All the fun of the fair
I think I’ve already whinged about the huge amount of boring meetings I have to attend…well, add this to the list! 3 days of highly intellectual, theological, airey fairy, talks. There is a huge cultural difference here that I am beginning to understand. Anglo-Saxons like little stories, jokes, and practical application. The French like abstract ideas and huge floating theories that are impossible to pin down. It inevitably leaves me feeling frustrated.
I also became aware that Christian stereotypes are embarrasingly alive and well. I witnessed numerous sandal wearers, in FEBRUARY!
One of the most surreal events was Saturday night when a group of about 15 of us went to the pub. The only room in the bar that could accomodate us all was down stairs in the cellar which is a night club at the weekend. We sat in almost total darkness and most of the middle aged family men with large waist lines and little hair reverted to teenage boys…playing ’star wars’ with their lightsabers / straws and testing out their mobile phone ring tones. No matter which country you’re in some things just don’t change.
The highlight of the 3 days, however, was a detour on the way home to the sacred IKEA store. All sins of bordom were forgiven as I filled my arms with colourful place mats and cheap photo frames.
