Just like in many places in the world, on the eve of your wedding, your friends take you out for the day - or for the night - and make you do all these crazy things that you - supposedly - will not be able to do once you're married. They often ask you to come in a fancy dress costume... It's generally the bride to be with her girlfriends and the groom to be with his
Eric, drag out some old pics :)
ReplyDeleteYour following would love to see you dressed up.
et dire qu'apres cela on ce prend une bonne et belle cuite on est a deux doight de faire rembarrer par la suite ...
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun. Better to say the groom's mates or friends. Boyfriends sounds gay. Just thought i'd mention. lol.
ReplyDeleteIn the UK these hen-nights (for girls) and stag nights (for men) are getting longer and longer. It stretched to whole weekends in hotels but now it seems the thing to do to go to Prague or Amsterdam for about four days, during which time nobody knows what happens because nobody remembers! Not really the way to start a faithful married life is it ? Any photos from your stag night then Eric? Come on, put them up.
Eric:
ReplyDeleteI say you don't do your pics from a day like that. Some secrest are sacred.
I say for you to do that Lynn must furnish a few hen-night pictures on your BLOG.
LOl Clo. I'm afraid that, although i have been married and divorced twice, i have never had a hen night so there are no photos!
ReplyDeleteLook closely, folks, I think the bride-to-be is wearing a candy necklace g-string!!! Now that's a party! (Anybody know where I can get one??? :-))
ReplyDeleteHappy Samedi everyone!
For Lynn: "Boyfriends" sounds gay? Oh. Damn. I can assure you that I haven't had very many gay boyfriends... well, er.. at least, that I know of...
ReplyDelete(I'm just messing with you, Lynn ;)
This is interesting that this couple would hang out together before the wedding and kind of unusual here, too, I think. But whatever works for them is OK by me. Best of luck to the young couple! Good night, everybody!
pont girl: We have them in San Francisco. They cost a little less than $15 in the stores. If you google "candy g string" or "candy underwear" you'll get all kinds of hits for mail order and stuff. Try it! :)
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for them, having to go through it in public!
ReplyDeleteHere we have this tradition too, but at least they make it at somebody's place, not out in the streets for everybody to see!!! Seems fun though.
Lynn, 2 marriages and 2 divorces and no pictures???!!!
Eric, why do you do this? You give us this kind of information about yourself but then you don't show us any picutre for our delight?!
Pont girl are you kidding? Here anyone can find a g-string like that in a sex shop! No need to order by mail.
ReplyDeleteNo, I have never bought one...!
I forgot... They don't use "mate" here in San Francisco. I had an Australian buddy who said that all the time, but around here people will just say "Friends" or "buddies" (informal).
ReplyDeleteHmmm... time to step away from the computer... Good night!
Monica: you can find these things in gift shops in San Francisco, not sex shop. They have them right across the street from here, in a perfectly respectable gift shop at a major mall downtown SF. :)
ReplyDeleteTF
Yes, I understand Tomate, here we have it in perfectly respectable gift shops too, but in those shops you won't find one made out of candies!
ReplyDeleteSo for that specific type (!), a sex shop is the place to find it :-)
lol and we're back to sex... what naughty children you have Eric.
ReplyDeleteNo photos of a hen night Monica! Plenty of photos of the weddings. Too many really. lol.
ooops, didn't realise that Lynn, there's that sex talk again..
ReplyDeleteSorry Eric!
It was her, Eric, all her. I was just sitting here innocently reading my book and she just started saying all that (he he Mon')
ReplyDeleteYou innocent? Lynn not even your pinky toe is innocent!
ReplyDeleteLynn, I know you will be with me on this one: re-reading this post I tried to picture the image of young innocent Eric drunk - if he's not much into alcohol, imagine the state he was in - in a caberet doing "all these crazy things that you will not be able to do once you're married".
ReplyDeleteCan you picture that?! I told you he could be a little devil when he wants too :-))
That's such a funny photo, Eric. Love it! I must tell some friends about it and maybe they can do something like that! HAHAHA!
ReplyDeletePat's Photos and
Guelph Daily Photo
Boyfriends might "sound gay", but he wrote boy friends. I thought it was cute and rather innocent.
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction to "boy friends" was the same as you....I thought, "well, that's not quite how it would be said in English...unless of course you are talking about a gay male couple." So, don't let them give you a hard time about it....I knew what you meant. No straight man EVER says boy friends.
