I have been in France for a long time now, and my reasons for being here are more or less elaborated in the usual about me section.

I had no problems adapting to life here, even though everything seemed to be exactly the opposite to life back in New Zealand. I think that New Zealanders are, in general, good adapters. My intrepid sense of kiwi humour and our typical "she'll be right" attitude saved me many a day. Of course, I made some terrible errors in the beginning while learning the rules of French society, but people were indulgent, and I lived and I learned.

In general, French people are quite patient - especially if you make an effort to speak French (even bad French) - and more especially so if you smile. Give and you will receive. This has been my experience, anyway. I will perhaps go into French society rules and habits, as compared to ours, in a next episode.

Although I commenced this article last June (2002), and seeing that it is June 2003 already ..., I thought it would be topical to mention the Fête de la Musique, which was introduced into France in 1982 by the then Minister of Culture Jack Lang. June 21st was decreed a Festival of Music, and for the very first festival in 1982, amateur musicians were encouraged to play any instrument whatsoever in the streets between 20:30 and 21:00.

The Fête de la Musique has since become more popular each year, and now lasts most of the night - if not all - with musicians, both amateur and professional, on each street corner, entertaining inhabitants of every city, town and village throughout France.

Last year, for the Fête de la Musique, (and again very soon this year...) I happened to be in south-west France, in a little village some kilometres outside of the city of Cahors, famous for its wine - le vin de Cahors. Yes, this little country village where I once saw the Milky Way "...in the heart of the French countryside, on a lovely clear night". "About me" again...

The evening of 21st June this year was warm and balmy. The moon was bright and nearly full - and although the Milky Way decided not to appear this particular night - we made our way into the local village to participate in the Fête de la Musique.

A program had been prepared by the Town Hall. In the village square at various points were : a rock band by local teens in front of an outside café, Jazz concert in another corner of the square, traditional Senegalese music on the main stage in the square centre ; in the local catholic church, which spilled out onto the main village square : a children's choir, a Senior Citizens chorale, the local village chorale, plus a "wind instrument" presentation later on in the evening.

We wandered from café to café, enjoying the beautiful night, the festive family air, the music. People of all ages were wandering around - grandma's and grandpa's, parents, teens, children - and dogs... It was a lovely family night out. A nocturnal market was doing well, a candy floss stall had little children buzzing excitedly around, each awaiting his or her turn. Mussels and fries were being served at long open-air tables.

After a while, we decided to check out the "wind instrument" presentation which was to be taking place in the church opposite the "mussels and fries" stall. We weren't quite sure what this would be, and after rock, jazz and Senegalese music, we were keen to check out another theme concert. A wind instrument presentation in a catholic church in a small village in the heart of the French countryside? Flute, oboe, maybe?

I was with French friends, and as soon as we set foot inside the crowded church I instantly recognised the familiar sound. It was a Didgeridoo! It's a Didgeridoo, I squawked, unbelieving. Errr, a what, everybody asked?After quick explanations we settled down to a most beautiful rendering of Didgeridoo music. It was played by a young local Frenchman, but we were unfortunately unable make our way through the fascinated crowd afterwards to ask where he had learnt this typical Australian Aboriginal instrument. *

Yes, France is full of surprises, especially once off the beaten track.

Thank you, Jack Lang, for giving us the Fête de la Musique. But it is by far more pleasant to experience a festival such as this in a small village - in the heart of the French countryside - on a lovely clear night...

* I have since discovered that the didgeridoo artist is Gaël Macho, and that he has put out a CD entitled "A Soul Whisper - Didjeridoo", recorded at Limogne en Quercy, in the Lot region of France.