 To Philippe's surprise, Bergues proves to be a charming place teeming with warm, friendly people and co-workers.Soon, he is completely won over, eating smelly Maroilles cheese; talking to virtually every local (by delivering their mail, and accepting the recipients' invitation for a drink); playing at the beach; playing the carillon at the bell tower together, drinking beer like a local, going to an RC Lens football match and so forth.He tries to describe the happy turn of events to his wife who has remained in the South with their young son, but she does not believe him.