In previous blogs, I have introduced you to other Australian families who, like us, have been so drawn to France that they have up-ended their 'normal' and headed there to live. What is interesting is that each of us has a very different story. Of course, there are similarities (from the simple - markets, fresh food, administrative hurdles... to the complex - profound emotions) but our stories - what we have each done, what we hoped to get from our experiences, how long we stayed and where we stayed - have varied quite significantly.
In Part One of Aix marks the spot, we met Sydneysiders Meredith, her husband and their two children as they readied themselves for departure followed by their early experiences in Aix-en-Provence.
Today, in Part Two of 'Aix marks the spot', Meredith relates a funny story, which I enjoyed so much that I thought it was deserving of a Friday blog of its own.
One of the most amusing things about living in France at that time was the fact that my husband bore an uncanny resemblance, in both age and appearance, to a ‘très connu’ (well known) French policitian, fondly known as DSK. Dominique Strauss Kahn seemed to acquire more and more notoriety throughout our stay due to his involvement in several financial and sexual scandals.
Highly intelligent, charming and sophisticated, DSK was the Head of the International Monetary Fund and was tipped to become the next President of France until a lurid sex scandal turned him into a total pariah. Even his wife of 20 years threw him out. His career and political aspirations came to a rather spectacular end on 14 May 2011 when, in high international drama, his Air France plane was stopped on the runway, he was escorted off by the US authorities and arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a New York chambermaid. Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper dubbed him ‘le grand séducteur’ (the Great Seducer).
So, whilst DSK had a monopoly over the world stage and the front cover of all the local french newspapers, for sexual assault and general bad behaviour including orgies and pimping, Colin and I thought nothing about attending the local Set Club for a summer cocktail party. I was quietly sipping my rosé, chatting with some friends I played tennis with, when friends of their friends started showing up. I noticed they were laughing and pointing at my husband who was about 15 metres away:
“Oh mon dieu… Regarde là-bas! C’est DSK!”.
(Oh my god. Look over there. It’s DSK)
I chimed in :
"En fait, c’est mon mari”.
(Actually, that’s my husband).
When I walked over to share this with Colin he declared loudly in their general direction:
“Ce n'était pas ma faute. J’ai demandé le service en chambre, c'est tout”.
(It wasn’t my fault, I asked for room service. That’s all”….)
To find out what Meredith is doing these days, head to the following sites. https://www.onthetee.com.au/provenceandluberon/
For Kindle copies of 'But you are in France, Madame', click here
The first time I read this, I read "sex club" instead of "set club"!!!
ReplyDeleteHilarious story. There's a photographer whose thing is to photograph completely unrelated people who are doppelgangers. His name is François Brunelle.
Oh dear! That is funny, but no! You are always a fount of knowledge. I'll look up the photographer. Thanks.
DeleteSo interesting! https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/766288226846020/UzpfSTEwNTgyNjY1OTQzOTY4NzoxMTY5OTkzMzc5Njg5Njcx/
Delete