30 Comments
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Caitriona Flynn's avatar

Another great post with hilarious anecdotes! I definitely want to hear all about cowboy hat priest!

Erin Gois's avatar

🤣 I’m so pleased to hear that. Cowboy priest is another highlight of my time in France!

LesleyAnn's avatar

I love that the village has welcomed you to the community ❤️

Erin Gois's avatar

We are so grateful. People have been extremely kind and welcoming here in Vendée.

Fiona's avatar

Hahaha, this is the horror of the unexpected guest chateau style!

Erin Gois's avatar

🤣🤣🤣

Susan Umberger's avatar

What a great story! I laughed aloud. Wish I had been the to observe, it would have been delightful.

Erin Gois's avatar

Oh that’s so nice to hear! I’m so pleased it gave you a chuckle

Sophia of London's avatar

I’ve just found your page and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed your rendition of events! Your writing style is hilarious! I hadn’t considered that you’re not just the custodians of this magnificent Chateaux but part of the community that has connections with it. It’s my dream to share the same opportunity one day soon! I look forward to being a subscriber very soon! I’ve just undertaken an expensive relocation) but in the meantime will share your page with others. Your stories are so touching, the little fairytale princesses, the hot pants, the ugly clothes, the welcoming community and especially the restauranteurs table reservation name! Heartwarming 🙏❤️🙏

Erin Gois's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind and generous comment. I’m so delighted to hear that you enjoy my writing. Château-life was a baptism of fire for us but I love it and it has been a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Annette Gerrard's avatar

Some lovely and funny memories of your early days in the chateau.😂 Great to be welcomed into the local community and very kind of you both to reintroduce the Village fete after all those years, that’s soo nice. Lovely job on the balustrade. 👏. Thank you for sharing.

Erin Gois's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words. It has been so funny thinking back on these ridiculous but hilarious moments and how rewarding it has also been to be part of our very welcoming community.

Giselle Andrews's avatar

This made me smile all the way to work❤️😊

Erin Gois's avatar

I’m so thrilled to hear this!!

Antjeanie's avatar

While amusing to read, and likely somewhat embarrassing at the time, this is really very sweet!

mireille's avatar

I could just picture it all! What memories!

Tineke's avatar

I was just sitting down for my coffee pause and your musing popped in. Got weird looks as I was laughing so hard. You become a part of the history. Hotpants or boilersuit, or fairy dress, dear. I decorated my house yesterday with flags all over for the local festive week here. Never say never. Thanks female the lovely writing. I love the virgin Mary and cowboy hat story.

Erin Gois's avatar

Hehe I am so pleased that my stories gave you a chuckle! It has been fun to think back on all the crazy unexpected incidents!

Tineke's avatar

Great, spellcheck hit again.😳 Female is for. 🙄

Jill Heath's avatar

Erin, I loved reading this account of your introduction to French life as a chatelaine. I giggled so much, as your writing evoked the moments so well and I could see the scenes so clearly. Thank you.

Jill Heath's avatar

I’ve had the odd “ pfffff” and dismissive hand wave, but generally all good. Have a great day.

Jill Heath's avatar

We have a holiday home near to Carcassonne and the French spoken there is very different in the villages and I’m sure I offend people all the time with my terrible French. I do think they appreciate you trying though and I can see them having a wry smile at my attempts.

Erin Gois's avatar

I have been through various stages of French and made all kinds of blunders but you’re right- people are delighted you are trying and no one has ever been rude to me because I was learning their language, despite my gaffs! 🤣

Erin Gois's avatar

Oh I am so pleased to hear it gave you a chuckle! I think I spent a lot of the first few months wondering what was going on but desperately not trying to offend anyone with my very direct French!

Susan Askew's avatar

Probably the most delightful post yet!!! I always love your authenticity. This one made me laugh out loud. While you do have tradition to uphold, I'm sure your lack of pretense is a breath of fresh air and much appreciated. It certainly is by your readers.

Lynne Peacock's avatar

You write so well about your adventures, always full of warmth. I'm sure that's what has led to your acceptance in the village despite the occasional mad hair and clothing!

Barbara Gerrett's avatar

What lovely ways you have been welcomed into the village & to their hearts. You are both lovely to show welcoming kindness in response.

Andrea Robitaille's avatar

Your story reads as if you are right where you are meant to be.

So thankful you are sharing it.

Andrée's avatar

What experiences! And so well described. Thank you.