Most Parisians call it pétanque, some call it boules, and a few refer to it as French bowling.
Whatever you call it, it is a popular game that is played throughout France. The object of the game is similar to horseshoes, in that you score points by being closest to the target (the boot). The balls are made of steel and weigh between 650 and 800 grams.
So why is it one of my favorite things?!? Because during our third week in Paris Charlie and I each bought a set of pétanque balls and joined the Pétanque Club at the Garden of Luxembourg. I had checked out the local pool (piscine) to get some exercise during the winter, and this seemed like another reasonable way to stay fit year round. What I had not even considered, was the social aspect of the game.
After purchasing the equipment we were promptly given a lesson by the club coach, Nordin. In spite of our warning about our French skills, he gave us the full lesson in French, accentuated with lots of gestures. The first half of the lesson he kept exclaiming "Oo la la", but we progressed to a "voila" by the end.
Just one hour later we were approached by another couple and asked to play a couple of games. And that has been the case each time we go to the park with our boules. We have met players from France, America, Tahiti, and China. Our language skills and our accuracy are improving each week. And we've met some very interesting people. What a bonus!
Get in the game of life -- it is not a spectator sport!
