Volunteers in French Countryside

Here I am, writing my first blog post after my first sleep at La Giraudiere. And what a wonderful sleep it was!! Upon my arrival I met a group of warm friendly easygoing people. All my nerves quickly vanished as they ensured I happily settled in to the scenic countryside. Luckily I arrived just in time for lunch. We had a tasty lunch of salads, crispy bread and delicious noodles lounging outside in the warm sunshine.

And then down to the lake we headed.  After a leisurely stoll through the breathtaking countryside of Brossac we arrived at the famous lake. It certainly was everything I anticipated and more!! The beach was full with laughter from sunbathers, swimmers and those playing volleyball.

two new volunteers enjoying their first day.

I was excited to hear that there would be another arrival- a lovely woman from Wales who has volunteered here two times already. It was so interesting to hear her great experience as a volunteer on this wonderful program in the french countryside and to hear how La Giraudiere has developed since her last visit – 5 years ago.Then it was time for dinner which consisted of a mouthwatering chicken strawberry and avocado salad served with delicious garlic bread all made by Joanne, one of the  volunteers. Once again we ate outside as the sun began to set in the distance. We topped that off with some melon and then ice cream and drinks at the lovely restaurant Quai Sud that overlooks the lake.

After a wonderful day of strolling the french countryside, meeting the other volunteers who I’m sure will become lifelong friends and getting to practice my french with the locals I quickly fell asleep eager for the next 3 weeks as a volunteer here in the picturesque countryside of Brossac, France.

evening dinner in the french countryside