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Forest scene - Cravant

We feel really comfortable living in France. Every time we go back our local connections with people and place move on, and in all sorts of interesting ways. Mike now leads an English conversation once a month for one of our Anglo/French groups - L'Écrin. He's not the only one doing it. English conversations and French conversations each take place once a week, on a Monday morning (French) and Thursday morning (English). There are six individuals, English and French, who regularly lead sessions and some others who are more occasional. Mike seems to be a natural at it and he thoroughly enjoys it. A couple of weeks back for a French conversation we discussed 'Superstitions' and for an English conversation we discussed 'Idioms using animals'. After each conversation we have lunch together, that everyone brings with them, and we continue talking together in either French or English, depending on which day of the week it is.

Mike is also an origami enthusiast. There are quite a few households scattered across the UK and France that have been recipients of various  origami animals and decorations. Many a small child has been entertained by a paper folding session with Mike. Many an adult has received a birthday present or Christmas something or other, delivered in an exquisite multi-coloured paper box and been left wondering quite how it's been put together.

So it was rather fun for Mike to lead an origami workshop one afternoon at L'Ecrin just before we left for the UK. There were seventeen people, all French, some of whom spoke English, with ages ranging from about seven up to say late 60s. It went really well, starting at 2pm and finishing around 4.30pm. Something simple to start with - an airplane - so that everyone got used to folding accurately. Then when all the planes were ready, there was a massive plane launch from one end of the room, and a shower of white went flying through the air.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, during which each person made seven different items, ending up with quite a tricky bird design, with flapping wings. Now there are some more sessions in the pipeline for when Mike gets back. 

We also decided to get involved with the L'Ecrin Book Club which is quite a challenge - reading French literature and then discussing it - and the Café Philo discussions, which take place once a month in French, around a philosophical subject. We've been to two of each so far. It's really been a case of taking a deep breath and diving in. Fascinating. Also a thoroughly enjoyable experience; a great way to learn more of the language and culture and as always, our French friends are very encouraging and helpful. Can't ask for more.