Our family spent three nights in Bayeux in November 2019. My oldest son (16) is a huge WWII buff, and was very excited to see the beaches. He’s also a really good bowler, and thought it would be fun to go bowling in France. So my husband took him to the bowling alley one night. He had what a lot of us travelers seek - a real connection with locals.
There was a league bowling that night, and only one lane available. So my son and husband bowl a couple of games, and son bowled over 200. An older gentleman named Ben in the league noticed, and offered my son the use of his ball. Using a house ball vs. a “real” ball makes a BIG difference. My son’s game improved with the real ball, and soon the league bowlers took a break and started watching my son, cheering him on.
My husband and son had such a great time chatting with Ben, and experiencing league night at a French bowling alley - it includes appetizers, wine and a full meal. The French have got life figured out!
My husband and son returned to the bowling alley the next night. As soon as they walked in, the owner called my son over, and offered him the use of his nephew’s ball. My son said he felt like family. I told him that he managed to do what most of us strive for - to live like a local. This is one of his favorite experiences from the trip.