Grenay

Huge thunderstorms peppered this area of France early this morning - the first clap of thunder appeared to be right overhead - we did wake with a jolt! This was followed by extensive rainstorms that gave everything a good soaking. After this we got back to sleep and failed to wake before 9 am! (How interesting!)

Once the weather had settled we headed out to get some well needed exercise - yesterday seemed to be a day of sitting and eating. 

We took a walk to the other side of the railway lines to Bully-les-Mines. The 8 rail tracks give an indication as to the once importance of this area around Lens. The mining wealth of the area a hundred years ago was such that the French/British army grimly defended the territory against the German army during WW1. 

The sad sight of disused railway tracks indicating the once prosperous mining area now looks to other industries. 

The large slag heaps around the landscape is a lasting legacy to the once flourishing coal mining area. 

More thunderstorms this afternoon kept us cooped up in the van as it passed overhead.

For the past three hours - even during the passing thunderstorm - a young couple of French/Afghanistan locals have been playing cricket on the adjacent tennis court here in Grenay! It seems totally out of place, the sound of bat on ball happening here in France. And they showed great technique both with the bat and the ball. They had obviously spent a childhood growing up with cricket in Afghanistan. Both had great manners and were very pleasant to chat with. The local kids looked on with a certain amount of curiosity!

Cricket in the heart of France!

A cultural icon across France is the Friterie. Offering a range of deep fried products, their chips seem to be the common feature. The Friterie du Parc is only a short distance from our van so to compliment our dinner tonight we placed an order for frits- and they were delicious, but very filling!

A cooler night tonight with more intermittent rain, hopefully no more thunderstorms!