Observations.

 

We've been back in Brighton for a couple of weeks now, and my first observation has been how friendly people are. It used to be like that in France, but something has happened, and there is now a feeling of 'gloom' everywhere. Here we can hardly walk a few metres without someone stopping to chat, and they're not always people we know.

Our lives are not that different to how they are in France. We tend to eat much the same, we drink the same wines, and our time-table is not that different. In Brighton we see Foxes every day, but I would say that is the only noticeable daily difference.

I always like to compare my two supermarkets. In France, Leclerc is still excellent, but some shelves are regularly empty; I have no idea why. Here at Sainsbury's the aisles are littered with people filling baskets for online shoppers, and they do hamper one's movement. It's a big store but there must be between 20 and 30 people permanently filling huge trollies with online purchases. Not good.

Pickles. France has a huge love-affair with pickled Gherkins (Cornichons), but nothing else. There is a huge variety of sizes, shapes, and presentations, but they're still all Gherkins. There are no pickled Onions, Red Cabbage, or even Piccalilli on regular sale in France. Nor are there 'Branston' type pickles, or Chutneys. The UK is far more adventurous. 

On the other hand, French Charcuterie is far superior. The variety of really good products, both on the Deli counter, and on the shelves, is superb. Something the UK still has to master. The UK also continues to have a problem with Sausages. I still cannot understand why we are obsessed with 'additives' in sausages. Please, please, will someone start a company making 100% Pork sausages. Nothing is simpler, and nothing is tastier. 

Strangely, UK bread making seems to have improved hugely over the past decade. The choice of interesting breads is now far ahead of that in France. The classic, and often boring Baguette, has held them back. It is 'traditional' and they're sticking with it regardless.

The weather has changed a lot since being back, and Autumn is almost here. I am still wearing just Shorts and T Shirts, and I will continue to do so well into October. I have also bought myself my FIRST EVER pair of sandals. I was worried that they would be uncomfortable, but I love them.

Everything here is OK, and we're very happy to be 'home'. We miss swimming every day, and we miss the open countryside, but inner city life can be just as much fun.

The next big event will be painting the front and back of the house. The Scaffolding has been ordered, and grandson Suarve Harve will quit Oxford for a weekend to lend a hand. It'll be good to have it done. I shall be up there doing some of the masonry work prior to painting. Pray for me!