Monday, July 10, 2023

Rest Day: Clermont-Ferrand - Vercingetorix

It's rest day, in Clermont-Ferrand

Belle has invited Team Condor to join Team Philosophe for a picnic.

They meet in the Place de Jaude under the statue of Vercingetorix.

A fine place for a picnic! says Vello. No grass.

But there are fountains, says Belle. And we can sit on these cement blocks, under these trees.

Ridiculous, says Vello. But I suppose it will be cooler. What are we having?

Belle opens the hamper.

Try a glass of this, says Belle, while we wait for the others.

She opens a bottle of Cave de Verny pinot noir.

Gaius and David arrive together.

Where's Terence? asks Belle.

Where do you think? Running in and out of the fountains, says Gaius. I told him to be careful.

Is Marcel coming? asks David. 

Yes, here he is now.

Greetings, says Marcel. Did you know Terence is running through the fountains?

Yes we knew, says Belle. Have a glass of this pinot noir.

Sweezus arrives, with Arthur and Ranger Roger.

Well, this is nice, says Gaius. Everyone's here.

Not everyone, says Belle. Marx is supposed to be coming.

Let's start eating, says Sweezus. What's in the hamper?

Warm truffade, Avergne potée, and apple tart, says Belle. Sit down first, I'll give you a paper towel. The truffades will be greasy.

Matteu Jacobsen wanders by and stops to look up at Vercingetorix.

He looks dejected, says Belle. Shall I offer him something?

She waves at Matteu Jacobsen.

He comes over, and accepts a greasy truffade.

Bad luck yesterday, says Sweezus. Coming fourth, after all that effort.

Thanks, says Matteu Jacobsen. Guess it wasn't meant to be.

That's the spirit! says Vello.

Terence has fallen over, says Marcel. Shall I go and help him?

Yes, go, says Belle.

Marcel goes over to help Terence.

Marx happens by. He stops when he sees Terence on the ground with Marcel leaning over him.

What's this? says Marx.

Grandpa! says Terence

He fell over, says Marcel.

Are you that CLOWN? asks Marx. 

I am, but it's a rest day, says Marcel.

Would you show me the disappearing egg trick? asks Marx. Everyone in the commentary room wants to know how you do it.

He doesn't do it, says Terence. He pretends.

That is what tricks are, says Marx, but there is an art to them

Oh, says Terence.

What else can he say? Grandpa knows everything. But wait, how come he doesn't know how to do the disappearing egg trick?

Terence stands up. He is wet but okay.

Marcel, Marx and Terence walk across to the picnic.

Sorry I'm late, says Marx. I was inspecting the Gothic cathedral over there. I learned that it's black because it's made of black lava stone. 

That explains it, says Vello. 

Papa, says Belle. Do eat something. 

A slice of that tart, says Vello.

Got any eggs? asks Marcel.

No, says Belle. I didn't think...

That's all right, says Marcel. Marx asked me to show him a trick.

The disappearing egg trick? asks Ranger Roger. I know how to do it.

You need an egg though, says Belle.

Disappear a truffade, says Arthur.

But the truffades have disappeared already.

Never mind. Theres still plenty of potée and pinot and tart.

It's a good picnic. Matteo Jacobsen won't forget it.


No comments: