I’ve just received this from a lovely couple who’ve been out here to see us a couple of times now and who we’ve really taken to our hearts. I think they quite like Le Chant d’Oiseau too. Anyway – I mentioned about the literary effect this place sometimes has on our guests in an earlier blog, remember? Well we happened to mention the poetry to Joy & Les who then became obsessed with writing one too. In fact, I think their effort is superb as it tells the story of their stay with us and of trying to come up with something creative at the same time. It’s just had me laughing out loud, remembering the great week we had with them again just recently.
Here it is. No names have been changed to protect the innocent, and Joy & Les – if you’re reading this – THANK YOU!
A Poem….
….or Not !
At last here we are arriving at Le Chant d’Oiseau. I climb wearily out of the car and go to open the gates. We’ve been looking forward to this for weeks. As I enter I take in the happy scene of smiley faces and a great, silly dog lolloping towards us. There’s hugs and smiles and happy faces and squeals of delight all around. Finally we go off to set up the van while Syb , Stu and Sheila get the kettle on and get
ready for a catching up chat.
We are soon settled and happily chatting away. There are new members that have been added to this happy band since last we were here. There are two beautiful cats and a very chatty group of chickens. As we begin to unwind Stu sort of mentions that several people have been writing poems to glorify this idyllic “place de vacances” and maybe we would like to have a go!!! Shock, horror, “great idea” I say. Inwardly I’m groaning because I know for certain that Les will never put pen to paper and I’m hopeless at verse.
Down in the Loire at Le Chant d’Oiseaux
In a place where pretty flowers grow.
That’s it…I’m stuck, it’s a glass of wine, or maybe two, and off to bed.
The next day and we’re up breakfasted, on eggs from Syb’s chickens, my they were the best eggs we’ve had for many a long day. Now we’re off for a day of Chateaux and shopping!
Again on arrival back at the site we are greeted by happy faces, cats,chickens and a very bouncy dog. Whilst relaxing with a cuppa, Sheila joins us armed with her photo’s of Villandry and its beautiful gardens. We sat in the sun looking at her prized pictures of a treasured day out and of course decided a visit was in order.
In the meantime…
Down in the Loire where the flowers grow,
Where people come and people go
It’s there that you’ll meet Syb and Stu
And…
O gawd. I think I’ll get my knitting out or maybe a book. I’m terrified of failing but I’ve got no option. Maybe I should just forget about it for a few days…Which is just what I did.
After a very long day at the wheel,
You’ll find you’ll be welcomed with amazing zeal.
The kettle goes on and all dash out
And Bracken begins to jump and shout.
The chucks waddle over to gossip and chat
And Syb appears cuddling a cat!
Now then, there’s two cats so what’s next? I know, there’s a BBQ tonight so maybe I’ll get inspired then. Guess what? We had a great time at the BBQ. Rory turned up and told us all about the house he’s trying to buy and we all had too much to eat and too much to drink and we had a lot of fun, but no inspiration.
We have now been home for several weeks and have talked often about our wonderful holiday and the beautiful places we visited. Inspiration for poetry I’m afraid failed me, but glorious memories of wonderful friends, peaceful countryside, spectacular Chateaux and once again a very happy and helpful family will remain in our hearts.
Our love to you all,
Joy and Les Winkworth.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Until the next time, au revoir.
TBC
All content © Le Chant d’Oiseau, 2006-2008
reddit_url='[http://ex-pate.blogspot.com/]’
reddit_title='[A Slice of Ex-Pat(é)]’
A Tyke's Travels 