Force of Nature...

It was time to explore the picturesque countryside famous for its wonderful natural regional cuisine.

We were the last ones on the coach for our organised day trip excursion to the local foie-gras factory, the site of our next destination. Here we were instructed in the art and methods of humanely rearing large Gallic roosters, which are tethered up by their necks in cramped but comfortable rearing crates in readiness for the twice daily routine of being subjected to pain and distress. Luckily, we got the opportunity to wrestle a few of the bewildered birds to the ground in an awkward attempt to stuff a great funnel down their gulping throats and then while balancing a cheek and straddling over a small traditional wooden stool we eagerly turned handles of medieval grinders to force a heady concoction of steroids, paxo and pungent herbs down the flappy enlarged gullets to enable all the strained internal organs to artificially swell and burst with the silky, buttery flavoursome preserve. All this for the production of this delicious luxury superior artisan French delicacy that retails at about 900 euros a kilo.

It was hard work but very satisfying....not necessarily for the ducks, just us!

This afternoon we are off to market to buy a boisterous pig, tie a rope around its neck and wander off in the woods in search of some foul smelling elusive spores to grate over tonight's tea...

Force of Nature is a track by Oasis or you could have Pearl Jam!