I'm just getting through all of the comments from a week away and don't know if I dare enter the string. Looks like you had a good 2nd anniversary Eric and that your readers really appreciate you. No wonder...you put up with Lynn! ;-) (joking)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the shopping tips, you candy-panty connoisseurs! I've seen the edible underwear that looks like a fruit roll-up but never so cute as the one depicted in today's PDP! I'll have to add the Love Boutique to my list of errands today!
ReplyDeleteSo you are married! Can we see a pic of Mrs. Eric please?
ReplyDeleteLOL Michael ! Cheeky, it's great to see you back. Go round catching up; we've missed you. You must enter the string. Take a look at at least past three posts here; what a hoot and at mine too. I miss your face there. You, Michael, were my very first commenting visitor! Ahh x the memories.... lol
ReplyDeleteMonica my pinky toe is definitely NOT innocent; the rest of me is. LOL.
Yes i can picture Eric all drunk and silly. Somehow i think, though, he wouldn't have done anything naughty the night before his wedding.
Susan: Don't worry i won't let them wear me down lol! Boy friends or boyfriends, matters not on the spelling; in English this is definitely wrong, from man to man unless it's gay. There is no opinion about it. It is not man speak and not English. It also matters not that Eric said it and i know why he did; because the French translation allows it, i just thought he would prefer to know the correct usage. From girl to girl, however, it's perfectly acceptable. I often say "i'm having coffee with a girlfriend." Does not have a gay meaning. Confusing? English is i'm afraid. Rules conflict all the time.
OK, I changed boyfriends to mates. Apparently you can say it for girls (and girlfriends) and not with boys?!: (what about equity between men and women??
ReplyDeleteLynn I am now divorced, but if you're good, I may dig in my closets and disclose a pic of my wedding! I said I may, I have no idea where they are...
Hello Eric,
ReplyDeleteHere, in America, when my wife and I got married 52 years ago, a group of friends got together and "belled" us. That is they had us get into a large open truck with the back filled with hay, and the truck drove off to neighboring towns and cities. When we entered those towns and cities, all the cars and trucks in the procession blew the vehicles horns. So it made a lot of noise and finally the police would make us leave the town or city. It used to be done all over America but is now confined to smaller towns and villages that carry on those old traditions.
Neat post. I will have to think about doing one on a belling.
Oh, I'll be good, Eric, rest assured i'll be good ;) lol !
ReplyDeleteI'm honoured that you changed it to mates, Eric, I promise it is correct, i would never lead you astray. Yes I agree, it's not equal is it, but I couldn't bear to think of anyone coming to the UK and using that, incurring strange reaction and red faces all round!
The wedding. Being divorced myself, it would be a strange thing to publish the pics, though i have to admit it's oddly tempting! If I did it would be the first wedding which was traditional with all the trimmings. The second was simple with only two witnesses! Hmm... let me know when, perhaps, and Eric? If you show me yours, i'll show you mine! he he cheeky!
Btw Eric, you very nearly got away with something, skirting an earlier question. As a journalist, i shall not let you wriggle away. Again i ask, why did the stats for 'how many times the French have sex per month' magically and inexplicably jump from the lowly 7.3 to the slightly more respectable 8.7 ? Was there some personal effort put in there?
ReplyDeleteI have seen lots of public displays of those crazy pre-wedding rituals in France (just in Paris, actually), but never in the U.S., where bachelor and bachelorette parties tend to be a lot more private (although, I gather, quite raunchy - I don't know, even though I was married, I never had such a party, thank God!).
ReplyDeleteI'm just curious about the 'mate' thing ... my British (ex!)boyfriend used to call me "mate"...I always wondered about that because my impression was that 'mate' was more appropriate for your (male) buddies...not your 'girlfriend'!
ReplyDeleteHere in the states,'mate' is more of a term used for breeding animals. lol. Such is the cultural difference of speaking the same language!
You are right Steph. I'm afraid that was a bit of an insult from your ex. Sorry to say that. I sometimes say it just joking around with my man if i'm peeved but it's very much a joke. For a man to say that to his girlfriend, in fact to any woman in my view, well, no it's not on.
ReplyDeleteA man (lover) would only have chance to say that once to me. I'd be off without a backward glance. LOL !
