NOT like the sun!

Last sunday I went on a day trip with the family B. Mr and Mrs B, little B, eldest B and his fiancee kindly invited me to go looking for a suitable chateau for them to get married in...

Yes, you did hear me right, a chateau...

The problem was that it was boiling hot last sunday- I have no idea exactly how hot but I swear it felt like 40 degrees. I, in my miniscule teeny weeny 30kg suitcase did not pack ANY summer clothes. A cape and leopard print boots of course (essentials!) but not even a pair of sandals. A little birdie told me it always rains in Normandy...

If I get my hands on that little bird...

At lunch before we set out Mr B said, which I now figure was for the benefit of their 10 year old son and not me, that there was only 15 minutes between each place. Ah, not too long out in the tropical heat then..

it was an HOUR

between each place

The car was like a sauna, I had no water and NOTHING is open on a sunday in France. I was like a mistreated family dog. Couldn't even crack a window as it might disrupt what felt like non-existant air conditioning.

The french countryside didnt disappoint though as I gazed out of the car window feeling a tad nauseous... Rolling hills and typical french scenes. I think family B thought I was asleep, which suited me just fine to avoid the talk of traiteurs (trans - caterers) and whether red chairs at 4 euro or paying an extra 2 euro for a covering would be best.

First place we arrive at my jaw drops, it really is Netherfield Park from Pride and Prejudice (this one is the covering photo)!! Huge iron gates, an expanse of beautiful green lawns and pillars, INcredible. The kids (the couple are only 25 - far too young for marrige in my book!) loved it, the parents not so sure. I was asked my opinion "tres jolie" (trans - very pretty) was all I could muster whilst my brain cells were fried by the sun. I was ultimately more concerned about the lack of shade, for the oldies of course...

Next up was a prairie (have uploaded photos of all). A beautiful barn set in lush gardens and so peaceful. Definitely not enough space for 280 guests though (yes really!). The problem for me would be that it was in the middle of nowhere, not a hotel or B&B in sight. I asked what the guests would do once they had drunk the crates of champagne and wine that were on the budget... "Prend un cafe et puis a la route" (trans - have a coffee and go). For a country in which it is obligatory to have 2 breathalysers in your vehicle, they seem pretty relaxed about their unit intake!

Then onto the third and final place - a tree lined drive which had the feeling of driving up the mall, busts in the grounds and an orangerie for the reception ( I think you grow oranges there, a bit like an applerie...). The parents loved this one. It even had a separate room for the children and one for the old people (I never want to get old - you obviously automatically become a social pariah).

So after a tense (and long) drive home and countless discussions re budgets I have since found out that it seems the kids won in the end - it is going to be held in Netherfield Park (or the "Palais of Versailles" as Mr B likes to call it). Looking forward to my invite...

Stuart need not panic though, after 6 hours spent food and water less in the Peugeot people carrier venue hunting I can safely say that half a bag of chips and a saveloy from Northside in delancey park will do me fine!

À la prochaine