Off day in Mazieres 10 June 2010

It seemed like the first time in ages that we all had time to take it easy in the morning and take a long shower and spend time at the breakfast table. Only Bob and Patrick had to be up bright and early to write the reports and sort out the photo material for Graham, Rodica and Viorica. All the artists had agreed to meet up at 2 pm to do whatever is necessary. Thomas and Judith came to Marie Christines and Jean-Charles house to have lunch with Bob and Patrick.

The rendevous at 2 pm was in the main hall of exhibition and Bekir and Patrick set up their works. Five other local artists will join them in the exhibition making a really full house with a lot to see.

The band set up for a rehearsal in the middle of Patricks mega-phones and his European speed-car map. Bekir set off to see his cousin in Orleans – the Belarus are like the Irish, you can find them everywhere.

The band needed time to get going, because some of them were shown the wine cellars and poire reserves of their host families (poire is the local drop of the pure). Mon dieu, quelle experience a bord de la Loire! After a while the music swung into a good group effect and the reheaersals continued in a sobering, but creative manner.

In between Grzegorz arrived and told of a new spiritual instrument he found at his hosts home – we are all eager to see this messenger of the heavens sent to beget the hands of Grzegorz the Cosmic Echo. Tomorrow...

We moved the equipment to the school cantine which is next to the stage being set up in the morning so we do not have far to carry material to and from the stage. The bar tent and stage tent are set up and ready along with other stalls to house local artisans from the region for the two days.

Thierry, the mayor was very busy helping everywhere a helping hand is needed and used his tractor to fetch straw for the pirate group Quatre Pieces de Huit to build their tavern. Pictures will follow for those whose interest has been aroused, including mine. All the host families could be seen today helping wherever they could and the village has been transformed into a festival site for families, friends and visitors of course welcome as well – convivial.as the French say!

Patrick and Bob returned to Marie Christine’s and Jean-Charles house to work a little before the evening meal and before facing  the infamous French aperatif; tipsy before duty – God knows how their economy works, but its great!