I have one friend (male) who, when he finds a new girlfriend, always always plays the relationship down - he has commitment issues - and protests all the time "no, no, we're just mates!" I tell him straight, "No; mates do not wake up in the same bed. Don't be ridiculous." I do tell him off quite a bit for this usage! So some British men use this form of address to keep the commitment thing at bay. Dreadful behaviour but there we are.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, this same friend of mine told his current girlfriend recently in a musing way (who adores him and does everything for him) "I might love you ONE day..."
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, i told him off for that too. "What, well it's best to be honest isn't it?" he whined.
In general, though it's not good to generalise, British men are not known for their finesse. Shall we have a man-rant Steph?
Hmmm..33 Comments on a Saturday morning?? WOW!!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Anna Gavalda for a class at the Alliance Francaise and in one of her short stories she uses the term "un enterrement de vie de garçon"...I thought it was perfect and here it is on PDP!! See how au courant you are Eric!
Lynn...FYI...they did a special on a TV news magazine here in the US about how the English go to Prague for their "Bachelor Parties" and literally destroy hotel property and get in fights with the locals due to all the alcohol consumption. It contained interviews with the people in Prague about how they liked making money from the Brits and yet they were getting sick of their attitude and behavior! Tsk...Tsk...Tsk!! LOL! Very interesting though!!
Yeah, thanks Lynn. He was a very sweet guy, so I don't think he meant to be insulting at all....but ...still... I think it was a bit odd, and as you say, may have had more to do with committment (wasn't an ocean between us enough distance lol?).
ReplyDeletekpgallant: I am not surprised at all. Ashamed to be in any way associated with it, yes, but not suprised. The English abroad have a certain reputation, the truth of which is hard to deny. I really don't know what it's down to. It can't be licensing hours encouraging drink because this exists in other countries. Discipline in schools and often in the home is lax, brought about by our Nanny State telling us how we should and should not behave all the time. Rather than focussing on the unsocial behaviour, focus from the Government seems to be to protect all victims. Don't admonish your child too harshly, don't tell them off at schools, etc. Consequently all authoritarians are frightened to move and the bad behaviour is nurtured and allowed to grow. There is little respect in the UK for authority because they know the hands of authority are tied.
ReplyDeleteActually, victims is the wrong word there. Perpetrator is better or criminals/accused.
ReplyDeleteNo, Steph, i'm sure he didn't mean it, it's probably what his mates did too, was normal. lol men and commitment - as you say, isn't an ocean enough? Not really, if commitment isn't what they want. I think they want freedom of mind too when it gets to that point, don't you? To know that if they meet someone they are free to act, should they wish, without feeling guilty.
ReplyDeleteMEN! We love them. No, we do, really. Strange beings but we love them.
How amusing, and surprising that the signs are in English.
ReplyDeleteBlather From Brooklyn
Monica: Not to belabor the point, but they're really "candy" underwear, just like in the pic, trust me (I should know, I bought some for a gift; the candy part isn't particularly great tasting but that's kind of besides the point, and the sizes are rather small).
ReplyDeleteHere where you go (2d floor, card and novelty store):
http://www.shopatgalleria.com/index.htm
Here is what you get: (the first one and a couple of other varieties)
http://www.epartyunlimited.com/candy-g-string.html
Notice that I usually mention a movie about everything? I just saw a movie about pre-marriage activities that was kind of funny. It was a Quebecoise movie filmed in Montreal in French. The antics were a bit crazy but I enjoyed seeing a Theramin being played during a light sex scene. The movie "Les Aimants" will never win an award but it was slightly entertaining.
ReplyDeleteIt seems our commentors are having a grand time with "boy friend", "boyfriend", mate, etc. We gay guys have a similar problem..."life partner", "domestic partner", "mate", "significant other" and on and on and on. I don't like the sound of any of the titles but the Gay population hasn't found a good word to use as yet. Maybe the Academie Francaise could compound a good new word.
Tomate, this shop is great!!
ReplyDeleteThe candy string looks cute, although I don't think it's very comfy, well, of course when one's wearing such model the intention probably is to undress asap!!!
Eric, Annulla made a very good point. How come the signs are written in English??? Were they not french?
ReplyDeleteIs France becoming trop americanized?
