the celebration continues

So did you enjoy watching the pictures? I came with a big news this time! As I discreetly entered at the venue and yet so excited to meet everyone (93 total guest invited) but especially a particular person Charlotte. Who is she ? Hubby's cousin that he has not seen for 15 years. Both of their souvenirs was that hubby was 20 yrs old and Charlotte at 3 ! And who would have thought she will be going to the Philippines for 1 whole year of volunteer work. Charlotte has a diplome of Projects Coordinator for International Solidarity. She will be working for the association of "Les Enfants du Mékong" (for the Child of Mékong). The concentration of her humanitarian work will be on the North of Philippines ! In fact, before heading off on the North of France Honey received an email from her telling us the good news! She will be glad to have an additional information about the Philippines ! She sounded so impatient to see us and we shared exactly the same sentiments. I was profoundly happy to learn about the project. Good timing I would say, since we will have our the 3rd vacation in the Philippines. It will be nice to see her again but this time in the Philippines!

Our first meeting was just exceptionally exciting. It's been ages, the celebration permit them to catch up of the long lost time! Finally, they plunged into good memories while the music played the 70's and 80's hits (in french) , the waiters served a luscious appetizers, guest gobbled a barrels of beer, flute of champagne and cocktail drinks !

The main plate was served while I talked about the Philippines! The warmth and natural hospitality of Filipinos are always been our best description. And that the population speak the English language so it will not be hard when she travels. Futhermore, we use a lot of Spanish words because on March 16, 1521, the Spaniards conquered and colonized the Philippines. I continue explaining (as if I am a history teacher) to her that we Filipinos have Malay ancestors too, they've brought us their culture, language and many others. Then there's American who have "saved us" but fact is to also colonized us from the Spaniard regime and so on and so forth that's the reason why mostly Filipinos speak the English language! To my awe, she told me that she would love to learn Tagalog language! Got so impressed because normally young people of her age wants to be integrated and communicate in an easy way! She even made an advanced research about the Tagalog language ! She could say the following :

1. Kumusta po?
2. Salamat po !
3. Anong pangalan mo ? Ako ay si Charlotte.
4. Ilang taon ka na ? Ako ay 23 yrs. old (with a mixed of english I explained to her co'z if she wanted the real tagalog would be " Ako ay dalawampu't tatlong taon gulang na)
5.. Saan ka pupunta ? Sa Pilipinas !!!
5. Paalam po.

A very young woman who has full of energy like her elder sister Marie...i call them THE SISTERS ! A person with a good heart and simplicity. Willling as she is so I am sure that she will easily learn to speak tagalog! During the party, a lot were discussed ! We have talked about the French election, the everyday life and politics in the Philippines, and she wanted to learn how to play the GUITAR ! I told her that she could ask my younger brother for that because I am not the perfect person to ask with ! I promised to email her more of Tagalog Lessons and if she needs help during her stay in the Philippines my family would be glad to help her.

So we went dancing, drinking, talking and taking pictures the whole night! I wanted to stay longer but I was thinking of my children and the baby sitter. I left at 3:30 in the morning anyway there's Honey to continue the party with them! The party did not end that night. The next day we had lunch together with the family and some close friends (totality of 23 person) of the celebrants over their place. I was right to I leave the party earlier before my husband because I was already expecting he will be sick the next day and my repercussion serves me right !

Surprise, surprise, since the celebrants love travelling they will probably come with us next year to explore Philippines! This is not final yet but they are contemplating on the idea! That would be excellent if we do things together and the chance to meet my family bac home ! So lunch was over and everyone enjoyed the celebration. Time to say goodbye to each and everyone but one thing for sure happy moments are engrave in our memories!

As for us, we have stayed one day more before going to honey's grandparents which is 30 minutes drive from his aunt's place. During that 30 minutes drive I have contented myself from taking pictures of typical houses of the North of France. I just so love the houses, even the churches, offices and public sector buildings are made of bricks, the place is quite clean, they are known as the flat region because of cereals and colza plantations, the mining, and with significant maritime network. In addition to this, the place played a very important role during the second world war because of the Belgium border ! I have observed that sign boards are mostly with English translation which proves that the Northern has a big coastline English network. While South of France is more of a mountainous wilderness.

We spent 3 wonderful days with grandparents. Since it was Mayumi's birthday they bought gifts for Mimi even Sébastien got a presents from them too so as to avoid exasperation from his part so they insisted ! Thank you grandparents for your generosity!

We wanted to stay more but time did not permit us. Honey should get back to work and my son needs to go to school. We left Wednesday morning, but I thought of Niceheart and I guess she would love to see these! On the way, I asked Honey if we can just pass by and take some pictures of VIMY. So we headed off to see the place and here are the pictures !

Written No Entry because of undetonated explosives !

Canadian Flag right after the entrance of Vimy Park

The entrance of the Camp Canadien soldiers

Soldiers where they placed themselves

Still with undetonated explosive

That's about our travel from the North ! We were lucky with a very good weather. It was sunny during our stay as we heard from the news Marseille has an ugly weather for 3 consecutive days. Arriving safe and sound and still raining with alerte orange ! Pas de chance ! We cannot have everything right!? In any case, we need rain in Marseille for the plants and trees and because we have a very dry temperature on the South ! Rain will do !

P.S. Thank you very much to the Rohart Family, to Mamie and to Grandparents for the wonderful vacation we have shared and for the warm welcome to us to the North !