On the second day we pile into our charabanc for a trip to the most north eastern part of Nord Pays de Calais - the homeland of ch'ti. Here, for French people south of Lille, be the stereotypical land of drunken, slatternly, badly spoken, ugly, foul-mouthed folk who inhabit a landscape of constant rain, when it is not actually freezing or foggy. They all either want to work down coal mines or live in them, that is when they are not wrecking the social rented housing a generous republic has provided free for them, their hordes of half-starved kids and sickly, ageing parents.
Of course, when we arrive, the landscape, towns and people are not like that at all. Indeed it was a lovely sunny, warm day and the municipalities had laid-on really nice people for us to meet - vous plaisantez Johnny!
The hilltop town of Cassel is in an ancient defensive position, much loved by grand touring cars, motoring through its narrow 'cobbled' streets (they're sets actually).
Or practicing for the next Tour de France, bumping along on their bicyclettes, past A class motorhomes.
On we go to Bray-Dunes on the coast very near Dunkerque. Here is commemorated the heroic re-guard defence that protected the deliverance of around 210,000 allied soldiers by the RN from the beaches to the left of this photo.
But this day was the last, the climax, of the Bray-Dunes festival of the wind celebrating all kinds of wind-powered racing devices. To help us through watching this spectacle Thomas had prepared a whole heap of club sandwiches - yummy.
In the afternoon we progressed into the cinematic heart of ch'ti - the city of Bergue (pronounced Burg, but with a French accent). You see, there's a popular French film made in 2007 starring Danny Boon, called Bienvenue Chez les Ch'Tis - in English "Welcome to the Sticks". The Nord/Pays de Calais action is set in and around Bergue. I'll not try to describe the film, just read the Guardian review.
Danny Boon, the new post office manager, shows his wife around 'Bergue' with his Ch'Tis colleagues.
Bergue has re-built belfry tower with its carillon bells, opposite the town hall, with ch'ti well on display. We were not shown the post office - watch the film.
As you know, we like Vauban forts and Bergue is one massive defensive Vauban fort.
In the evening there was an Au revoir supper in a rather splendid Roncq community hall. The Three Valleys Choir who came with our party sang for us, followed by a local band. The catering was excellent. Thomas said these caterers had provided his wedding feast. A very pleasant atmosphere. I had to drag Christine away.
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