Être reconnaissant de (partie 2)

To continue, I went over to Dave and Jenna's with my mashed potato ingredients. They live just on the other side of my neighbourhood, but somehow I'd never made it chez eux (to their place) before then. They welcomed me in with a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau (hm.. guess I didn't tell that story either. I'll get to that). We chatted and cooked, and after a little while Laura come over too. When we were finished, the four of us piled into a cab and sped away to the bus station. We pulled up to our bus with only a minute to spare before it took off. Maëlle lives out in the country, a little bit east of Angers. The bus stop nearest her house, where we were to wait for her, was surrounded by fields and woods. Maëlle came to pick us up and drove us to her house. It was such a delicious, homey atmosphere inside! Her parents were joining us, as well as her friends Matt and Adrien. Everyone had contributed something - sweet potatoes, cranberries, cheese, cake, veggies, and most importantly the turkey! Maëlle had searched hard for a whole bird, but apparently you can only get them at Christmas unless you pre-order. A turkey dinner is even more of a special occasion meal in France. Nevertheless, she found several large cuisses (thighs) at the market. She'd also collected real vines and autumn leaves to lay elegantly along the length of the table, interspersed with a candle or two. There was such a feeling of contentment and friendliness. We spoke French for the whole meal, which was great practice. Between the main course and dessert, Maëlle's sister Solène removed herself to the piano and began to play. The rest of us melted into the furniture, admiring the music and soaking up the evening. By midnight it was time to leave, so everyone bisous-ed (cheek kissing) everyone else, and we got back into Maëlle's car. "Je suis contente," I said, as we drove back into town. Everyone else smiled or hummed their agreement. What an evening.

Now, one would think that having two Thanksgivings makes me quite lucky already. Won't you be jealous when I say I had three! My friend Becky announced that she was inviting all the other Michiganders over, along with me, Laura, Matt, and Aurélien. It was another potluck, so I decided to continue with my potato trend. We squished into Becky's kitchen, some of us cooking and preparing, and everyone drinking wine and enjoying the good conversation. When all the food was done, it was yet another feast. Platters and bowls of deliciousness, and Becky provided the turkey. Mmmmmmmmm. We really appreciate the moments when we get to visit people at their houses here, because for the most part our host families aren't comfortable with their students inviting people over. Becky's family, however, is quite relaxed. I was a little sad, because I had to rush through the meal. I was meeting Bénédicte to see Harry Potter at 8:30, so I couldn't take my time. Still, it was such a wonderful evening.

Now, a little note about Beajolais Nouveau. It's a wine that has only been fermenting for a few weeks, and so is very new by wine standards (trust me, I know absolutely nothing about wine, zippo, zilch, rien, but one does pick up a piece of information or two now and then in this country). It's quite light and fruity, but more than anything, it's a party. The day that it is first sold (third Thursday in November, I believe) is a chance for the French to hit the bar or to dine at a friend's house to taste the first bottles. My roommate Jamie and I thought this would be an easy way to assimilate with the natives, so off to the bar we went. At 10 euros a bottle, it was actually rather expensive as wine goes here (you can get a perfectly decent bottle for 2 euros, one that you wouldn't be embarrassed to give to a friend). But, we got a cup of sausage slices as part of the deal. Angers is the home of some really excellent saucisson. Anyway, we sat ourselves down in a booth and settled in to enjoy our night and our wine. After a little while, we were joined by a few friendly French boys. They were kind of drunk, but then so were we, so we were glad of their company. They were students at the University of Angers, and were very excited and proud that we loved their city. After a few hours spent with them (and long after the bottle was finished), Jamie and I decided that it was probably best to call it a night. We wobbled our way back to our bicycles and (rather miraculously) made it home in one piece, feeling very much satisfied by the night's events.

Ok, one last point before I leave to get some homework done. On Rue Bressigny, where all those international bars are, there is also the most wonderful crêperie. The front room of the restaurant looks kind of german, with dark wood, whitewashed walls, and exposed-beam ceilings. The ladies who work there are so sweet. Laura and I have made a habit of going there about once a week (well... that might be a gross underestimation) for a little crêpe dessert and a little girl talk. I had started by ordering one called the Liégoise, a deadly combination of chocolate, whipped cream, and almond flakes. And as good as that is, what turns out to be even BETTER is the house caramel. Hot, salted, buttery caramel absolutely flooding the crepe. Ooh my goodness it's good. If any of you come to visit me, I will take you to this restaurant, and I will buy you this crepe. I promise. The waitresses are all very clever. Once we've finished our first crepe, they ask, "Vous voulez une autre petite crêpe?" Well, since you're asking... If you QUITE insist... I've also been to this place for lunch with Jamie, Melissa, and Becky on some of their weekly Friday lunch excursions. The gallettes at this place are excellent as well. I think I've already talked about gallettes, but to remind you, they are the non-sweet version of a crepe. You pick the ingredients like cheese, ham, egg, veggies, etc. and it comes all folded up like a nice little package.

That being said, I've got to get some homework done as in fact, at 8pm tonight I am supposed to venture out into the torrential downpour to go meet the girls at the crêperie, and then off to meet with Bénédicte. More to come soon, as I've still got two weekends to catch up on!