Silly Stuff

Silly stuff today: First, posters for an antique auto grand prix.

A lesson on the proper way to dry spinach...

Floor patterns and chair textures.
"Statue poser"...?

Thanks for the continued comments and questions. We're having a good time and learning much about this region and ourselves. M

Bringing up Conversation

Wacky day today - brisk winds, temps mid 60's to 70's, rain, clouds, 2-3 minutes of sun, rain, clouds, repeat all day. Have been reading some other blogs out there, impressed with those stories from individuals who are able to constantly travel; pilots, nurses, professors, and others. Some blogs focus on political differences and difficulties, some on beauty, and yet other blogs live and thrive on the comments and photographs of others. Had some questions that have proven difficult to fully answer: #1 History: Dry, encylopeadic history is not difficult to find - Yes, able to find images of bombed out areas of France during lots of different wars, in fact my photo of the Saumur bridge over the Loire River had a much different look (from a Google Image search), in late June 1940, when it was bombed to discourage tanks from taking over, but I want to be able to tell the stories from the people, and that is the difficult task - #2 Conversations: French culture limits some conversations that would be easy in USA - employment, wages, living arrangements, family history may all prove to be taboo subjects with some residents. But I will strive to try and get some personal stories and photographs. Photo for today - taken at 10:30 p.m. yesterday from our balcony - storms moved in yesterday and stayed around for today. Stay tuned. M

One Month

So it has been a month of being out of the US, longest vacation ever. Biked about 16 km today - was overcast, but the humidity has been climbing over the past week. Have learned more about this region's history: Was occupied during WW II, some report a sense of "resistance" is still felt. Was imagining this landscape during war, and the poverty and loss which followed. Plan to take some portraits of the people, along with more landscape and architecture. Have finalized our "vacation within a vacation"; Pisa and Florence, Italy in early July for 1 week. Found travel is quicker and easier taking a train (northeast 2-1/2 hours) to Paris, then getting on a plane to Italy for about 1-1/2 hours (southeast), than it would be to try to travel southeast from where we are. Everything must go through Pairs first - a statement probably started by Napoleon. Discovered "Amazon UK", and ordered an Italian phrasebook, along with two other books about France - package got here in about three days - pretty amazing. M

Thanksgiving

I will plan to post thoughts in the mornings/photos later in the evening.

Those items I am thankful for: A large, sunny, beautiful apartment overlooking this valley of Southwest France. A well-stocked living space; with books, a bed, art supplies, food and drink. Having no curtains on my bathroom window - look out during a shower and admire a walnut tree, our garden, and hillsides beyond. Good company in the school's classmates and instructors. A stove and oven to cook fresh food. A large refrigerator, a digital camera, and a laptop computer. Friendly people around town, willing to try to converse in a mixture of a language they know, and we are learning. Laughter, sharing stories,and learning histories of the people, the town and this country. The light of the sun glowing from 5 a.m. until just prior to 11 p.m. Pizza Truck, Turnbuckle the cat, choosing between seven shirts and 4 pants, flowers on the front steps, and fresh, hot baguettes every morning. Being married for 20 years. Having good friends and supportive family. Things I do not miss? Cleaning a microwave, office gossip, 4-slice toaster, gas stations, TV, too many kitchen tools and appliances, junk mail/email, meetings that go too long, and my cell phone ringing.

