EUROPEAN STYLE

(By Kevin)

Well it’s still cold here in Old England, but we don’t care. My family and I are off to see Marko and the folks of CH 74. It should be a bit more pleasant in Southern France.

By trains, planes, and uh motorcycles we make it to the other side of the English Channel and on to Marseille. We were greeted by a warm breeze and an even warmer brotherly welcome by BG & Strum as they were waiting for us at the airport with a car.

The first stop we made was at a French bar for a beer. It wasn’t any to soon either for we had built up a strong thirst. The second and final stop was at Strum’s home where we were to stay as their guest. He and his wife Coco, plus children Peter and Mary were great host, looking after our every need. We were treated like Royalty with their warmth and friendship. Thanks chaps. You’ve really spoiled us with your kindness.

On Saturday Coco took my better half Lindsey (‘Leafy’) and my daughter Amy to see some sites. With nothing better to do Strum took my son Jimmy and me to the local Harley shop where Max, the owner, greeted us. Chapter 74 guys call him the Doctor because he is such a wizard when operating on a HOG engine, especially shovels, pans, and ironheads.

Later we headed to Sylvain’s house and met him and his lovely wife. We were on the move constantly, making the rounds to other locations. Pat the Gaelic’s workshop was a real treat. Man what a place! Not only is Pat a blacksmith but he also has a museum that connects the shop to his house. Naturally it includes a bar where we were treated with copious amounts of beer and other potions of a special alcohol drink.

Then we buzzed off for a drive through the mountains, as if we weren’t high enough already, to Marko’s bar. Having a buzz on would be an understatement but I couldn’t believe my eyes when we walked into the place. The place was packed and everyone was dressed in TOP HATS. Green top hats they were. My first thought was, we’ve invaded a colony of Leprechauns! Then it dawned on me, I haven’t lost my mind…they’re having a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Marko and Zaza treated us to some mouth-watering great roast beef, in which had been roasted in fine old Irish Guinness. More drinks we had my lad’s and my son Jimmy found out what it was like to be an Irishman. As a matter of fact after a while I think he thought we actually were in Ireland (Ha). I don’t think any of the rest of us leprechauns us were feeling much pain either. Wow – what a party we had. Thanks Marko and Zaza.

After we finally got our eyes open enough to see Sunday morning we visited a local market with Strum’s family. Then we had a fair ye well meal at Zaza’s in the evening.

We hated to leave and felt very gratified for having shared such a fabulous time with our French family of brothers & sisters. We are definitely looking forward to seeing them again soon.

L&R

Hitch, Leafy, Amy & Jimmy