Day 1574 (Wednesday) 29th September 2021.

We had another early start this morning but it was beautiful and sunny again, Huw took me to the architect’s office in Saint Jean and there was a bit of a nip in the air riding on Kisbee. I was very jealous to hear that they are off on holiday for two weeks driving to Italy, Greece and Switzerland and their first stop on Friday is in Rome. At least I get two lie ins on Wednesdays.

Saint Jean is such a pretty little town

 

While I was waiting for the bus I spotted this lovely flower and my App tells me it’s called a Chinese hibiscus. 

When I got home Huw had a call from the guests saying they were leaving so he had to go up to do a check-out. I did all my pay claims for September and had a lovely sandwich for lunch; Huw had bought a poulet roti this morning and a fresh baguette, the chicken was still warm so with a slice of bacon and some mayonnaise it was delicious.

Huw came home and took me back to Saint Jean to see young Oceane who practised presenting herself to do in class tomorrow. Their dogs Jim and Havana were as crazy as ever, especially Havana who could lick you all day without taking a break.

I walked from Saint Jean to Beaulieu and it was as stunning as ever, it’s been ages since I did this walk.

I was very jealous of all the people on the beach sunbathing

Just before getting to Beaulieu, I found Eduard and Olga’s villa from the back

And this is the view from the bottom of the garden – I miss going to the villa.

When I got to Beaulieu I spotted this poster and really hope we can get to see this Alsacien market over the weekend.

All the flowers in the park in Beaulieu have been changed and they are lovely

I saw this van and wondered who would be proud of being a white van man?

 

I spent 90 minutes with Odile because Sarah was still at school and I gave her some advice about a school project Sarah is working on. I usually get the bus or train home from Beaulieu because it’s easy but Huw kindly picked me up today because it’s been a tough week already.

Here are some more French idioms, the rest of the photos were taken today..

French Idioms Using Animals

I think some of the funniest French phrases are their idioms with animals. Some of them are bizarre, borderline genius - and you'll absolutely love them.

1. Poser un lapin à quelqu'un

Literal translation: to put a rabbit on someone.
Figurative translation: to stand someone up (usually used in the dating/romantic scene).

Il m'a posé un lapin. Je l'ai attendu au restaurant pendant deux heures.

He stood me up. I waited two hours for him at the restaurant.

Why rabbit, though? Apparently, people use the word 'lapin' to avoid using a bad word which rhymes with it. Obviously, I cannot repeat the bad word here, people. Sorry.

2. Il fait un froid de canard

Literal translation: it's duck-cold
Figurative translation: it's super duper cold

The first time I heard this idiom, I thought: what did the poor duck do to get associated with a freezing day?

The most accepted theory explains this idiom originated from the day where duck-hunting usually started in November - which was the beginning of cold winter.

Nous allons rester à la maison aujourd'hui, il fait un froid de canard.

We're going to stay home today; it's super cold outside.

If you feel bad about the innocent ducks, you can use this instead: il fait un froid de loup (it's wolf-cold).

3. On n'a pas élevé les cochons ensemble

Literal translation: we didn't grow pigs together.
Figurative translation: you need to respect me more, I'm not your friend, or we have no anterior relations.

If you read online comments, you'll see this idiom pop up quite often. You use this to remind someone not to treat you like an idiot, or for them to use 'vous' and not 'tu' when talking to you.

Monsieur, je vous trouve irespecteux. Vous n'avez pas le droit de me tutoyer, on n'a pas élevé les conchons ensemble.

Sir, I find you very rude. You have no right to say 'tu' to me; please be more respectful.

4. Appeler un chat un chat

Literal translation: to call a cat a cat.
Figurative translation: to say it as it is.

This is a pertinent idiom in this era where 'political correctness' gets so much attention. It basically means that one should not be afraid to name things/people as they are.

X: Le nombre de réfugiés en France a multiplié pendant ces 10 dernières années.
Y: Appelons un chat un chat. Ils ne sont pas des réfugiés, mais des immigrés.

X: The number of refugees in France has multiplied in the last ten years.
Y: Let's call it as it is. They're not refugees; they're immigrants.

5. Revenons à nos moutons

Literal translation: let's get back to our sheep.
Figurative translation: let's go back to the topic at hand.

This is something that also gets people scratching their heads: why sheep? There are many animals that rhyme with 'revenons' such as 'lions.' Sometimes, you just have to accept it as it is, right?

On a dévié trop de notre sujet. Revenons à nos moutons.

We have strayed away too far from our subject. Let's get back to the topic at hand.

6. Être une poule mouillée

Literal translation: to be a wet chicken.
Figurative translation: to be a coward.

This one is popular among children and teenagers to tease each other. When you're too afraid to do something that all your friends are doing, you risk being called a wet chicken.

X: Tu dois lui dire qu'elle te plâit.
Y: Mais j'ai trop peur d'être rejeté.
X: Ah, tu n'est qu'une poule mouillée.

X: You should tell her that you like her.
Y: But I'm too afraid to be rejected.
X: Ah, you're just a coward.

This is a European fan palm

Translations

Cats