Answers #4

Culture shock from not driving? Well, I love to drive, and not jumping into into a car and driving somewhere would sound rather shocking, but no I have not missed it yet. Most people in town have at least one car or truck, and yes there are a few monster-sized vehicles, but they are odd to see, and not many around. A few bus routes run through this town to other larger cities, and the buses are usually pretty full. Culture shock from not working? No, go for walks or bike rides and take pictures, or try to converse with business owners and residents in a somewhat recognizable fashion. Signed up for an online college course and will be taking a classroom course when I return, so I am preparing for some topics by studying online. I like doing "nothing" (just ask my co-workers). Am I meditating? Maybe, or perhaps just "stopping" to reflect on career and consider future options without interruptions such as telephone, or TV, or junk food, or junk mail. What do I miss? Family and friends - in person, although the email has been outstanding. Maybe Mexican food, (more obvious since another classmate is currently going through withdrawal at a much worse level), maybe our cat; since we do not have a pet here, but are happy to welcome the instructor's cat, "Turnbuckle" when she visits our garden from four doors down. What am I considering changing when I return home? Well, if we don't move the TV completely out, at least to a farther corner of the house. Do we need a bunch of never-used stuff, clothes we seldom wear, and do we need to drive cars to close-by targets; such as work? I may be streamlining when I return, because I haven't missed not having that stuff here. As for "...where's the closest golf course...?" The nearest "Championship Golf Course" is 25 minutes by car - sorry. Next blog? What I DO have here. M

Answers #3

Received a question about the home and apartment styles in this region, as well other questions about the residents. When looking at the majority of homes around this region, am immediately struck by the similarities between old (1800's), ancient (18th century and older), and new construction. Most homes are of a tan or beige stucco-type exterior, with a few stone homes of the same color. The majority of homes have red rounded clay tiles, with a few structures built with slate (shiny gray) tile roofs. Not yet seen USA-style standard shingle homes. Some homes have an obvious Spanish influence in the design, and some seem almost of Gothic or Craftsman style in the use of wooden supports under the eaves. Many people here live in apartments or homes of various sizes, and most people of working age have to commute to the nearby larger communities for work. Other than small, privately-owned businesses, (motorcycle repair, bakery, hairstylists, butcher), and government businesses, (Post Office, City Hall, Visitor's Center), there is no "industry" in this area other than farming.

French Highlands

Highland Games today in Bressuire - took a van with four other classmates for the afternoon- gray day with occasional sprinkles, but was interesting to see how other countries run an event such as this. Seemed like a lot of ex-pats at the event - several groups of people speaking English throughout the day. Held at the Bressuire Chateau which consists of the original castle ruins, and a newer chateau structure, which is also under renovation. The sporting field was a corner of the ancient courtyard, and the crumbling archways, and stone structures made for an interesting backdrop. Final photo was taken under a red and gold tent, so the color may appear a little more yellow than normal... the fish and chips in the foreground marked an end to my official title of vegetarian, but the fish was wonderful. J enjoyed sausages, and both plates included slices of a baguette, cheese, apple, and french fries; all for 5 Euros. Met the 2005/2006 World Champion, and got his autograph!

Answer #2

Another nice, relaxing, sunny, funny day here in France. J painted for a few hours in one of the main squares today, but took a break to pose by one of the cuter cars in town. Finished another good book, and some of my friends will be happy to note more fiction than non-fiction. Enjoyed another pizza from the pizza truck again tonight; my usual, and J tried (first) a pizza with artichokes, onion, tuna, asparagus, and a raw egg (yuck!), then switched to another pizza with creme fresh (cheesy-sour cream), ham, onion, and chevre (goat) cheese, (yum!). Have been enjoying learning more about the other students in J's class, and was entertained this evening by one trying to read French conversational statements from a French/English translation book - comparable to good stand-up comedy. The evenings here are glorious; light, cool breeze, sundown is just now occurring at 10:30 at night; with hues varying from deep purple to soft yellowish-pink. Have not mentioned the unusual aspect of the skies in this area, we do not seem to be in a major flight zone, very few jet trails in the sky - makes for some "purity of the sky", which sounds unusual, but to experience it is great! Now, for another answer to a question - move here permanently? Could see a summer home, if we had the money...Could see retiring here six months out of the year, if we had the money... Could imagine a lot of different possibilities, but with families and friends and a cat in USA, unless they consider coming along, it would be a tough move. But the light, and the slow pace, and the richness of the food and drink are going to be hard to replicate when we return. Have a great weekend. M

Answers #1

Good, some questions! As for tornadoes, yes, as a matter of fact France has more tornado activity than any other European country - although based on the size and the terrain, "US World and News Reports" indicated this country has about the same percentage of incidence of tornadoes, as New England does in USA. It seems the lack of wide open terrain (like Kansas), limits the growth and duration of tornadoes in France.




