It’s becoming increasingly difficult to write something meaningful every week – I take it as a sign that I’m settling nicely into my new life. I made a commitment to myself that I would post once a week for my first year in France. With only a few weeks left, I’m giving some thought to what the blog might look like in its next iteration. For today’s post, I’ve got some comments on our heatwave and a French Canadian song about ‘les hirondelles’.
The heatwave continues across Europe, with highs in Pézenas in the mid-to-upper 30s. It’s oppressive but I’m slowly adjusting to it. I’m getting better at the dance of opening and closing windows and shutters, although some nights the temperature doesn’t dip below 30 until well into the night, making the effort irrelevant.
I’ve considered buying a portable air conditioner but I don’t like the impact on the environment so I’m trying other options first. I’m also trying to stay focused on the positive. While better quality sleep would be great, I don’t have to get up for work in the morning. The countryside is vibrant with colour from all the trees that are in full bloom. And the streets are teeming with people sitting on patios, listening to street musicians and enjoying each other’s company. There’s great energy here in spite of the heat.
Many evenings, I sit on my balcony and think about what I’ve accomplished this year. Sometimes I have a glass of wine or a dram of whiskey and watch the swifts screaming and chasing each other around the courtyard. They often swoop so close to me, I can feel a rush of wind as they fly past. Then, as it starts to get dark, the bats join them. They seem to share the space with ease, the bats flitting while the swifts soar. Thankfully, the bats aren’t screaming too!
Song of the week
When the swifts arrived in spring, I thought they were swallows. By the time I realized they weren’t, the song ‘Ah! Toi Belle Hirondelle’ was stuck in my mind so I’ve chosen it for this week’s song.
I learned the song over 40 years ago when I was taking voice lessons but didn’t realize until this week that it was by Canadian band, Garolou. It’s a beautiful folk tale about separated lovers who keep their love alive with the help of a swallow. The bird flies over the seas with the message that they will remain faithful and true to each other. I prefer the recorded version by Canadian singer, Louise Forestier.
Here are the translated lyrics:
Ah you, beautiful swallow that flies here
Have you seen in these islands, my Alexis
Go and whisper to him about my loves
I will remain wise and faithful for his return
The bird that is all amiable took its flight
In its light plumage, went away
Crossing the seas and the lands without tiring
Straight on the mast of the ship, rested
Sees him in the top of the building
Alexis laments when he sees him
Do not cry, faithful lover, listen to me
I have compliments from your beautiful one that are for you
The lover, full of surprise, hears her speak
Receives good news, greeted her
She gave you her heart as a pledge and her loves
She will remain wise and faithful for your return
I greet you, beautiful one, greet you
Your little heart as a pledge, give it to me
I have left for a voyage in the long seas
I will give you my news on my return
To my return, on my return
On my return, on my return
The heat is expected to ease up a bit this week, at least for a few days. I have some administrative tasks to attend to and I’ve got an appointment with a personal trainer. I also have at least 4 video chats with friends and family in Canada. Technology at its finest!
À bientôt .
Loved