28 Oct 2005 - The visit to Burwell of Lizy visitors, August 2005
LIZY-sur-OURCQ visit to BURWELL - August 2005After having such a great time on my first visit to Lizy in May this year, I decided to offer to accommodate some visitors on the return visit over the August Bank Holiday weekend. I knew nothing about the couple who were to stay with me except their names and that they were in their 60's. When they arrived, the first thing I wanted to know was whether they spoke English - the answer was "non"! My French is very rusty, but I surprised myself how much I remembered from school. With a combination of my limited French, some sign language, and trying English words with a French accent (!), we managed to communicate, got on very well, and found we had interests in common.
A fantastic visit to Kentwell Hall on Saturday really gave our visitors a taste of Olde England, and a very entertaining day out. We provided picnics each day, and got together with others to provide evening meals. A variety of activities are provided by the hosts on Sunday: visiting local country towns to see the sights and antique shops - or touring Cambridge or London - or a trip to the seaside, complete with fish and chips - the choice is yours! Some of us took our visitors for a fun day out in Cambridge, and had an expert chauffeur to punt us all down the Cam, complete with Champagne!
I hesitated for a long time before 'taking the plunge' but wish I had done it earlier! It has so many benefits for everyone involved, regardless of their age, interests, or ability in the language. So why not sign up for next year - you won't regret it!
Jane Taylor