La Fete, Le Repas et, Wild Boar

Graham and I decided to drive to a nearby village, Vieux Minervois, to buy cream and other odds and ends from the only supermarket open of a Sunday morning. Unfortunately, an old fellow had a heart attack on the local bridge out of town and the ambulance had blocked off the road. Walking back home we heard the unmistakable beat of a marching band and, to our surprise, found many stalls had been erected around the Abbey and that a great number of people were descending upon the town for the 'Fete du Marbre'.

With the ladies in tow we arrived at the Abbey to find even more artisans than yesterday working away on marble, sandstone and, metal sculptures.
The forges from the blacksmiths gave off a wonderful smell as the hammers clanged away shaping fantastic designs. A fire had been built under a metal tripod from which hung a leg of lamb. Over the next hour or so we returned to this spot to see the inevitable browning of the meat...where has this been all our lives?

Adjacent to the forges were two people using power saws and other intimidating instruments carving extraordinary shapes out of massive blocks of ice.

At 1230hrs the four of us took up our positions in the 'caveeau' (cellar) under the Abbey to enjoy the special 'repas' or meal laid on for those that had booked. Donna excelled herself in communicating with the French speakers at the table. Phrase books were drawn and I must say the day would not have been anywhere near as enjoyable if English had been spoken.

A word on lunch. You must understand that caterers (traiteurs) had been brought in to organise lunch for about 150 people. Out of the back of trucks these people produced a meal acceptable anywhere in metropolitan Sydney or Brisbane. 'Vin de Pays' wine was served with a first course of rockmelon stuffed with smoked ham. Then arrived an experience of canard (duck) in gravy we found to be 'formidable'.This was accompanied by potato filled with champignons. Desert was a 'Bombe Alaska' flamed at the main table.Cherries and Camembert cheese were served with coffee.

Outside again, Graham came into his own as we listened to an outstanding Jazz combo.
His knowledge won them over and after the ladies went home we continued on with three bottles of Chateau Parazols-Bertrau which we shared with the musos. A marching band seemed to be in constant competition with the jazz group. They realized I was Australian and, in good humour, gave great support to the French rugby team. As they played the "Marsellaise' I countered with 'Advance Australia Fair" and the somewhat pathetic 'Go the Wallabies!" I think it ended a draw but the surrounding French people are still trying to fathom out what was going on.

Much to the distaste of Donna and Barbara, Graham and I returned home in high spirits
with a sausage of smoked duck and another of wild boar (sangliere). They chose not to share what we thought was a fantastic, tasty supper.