A perfect day…..
It’s the White Goat Festival, Cabrerets is in full swing, and the temperature has soared into the high 30’s. The Marquee has been erected; long tables covered in pretty white table clothes with white daisy in glass jars have been laid out ready for the night’s festivities. The afternoon has seen a much contested boule competition, a very excited crowd gathered under the shade of the London Plain trees that are dotted around the village square to watch old friends playing against old friends, news of the day circulates amongst the players, sometimes interrupted by heated arguments over the measuring abilities of the other team, but always in jovial spirits, after all if you don’t win today, you’ll win tomorrow or next week!!
There is an air of anticipation as the evening approaches, a slow procession of villagers make their way to the village square dressed in their Sunday best. Laughter, music and wonderful French accents can be heard as glasses of Rose du Cabrerets are passed around. A delicious feast is served to the happy revellers, ripe succulent melon with a slice of ham, steak cooked over a campfire served with French fries and white bean casserole followed by ripe Cabecou with crusty bread. This is all washed down with plenty of wine, which is served in pottery jugs, ice cream sundaes complete the meal. Tables are quickly cleared away to make room for the dance floor. No one requires much persuasion to take to the floor, as we all have very full stomachs, a long conger line is formed which snakes around the dance floor, young and old alike join in as we make our way around chairs and tables, through the market square and back to the dance floor. Several hours of dancing follow before the night draws to a close, the air is still warm as we make our way back to Maison du Cele staggering slightly, for a much deserved rest, before tomorrows round of activities down on the River.
