A well-deserved rest day.
Belle has prepared a surprise.
We're having our picnic in Les Thermes Adventure Park, says Belle.
Do we really need an adventure? asks Vello.
I thought it would be nice for Terence, says Belle. They have ziplines and monkey bridges.
He'll crack himself open, says David.
Not if one of us goes with him, says Belle. The others can relax in the thermal spas.
Team Condor is also invited.
As are Marx and Marcel the clown.
Soon everyone is sitting beside a thermal spa under a colourful umbrella.
Ah, this is relaxing, says Pierre-Louis.
What's to eat? asks Sweezus.
Tartiflette, rosti and farcon, says Belle.
Aren't they all made with potato? asks Sweezus.
Well yes, but they're not all the same, says Belle. Try the farcon. It's bacon-wrapped potato cake topped with prunes and raisins in cream.
I always enjoy eating that, says Marcel. The prunes remind me of my grandmother's cure for constipation. She had...
I'm having a bit of trouble with your disappearing egg trick, says Marx.
Everyone is glad of the intervention.
Is there an egg at this picnic? asks Marcel.
Yes, says Belle. I packed a few hard-boiled eggs, in case anyone...
May I have one? says Marcel.
Don't you need a sleeve? asks Ranger Roger.
No, says Marcel. Just an egg and two hands.
He takes the egg and rolls it between his palms.
Back and forth. He closes his fist round the egg, withdraws his other hand and PRESTO! opens the closed fist to reveal NOTHING! The egg has disappeared.
Shizz! says Ranger Roger. Where'd the egg go?
In his pocket, says Arthur.
Yes, says Marcel. It is in my pocket.
Can I learn it? asks Terence.
Later, says Marcel. Right now I'd like a slice of farcon.
Everyone helps themselves to the various potato-based dishes.
Marcel recalls his grandmother's experiments with prunes, and their successful outcomes.
There's beer if anyone wants it, says Belle. Bleue, Rousse or Triple Epice.
The beer is soon finished, as the weather is warm
Vello opens four bottles of wine. A Pouillyloche, a Saint Bris, a Givry and a Bourgogne
Belle opens the hamper and takes out the dessert. A Mont Blanc. A chestnut puree vermicelli topped with whipped cream to represent snow on the mountain.
Yuck! Worms! says Terence.
I'll take Terence to the monkey bridge, says Ranger Roger.
Yay! says Terence.
The others stay beside the thermal spa, imagining themselves soaking in it, but too lazy to move in any direction.
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