Assumptions

I wrote about inviting our immediate neighbors for a potluck gathering here at Possum Central. It seemed like the perfect way for the neighbors to get together and shmooze. JM agreed with me and we started inviting.

What I didn't realize was that although this type of gathering is the most natural thing in the world for Americans, and is seen as a casual way of folks getting together without anyone having too much hassle, it is NOT a natural thing for the French.

Mr. Possum admits that he did not have his "French head" on when he agreed to this, or he might have explained the problems to me. The French do not invite outsiders into their homes as easily as Americans. "Casual" entertaining is a concept which they, especially older people, do not truly understand. Indeed, instead of creating a realaxed, informal gathering, I may actually be stressing them all out!

I feel quite bad about this, because it was not at all my intention. I've had two couples back out, both with excellent reasons, but JM is not convinced that at least one of them wasn't just so concerned about what they would bring that they just decided not to come at all! I do hope that is not the case and he is overreacting.

I had to tell our baker and his wife that really, if they only want to come for 20 minutes just to have a drink and say hello that it is perfectly okay! There isn't really any obligation to bring something beyond themselves. I know this is their busy season, and sleep is at a premium.

Hopefully, all will turn out okay and those of us who do appear will have a good time. But it is an object lesson in never assuming that because something is acceptable in one culture, that the same is true of another!

I guess we'll find out tomorrow!

Ciao for now.

Randy

Christmas Markets

As planned, I went into Carcassonne on Monday with good friend Noëlle. It felt seasonal as all get out, because it was COLD!! Neither of us was dressed for it, because we foolishly assumed that Carca would be warmer than Chalabre. Nope.

Monday was probably not the best day to go, as the Christmas Market hadn't opened yet (although it is now open) and they were still setting up chalets and getting the ice skating rink ready. I think I'll need to go back with JM, but maybe we'll take the train. Parking in the city is really at a premium, both because of the Christmas festivities and the construction on the new parking structure at the Place Gambetta that appears as if it will continue forever. That is not being helped by the fact that they've un-earthed ruins of one kind or another. Not a big surprise in this area.

Meantime, we walked around the pedestrian shopping area. Believe it or not, JM and I have never done that since we've lived here. The reason is simple: it's closed to dogs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and since Maggie is always with us, it's a no-go zone.

Unfortunately, in spite of Christmas only being two weeks away, the majority of shops were closed (Monday not a good shopping day in France), so we didn't really get to look in as many places as we wanted.

We did manage to look in a bunch of places in the big shopping districts outside of the city, although the perfect Christmas present for Noëlle's son escaped us. I cannot, under pain of death, mention what this is just in case of prying eyes. Strangely enough, we went to two Depot Ventes which both claimed to have sold one of the exact items barely a week ago. We would have thought they were making it up, if one of them hadn't told us that they'd sold theirs to our friend Christian here in Chalabre! The world is indeed a small, weird place.

I did not buy anything other than the supplies I need for our potluck on Saturday. I'm starting to have concerns about that, however, as two couples have cancelled so far! Both have good excuses, but JM is concerned that the potluck concept may be too freaky for people; causing them to worry about not bringing something "good enough." I do hope that is not the case, as the whole principle of the thing is for it to be relaxed for everyone involved.

Oh well, me and my strange American ways....

Ciao for now.

Randy