Lynn, a geographical barrier could create 'physical' distance, but as you say, it's interesting that something as simple as a word can be used as a mechanism to create emotional distance & mental freedom.
ReplyDeleteThere must be a chorus of guys chuckling in the background, as we dissect their every word, don't you think? Or maybe they are just shaking their heads, lol ! ...Or could actually be that they're not even listening (yawn)..better things to do on a Saturday hehehe. ;-)
Johnny i think in the UK it's usually simply 'partner' but this applies to we girlies and straight men too in relationships. How difficult it all is and why on earth should it be? lol !
ReplyDeleteWe still have difficulties though as someone introduces the other as 'my partner' as, unless they're openly kissing, we're left wondering 'what, they're together or are they business partners??" phew! Easy it is not.
ReplyDeleteNah, they're not reading, Steph. Rather, they're watching the footie or rugby and telling their mates that their latest girlfriend is 'yeah, it's great. Well, we're just mates, though...' if it's mentioned at all that is. Pass the beer...
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how we are taken to be rugby, football, baseball or American football spectators.
ReplyDelete"Pass the beer..." Hell no.
I would rather that you go back to your earlier statement "MEN! We love them. No, we do, really. Strange beings but we love them,"
rather than lumping us all into this generalization that you attach to us.
Lynn You are clearly up to something. You keep expanding your circle of "partners in crime." I think you should leave these innocent ones alone.
Take Monica for example, she is married and flirting with Eric what will her husband do if he comes to Paris with her and sees her drouling over Eric?
Where is Michael? is he still asleep? (he asked incredously, all the while imitating the ring leader)he should be here taking a stand with his own species hehehe.
Lynn, hehehe Yep, it really is that simple! I guess we just like to complicate things, (or so I'm told...) hehehe.
ReplyDeleteClo, thanks for speaking up! It's all meant to be towards the Greater Cause of understanding between the species you know ...:)
Clo i do apologise if you are offended. I was merely stereotyping for purposes of humour. Indeed i do revert to the statement. Men are wonderful. Strange sometimes, but then so are we, to you, no doubt. It is as Steph says, the more we discuss and explore, the more we understand.
ReplyDeleteI assure you, Sir (ooh ive gone into Jane Austen-speak) i am up to nothing at all. Am i limited to one person with which to confer, then? I think not.
I would certainly disapprove of Monica or anyone else, myself included, being unfaithful and nothing of the sort is planned. We had a little joke, via creative writing. Goodness, no need to be so serious! I, and I am sure, Monica, would not dream of cheating. It's something i abhor, incidentally. Clearly you have overlooked my previous posts and comments on the subject, sir.
Michael is refraining from comment today but should he arrive, i know he will display a sense of humour. hehehe.
You know, KP, I take classes at the Alliance Francaise too! I wonder if we've ever been in the same class?!
ReplyDelete"for purposes of humour" being the key words here Lynn!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I can take a joke...
Dear Baroness (Lynn):
ReplyDeleteI pretty sure he will display a good sense of humour. I like the "ooh ive gone into Jane Austen-speak."
Monica it was all in good humour.
good Clo, good.
ReplyDeleteI DO think Eric is amazing and very sweet and I'm sure it would be a pleasure to meet him.
I know the boys here probably won't admit, but don't we all drool over him?!!
Oh and yes, my "mate" will go to Paris with me. I'll be in good hands, don't worry!
Oh! Monica of course you will be in good hands even if your mate was not there. French men are not as s dangerous as they are claimed to be. They only the company of beautiful ladies like you and the Baroness of Cheltenham.
ReplyDeleteLOL Baroness of Cheltenham. I rather like this title; i feel i could become accustomed to it. May i keep it?
ReplyDeleteI don't know if my man will be able to come with me; i don't even know if i can attend yet, but i shall try!
ReplyDeleteAbout the signs in English. I have no explanation. I can tell you that "just married" sounds much more fun in French than "nouveau mariés" which sounds like it's from the 50's.
ReplyDeleteGenerally anything in English sounds more modern, in, trendy just like anything in French in English speaking countries (and possibly Portuguese speaking countery Monica!) sounds more classy.
PS: about my old pics, I did not look for them yet because I have spent most of my day in bed sleeping (a very bad cold) but I'm feeling better now, so I will investigate tomorrow - well Sunday.
