Just recovering from a very enjoyable visit to the  Boissy-Sans-Avoir CBG FestivaL which i relate to you today (while my memories are still fresh!) Overall an amazing day, thanks to Theomojo, Phillip and their technical maestro and catering "games makers" who made the day a success!

I was kindly met by Theomojo at Montfort L'Amaury Station who drove me over to the hall and introduced me to the gathering musicians and visitors, Phillip's wife introduced herself to me, Phillip had urgent work related business that day and came along later in the evening, his little grand-daughter though is a born player - she wouldn't let go of her guitar all afternoon!

As the afternoon progressed I met most of the other musicians -  Blind Kiwi and his wife, members of the Slim Panatellas, Mr Moon and Grace and Justin Johnson and Nikki, we each swapped stories and inspected  many of the amazing guitars on display around the hall, each artist had a display section for tees, CD's and guitars.

A few impromptu jam sessions taking place during the afternoon...!

Later in the afternoon  The Colorado Country 28 line dancing troupe took the floor, followed by a session by some of the assembled American Folk music players, some from Scotland...

i couldn't embed this video for some reason so here's the link...!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMCsdqT7nI4&feature=youtu.be

Those performing in the evening had an opportunity to sound check their instruments and the available amps and PA gear on the stage, a number of Shure SM58 mikes, a Marshall MG, a Fender and two Hughes & Kettner guitar amps...luxury! 

The evening part of the Festival will be covered in PART TWO , but I have to include the fine collection of Classic French and American cars and bikes on display outside the hall..!

PART TWO Evening gigs coming soon!

A Tale of Two Cities...

For those interested in going to next year's BSA from London by train I have included the following travel details, also to act as a reminder for me if i am able to go again next year.! (-;

Advised by a regular Eurostar travelling colleague at work i booked my cross channel journey to Paris in June, well in advance of my travel date to save money, the fares were £34.50 going and £54.50 return from Kings Cross St Pancras, checking in at least half an hour before departure to allow for French Customs Passport Control and Security search...play safe and allow an hour.

Going and coming back it made me laugh as after exiting the Channel Tunnel either way everybody's mobile phones tinkled all along the carriage as service providers informed their subscribers by text the fact we were in a different country! ..and a different time - France is one hour ahead of the UK.

A tip on all mainline trains i follow is to buy your sandwich and drink before you get on the train to avoid an hour long queue in the refreshment car! (-;

The Eurostar train arrived at Gare du Nord, Paris exactly on time, i made my way down to the Paris Metro ticket office and bought a ticket to  Montparnasse Bienvenue on the cerise coloured  Metro 4 line...cost Euro 1.70...amazing when you compare a similar trip on the London Underground would cost several pounds!

From Montparnasse Bienvenue i left the underground system, turning left at the station exit to Gare Montparnasse five minutes walk up the road, the station can be seen by a large clock and "SNCF"  sign outside, a friendly newspaper seller directed me there. Upon entering the mainline station i purchased tickets with the help of an English speaking member of staff, cost about Euro 15 for return tickets to Montfort L'Amaury (Mere)  .

I  boarded the train at the platform listed on the display screen and to my next stop Montfort L'Amaury (Mere) The train was a double decker, something i'd never been on, impossible in England due to thousands of low tunnels and bridges!   35 minutes later i was at  Montfort L'Amaury (Mere) station where Theomojo kindly picked me up in his car, a few minutes drive from Boissy-Sans-Avoir.  (-:

The whole trip looked a little daunting on paper after studying the internet maps, but my fears were unfounded as it turned out to be really easy, i used my golden travelling rules - always stop and ask officials for directions at every stage (unless you find a friendly newspaper seller! ), remember the signs and landmarks along the way for coming back, and don't keep going along blindly if you're lost! (-:

Below is a photo taken at Montfort L'Amaury Station, with the legendary Victoria Station Hotel at the back across the road..

PART TWO..