Spending time away from home gives one a chance to take a longer view of our everyday life, and no view could be longer, or further away from our routine in Israel, than spending time in a remote French village.

The place is set in countryside that was once verdant but now, as a result of the recent spells of unaccustomed heat, consists of dried-up fields with boundaries denoted by wilting bushes and the occasional tree. Nonetheless, the village is still a place of tranquility and solace for the anguished souls who normally inhabit a country which is anything but tranquil.

Many of the ancient stone houses stand empty during much of the year, being occupied in the summer months by owners or rental tenants. The sedate pace of life usually dictated by the weather and the seasons seems to impose a general spirit of friendliness among the local inhabitants. It is impossible to pass another person in the street without being greeted by a friendly ‘Bonjour’ to which it is imperative to respond with a similar........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)