Read Cairns, a recently published translation (in French, by the Chamonix Guérin Éditions, now Paulsen), of a Norwegian novel Vardane by Martin Baldysz. Very short but daunting, I was completely taken by surprise by a multi-tiered story that never got where I expected it to go, with much more complex characters than I imagined from their first description, layers after layers of deception and buried secrets, and the ever-present strength (and cold) of the local mountains. A vernacular version of magical realism! Looking forward re-reading it as I am sure I have missed some subtle hints, and reading another Norwegian novel, Fjellet, geværet, vannet (A mountain, a gun, a lake) by Lars Ramslie, which I initially confused with an earlier novel about the same character!
Made a kilogram of roasted black sesame butter, just letting the mixer mix for ten minutes!. And to keep with the Norwegian theme, I made a second attempt at Brunost, which worked better than last time, although missing a few more minutes for it to turn light brown! (Inventing beigeost in the process?!)
Watched Netfilx The Decameron, which obviously cannot compete with Pasolini’s 1971 masterpiece. And is only vaguely related with 1350’s Boccaccio’s Il Decameron. With modern lyrics from many bands of my teenage years (incl. Devo!) and definitely modern attitudes. Amusing black (Plague) humour, if with lengthy moments and inconsistent characters. With a great anime introduction. And definitely suited for this ‘Og regular diary!
Cooked little while being away, except for a Flemish red cabbage stew and a batch of mini buckwheat galettes, and fortunately escaped the huge meals that usually plague this time of year. Avoided as well some viral issues with French oysters, despite enjoying several servings of Norman origin. While in Aubrac, has a taste of the local beef, the well-named… Aubrac breed, whose herds are raised on this immense and treeless plateau during the warmer months. Most crucially, we enjoyed very much the few days we spent there in a remote farm with no Internet, great company, long trail runs, and simple home-made dinners. (Foodwise, the difference of food prices on the local markets like Saint-Chély d’Apcher when compared with Paris and its suburb was noticeable, if not a major surprise, meaning we brought back home a month worth of local cheese.)
