat' has started and on chasing it down found that his voice remains unchanged.
And then I thought that for people really trying to get to grips with how France is...how it thinks, how it expresses itself....then following this blog will provide an opening.
It echoes small town life...the problems with the roadworks, the local politicians, local beaurocrats, silly stuff seen while walking around, all described succinctly and with humour.
This is daily life reported, not by Poncey of Paris but by.......
Balthazar Fourcalquier
as 'le chat' now wishes to be known, on his blog at
sapristibalthazar.over-blog.com
There is a link in my blogroll...but, be warned, it just leads to a page of gobbledygook.
To find 'le chat' you need to go first to
here
and look for him on the list...among diverse other blogs ranging from taking over a dentist's practice to buying property in the area via two groups of anti capitalists and one description of railway modelling.
The list is a gem in itself.
Don't be discouraged by the fact that you will almost certainly not know the town or its notables....you'll soon catch on and if you can follow the goings on of The Archers this will be child's play.
And don't take one look and retreat muttering
'Goodgoddlemighty it's in French!'
It is, but it's simple French and a little perseverance will bring you an insight into cultural references that would otherwise pass you by.
And don't forget the music...there is a little triangle in the top left hand corner to press.
It's all good fun and I heartily recommend it to you.
As 'le chat' used to say
'Soyons serieux...a quoi on trinque?
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