Halloween in Hautrage

Pumpkin Man came to Hautrage even though there were no girls to be scared.

We had no idea what would happen on Halloween, since this is our first year here. We had our pumpkin carved and illuminated. We passed the word at work that we would welcome trick-or-treaters, and one of our colleagues, who lives in the next village over, brought his kids and their Belgian friends by. We asked the Belgians what they say when they trick or treat and one replied, with a puzzled look, "Merci." So we had to rephrase by asking what they say when they knock on the door. We got two answers: "bonbons ou mort" (candy or death) or bonbons ou sort (we're guessing this means "give us candy or be prepared to meet your fate").

We were rather disappointed that these were our only trick-or-treaters, but you know, that's only a few less than what we normally get at home in Columbia. Next year we'll make sure the neighbors know we're ready and willing to hand out American treats.