AUGUST

The holiday season

In August the serene Provance is invaded by tourists, who can even be recognized miles away; new shopping baskets, spotless cars, immaculately dressed women. Although the natives find here or there something to grumble at the tourists, “… it was generally agreed that they were a funny bunch…” Fun could also be made of them: “ What is it that changes from the colour of a dead rat to the colour of a dead lobster in three hours? Les Anglais en vacances.”
It is important to emphasize that English are not the only who undergo a transformation. French people too change from dead boring (or better to say formal) to riotously amusing. On a party where Peter and his wife were the only English speaking, the sound of Vivaldi was replaced by “… a few seconds of electronic hissing, followed by the shriek of a man undergoing heart surgery without anesthetic…” What an affect will this music have on other members of such an elegant gathering?

If this party isn’t enough to bring you in good mood or to make you laugh your head off, you could visit a traditional goat race. Putting a bet on the sheep is common, but if you are not familiar with it, it is recommended to seek advice since this goat racing is a highly sophisticated discipline. Not only you should calculate for the sheep (the sheep who make the most droppings before the race are likely to be faster), but also for the drivers, for the strongest driver.

VOCAB
§ solemn - Her face grew solemn.
§ Consternation – SYN: DISMAY - Her mouth fell open in consternation.
§ Inducement to sb/sth – SYN: INCENTIVE - Government officials have been accused of accepting inducements.
§ sartorial - He is known for his sartorial elegance.