Michel took Alec and me to a flea market about 40 minutes from Lessy.
Alec has no trouble bartering in French, asking the age of swords, what
country they were made and most important, if he could get it for
less. We returned home with a saber from the late 1800's, German
British he thinks and a hat that looks like it if from the French Foreign
legion.
Our room-remember we share a room- is becoming more like
a military museum every day. Needless to say Alec was floating on
air.
Michel had to return to Metz in the afternoon for "the vote." All the
mayors gathered from around France to vote for the members of the
Senate. I don't think Michel, or anyone I have talked with, is
very fond of Sarkozy.
Later in the day ,we went to another flea market. Alec, the history
buff that he is, informed me about all the wars that were fought
upon these lands..Every now and then I have to say,
"Alec, and now for a moment of silence, no more history lessons."
Moi, I bought a pair of earrings for 1 euro and a pamphlet for
conjugating French verbs!
This evening we went to Fred and Cathy's for appetizers.
Several of Rachel's friends gathered along with their children.
I felt quite comfortable in this environment, even with my limited French.
Everyone was helpful, adding the French word I searched for when I became
stuck. Rachel's friends are quite welcoming and interested in talking with this
Canadian. They wanted to know all about Canada and living in the USA.
It is so difficult to say France is this way or that, or the USA or Canada
is this way or that. We are nations of people, so individual and different.
It is very tempting to make generalizations, like the French educational
system is crazy! Didn't I already say that?
Alec has no trouble bartering in French, asking the age of swords, what
country they were made and most important, if he could get it for
less. We returned home with a saber from the late 1800's, German
British he thinks and a hat that looks like it if from the French Foreign
legion.
Our room-remember we share a room- is becoming more like
a military museum every day. Needless to say Alec was floating on
air.
Michel had to return to Metz in the afternoon for "the vote." All the
mayors gathered from around France to vote for the members of the
Senate. I don't think Michel, or anyone I have talked with, is
very fond of Sarkozy.
Later in the day ,we went to another flea market. Alec, the history
buff that he is, informed me about all the wars that were fought
upon these lands..Every now and then I have to say,
"Alec, and now for a moment of silence, no more history lessons."
Moi, I bought a pair of earrings for 1 euro and a pamphlet for
conjugating French verbs!
This evening we went to Fred and Cathy's for appetizers.
Several of Rachel's friends gathered along with their children.
I felt quite comfortable in this environment, even with my limited French.
Everyone was helpful, adding the French word I searched for when I became
stuck. Rachel's friends are quite welcoming and interested in talking with this
Canadian. They wanted to know all about Canada and living in the USA.
It is so difficult to say France is this way or that, or the USA or Canada
is this way or that. We are nations of people, so individual and different.
It is very tempting to make generalizations, like the French educational
system is crazy! Didn't I already say that?
Sounds like you and Alec are having a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteSteve and I talked about asking Jeff over for dinner and we realized that we don't have a phone number for him. All I have is your cell number. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a home cooked meal and a beer with us. What's the best way to get in touch with him?
467.1606
ReplyDeleteAsk Jeff to bring the beer and maybe
even Titus, his service dog from
St. Francis. I am sure Rachel
would love Titus, perhaps your
dog too.
Will do!
ReplyDeleteThe gals are supposed to come over tonight for our "non-book" club as last week got crazy for all of us.
Tom tried to reach Jeff the other night when I was outta town. But didn't have the right number!
ReplyDeleteI love how Alec is nailing this French thing, taking the good stuff and shopping at flea markets! He's a good roll model for us all.
Miss you, love reading the blog.
Bonsoir mon ami, Beth