https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-162-A-Few-Happenings-Before-the-Holidays/12526256/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-164-The-Real-Membership-Gold-Card/12526258/
Chapter 163: Vacationing in France
Chapter 163: Vacationing in France
Traveling abroad is a delightful experience, offering a change of scenery and a chance to unwind and relax. For Albert, a trip to France was an entirely novel experience.
The British have a penchant for travel, and Herbert and Daisy had planned this trip together well in advance. As experienced travelers, they instinctively chose France as their destination, a decision influenced by a crucial factor.
Albert could speak French.
Indeed, that was the deciding reason for the Whitfields' choice of destination.
This trip was also an opportunity for Albert to hone his French skills. After all, fluency in a language comes with practice and frequent usage.
As their plane touched down at the airport, the little translator left the airport staff awe-struck.
Herbert and Daisy delighted in witnessing the astonishment on the faces of the French locals. It was a boost to their pride as parents.
Look, our little prodigy is amazing! In the first few days of their arrival in France, the Whitfields visited several famous landmarks, including the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine River, capturing countless memorable photos along the way.
Of course, Albert's promise to pick out the best photos and turn them into magical moving pictures might have had something to do with it.
For the remainder of their trip, they headed to their booked resort on Basque Beach.
The sea breeze, the sunbathing, and the sight of beauties in swimsuits made for a delightful and relaxing vacation.
Albert's favorite activities were surfing and swimming. Having been a landlubber in his past life, he rarely swam, but with his new abilities, he wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to enjoy the beach. In the scorching summer heat, there was nothing better than playing in the water and admiring the scenery.
During his stay at Basque Beach, Albert made some French friends who shared his passion for surfing. As his French skills improved with practice, he became increasingly fluent in both conversation and writing.
Of course, he had borrowed a surfboard from someone else.
Albert was quite popular among the locals. To the romantic French, this British boy who could speak their language and surf with skill seemed shrouded in an air of mystery.
"Albert, Albert, help me put on sunscreen!" Nia tossed aside her half-built sandcastle and ran towards Albert, who had just come ashore, towel in hand.
"Why don't you have Mom help you with the sunscreen?" Albert took the towel and wiped the seawater from his body as he asked casually.
"They're busy chatting with someone." Nia gestured towards a particular direction, indicating that Albert should take a look.
Under the shade of a beach umbrella, Herbert and Daisy were engaged in an enthusiastic conversation with a young French couple who were also vacationing in France.
"Tsk, so unreliable," Albert muttered.
"Yeah, yeah, unreliable!" Nia nodded in agreement.
"Come on, lie down on the beach chair, and I'll help you with the sunscreen." Albert took a sip of juice and accepted the sunscreen from Nia. He then helped his sister settle onto the chair and began applying sunscreen on her.
On such a scorching summer day, one could easily get sunburned without proper protection.
"Albert, are there magic schools in France too?" Nia asked curiously, her eyes comfortably closed.
"Yes, there are three magic schools in Europe," Albert replied softly as he continued applying sunscreen on his sister. "There's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the UK, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France, and the last one is in the Scandinavian region of Northern Europe, called Durmstrang Institute."
"How do you know that?" Nia asked.
"The Hogwarts library has records of it, and the three schools have maintained good relations over the years," Albert revealed. "It's said that they even hold competitions together every few years."
"Then, why haven't we come across anything magical during our time here in France?" Nia wondered aloud.
"Nia asked glumly.
"Because wizards and Muggles lead separate lives, it's only natural that they don't mix. Alright, all done." Albert suddenly got up and said, "I'll go get you some juice."
"Magic school?" The young couple looked over at Albert, their expressions a bit odd.
"Albert loves reading," Daisy explained casually.
"I'm planning to write a book." Albert smiled at the young couple and said, "A novel about magic."
The young couple looked at Albert in surprise. They never expected that this boy, who was not even twelve years old, had already started planning to write a book?
"We've always supported him in this regard," Herbert cleared his throat, "Just like we supported him in learning French. Albert has never let us down; he's always been the best."
When it came to his son, Herbert was full of praise and even intended to have Albert show off his French to everyone.
Albert strongly suppressed the urge to reach up and cover his face, and instead found an excuse to slip away.
"Why don't you keep sunbathing?" Albert asked, looking at Nia as she stood up, and handed the juice to her.
"This time, let me help you put on sunscreen." Nia suddenly said.
"No need, I can do it myself." Albert shook his head in refusal, and just as he was about to apply sunscreen, a slightly familiar voice rang out.
"Handsome, do you want us to help you apply sunscreen?"
Several young ladies in swimsuits carrying surfboards walked by and greeted Albert with smiles.
"No, thank you." Albert politely declined, "Let's surf together next time."
"Oh dear, he's shy." The young ladies laughed and left.
"Albert's French is getting better and better!" Herbert said to the young husband, "When we first came to France, his tone was still a bit stiff."
The originally skeptical young couple now truly believed it and envied Herbert for having such a genius son.
Nia looked at the departing figures of the young ladies in swimsuits and asked cautiously, "Who are they?"
"Friends I met while surfing."
"So, you like that type?"
"Alright, stop fooling around and lie down to sunbathe."
"I want to help you apply sunscreen." Nia insisted.
"Okay, okay." Albert reluctantly agreed.
In fact, Nia had no experience in applying sunscreen, and in the end, she had to ask Daisy for guidance and reapply sunscreen for Albert.
Dinner was always something to look forward to, and the Anderson family unanimously agreed that French cuisine was indeed more delicious than British food.
"Where's Dad?"
Albert's gaze shifted from the French fish soup brought by the waiter, as it was rare for Herbert to miss dinnertime.
"He went to book tickets for the opera." Daisy explained, "He should be back soon, go ahead and start eating if you're hungry."
"The opera? Which opera house?" Albert felt that he wouldn't appreciate such a high-class performance.
"The Bastille Opera House."
"Tickets there aren't cheap." Albert frowned.
As the second largest opera house in France, tickets were naturally expensive.
"Herbert said that since we're in France, we shouldn't miss the opportunity to watch an opera." Daisy consoled, "Besides, our budget is quite sufficient, and this vacation is turning out to be cheaper than expected."
"When is it?" Albert asked again.
"We'll be heading there before we fly back home, right after we finish watching the opera." Daisy smiled, "Does Nia like the opera?"
"I don't know, I've never watched one." Nia shook her head, "Are operas interesting?"
"I don't think I can appreciate this kind of art. How about we change it to going to the movies instead?" Albert suggested.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible." Herbert replied.
"You already bought the tickets?" Albert asked in disbelief.
"I've made the reservation. Since we're in France, we shouldn't miss the chance to watch an opera." Herbert smiled, "I think you'll like it."
"As long as you're happy." Albert turned his head aside helplessly, not intending to dwell on this issue further. (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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