ReplyDeleteOhh sorry that you're unwell Eric, my best wishes and kisses from Cheltenham (oh Clo will have a field day now) xxx for your man flu. lol ! No, really, cuddles to get better soon. I unearthed some old photos, at Things UK, but not of the wedding yet!
ReplyDeleteIn Australia, mates are USUALLY male <-> male friends, but a woman can be a mate of a man too. She might also refer to her women (or girl) friends as mates - all depends on context.
ReplyDeleteEric thanks for the explanation. I know what you mean about sounding more trendy. Yes, here it happens a lot, that's why I asked about americanization. Here it's so big it came to a point where you go to a restaurant, take a look at the menu - all written in English - and when you ask the waiters what the dishes consists of, the poor guys don't know how to explain it cause they don't know any English! It's ludicrous, but true.
ReplyDeleteGet well soon, a bad cold on the weekend really sucks. A good rest and some hot tea might help you feel a little better.
Sorry I did not find my photos yet - I must say that being sick as I am, I really don't feel like moving dust around me! I will find them eventually...
ReplyDeleteNo problem Eric, we can do it any time, no hurry. You get better. I think you may have caught my flu from a few weeks back ;0 sometimes takes a while... lol Hot lemons, little bit of whisky, honey.
ReplyDeleteOh for Heaven's sake GF! Would you stop calling Eric HONEY? Someone's gonna get waaaaaaaaaaaaaay jealous! ;)x
ReplyDeleteGet well Sweety-Pie! Can't have the God of PDP down and out now can we?
Can I massage some Vick's Vapor Rub on your chest for you?
=)
lol good one Ame, didn't even notice it i swear! You do the massage and i'll do the medicine-bringing. Honey. Monica can be in charge of entertainment. Oh steady now, i was thinking tv, dvds that sort of thing!
ReplyDeleteLOL Lynn, good that you made it clear what you had in mind for entertainment ;-)
ReplyDeleteNow all we need it is to check with Eric if he's up to it... which I sincerely doubt!
OMG, Eric is straight?? I always thought he was gay.
ReplyDeleteHEHEHEHEHE
Regular reader but saying this anonymously.
Are you disappointed he isn't?
ReplyDeleteOh Ame...you are so obvious with your typing style.
ReplyDeleteHEY! That nonny mouse was NOT me ERIC! GEEEEEEEEEEEEZ!
ReplyDeleteYou know me better than that!!!
Sigh~~~~~pot-stirrer!
GRRRRRRRRRRR!
>/
For the record I do NOT say HEHEHEHE...it's LOL all the way! =)
AND if I use multiple question marks I ALWAYS include some exclamation points!
GREAT, I just gave every creep anon poster my typing MO!
LOL! ;)
HI ERIC! Love ya! xo
Elle n'est Ame pas!! C'est moi!!
ReplyDeleteI'm the "double exclamation point" guy.
Hi Eric, I put a link to this post on my site today. I posted a picture of a bachelorette party in Zurich:
ReplyDeletehttp://zurichdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/03/chicken-bride.html
This post, description and photo is with lots of fun, even the comments exchanges looked exciting;)
ReplyDeleteIt may be just regionalism in usage, but we lived in Berkeley and San Francisco for many years and there one NEVER heard of females past the age of 14 referred to as girls. In the burbs sometimes, yes, but not commonly. It's more common to hear the terms woman or young woman. As far as the terms girlfriend and boyfriend, it can be a mixed bag. Many people would use the term partner for their lover or spouse, rather than saying girlfriend or wife. I wonder if this is common outside of left-leaning feminist enclaves of the west coast? It was also common for women NOT to take the surname of their spouse (where 20 years ago women were hyphenating their surname and their spouse's as a married name). In the Bay Area GLBTG community, partner, girlfriend, boyfriend and a lot of other colorful terms ;^) seem to all be used interchangably. Linguistics has always been a fascination for me. And yes, Eric, French is seen as very classy, very romantic. Wasn't it Dorothy L. Sayers whose novel character, Peter Whimsy, always spoke in French when things started to get all hot and bothered? Ooo la la, indeed! But Portuguese, for me, seems the most romantic sounding of all languages. Just listen to Jao Gilberto and you'll hear what I mean. Although Tom Waits in plain old English can do that for me, too. Go figure.
ReplyDelete-Kim