Also a question about drivers in France: Have not spent much time in Paris, where there are plenty of rowdy drivers, but in this region many of the roads are simple 2 lane roads, with minimal paved shoulders. When riding on bicycle you feel a lot more at ease here, than on similar roads in the US. The drivers will move away from the rider well in advance, with his right turn signal on; indicating to any other drivers behind to also swing wide. The are a few towns near here where bicycle lanes are separate from the main car lane and are clearly indicated on the roads.

Now for a math problem: Gas here is pretty expensive; figure 75 cents (US dollar) to every one Euro. ONE LITER of gas is 1.35 to 1.45 around here - multiplied by about 5 (for a gallon) = about $9.78 per gallon (US dollars). A lot of scooters and motorcycles around, and that is where the problem comes in... Many of the younger drivers (males 16-25 years old) prefer 2-wheeled transportation, and between the winding, skinny, two-lane roads, and the large stone walls and chateaus near the roads, and your occasional cow wandering into the road you have a high incidence of motorcycle fatalities.
So, overall? Yeah, the cars and trucks are fine - the motorcycles and scooters are scary.

Speaking of wheels, as for what I am up to for future plans when I return to good 'ol USA?, you'll have to wait until another blog.
M

You Tell Me...

From the Farmer's Market this morning...
Went for more flea market finds with one of the instructors and his friend from Seattle. Many of the towns have these flea market/goodwill locations, this one was established by a local priest, and has grown to enormous proportions. Good news and bad news, though: Good news; they had amazing things, bright and shining in the sun and in the 2-3 large buildings. Bad news; they were closed on Thursdays, (gate was open to allow for deliveries, and that is how we "snuck" in) - so they did allow us to wander and look at a few items before being ushered out. May try to get back on one of their open days.
Gotten a few wheels spinning on the home front for future plans, and hope, with more time here, more ideas for my future will become evident.
Need some help with the blog, though - looking for ideas and suggestions of what people want to know about this area of southwest France, or what situations that are different or similar to USA. As to some questions received: "...how about the chocolate?" The chocolate is rich, dark, offers a sweet/mildly bitter flavor with some, and the glace (ice cream) is amazing. Tried three different places for chocolate ice cream, along with a coconut that offers small chunks (not flakes), of coconut in a very rich creamy base, and a mildly sweet pistacio; creamier than anything ever in the USA. We are usually stretching our legs when we stop for ice cream - so as of yet, no guilt!
So ask away, "you tell me", what do you want to know?
M

Heaven Above

The bike ride this morning was great, cool and overcast, with an occasional sprinkle, and of course since no sunblock - Increased my freckles per square inch ratio.

Images from St. Eglise Cathedral, mixed in some images of "heaven above", taken last night off our veranda.

Enjoy. M.

Kilometers to Miles

A quick note before posting my regular blog of the day: Planning a quick bike ride to nearby town of Bressuire, France this morning, and was nervous with the "17 km" noted on my map. Did some quick calculations and realize, heck, that's only about 10 miles! Loaner bikes here are pretty nice, and J checked the bike. Grab my compass, my map, some cash, my phone, and some band-aids - and I am set. Photos soon!
M

First Painting Posted / Trip to Saumur.

"Waterfall - Argenton Chateau" J. Reger - 3rd June, 2007





Day trip to Saumur yesterday, beautiful weather all day, mid 80's with light breeze. The town's Chateau de Saumur is rumored to be one of the castles used for inspiration for Disney's Cinderella's Castle, unable to confirm that report with further research - but the castle sure looks familiar if you've ever been to Disneyland. This castle is just a few centuries older.

Saumur was also the assigned city for France's Cavalry - predating Napoleon, and the city remains the headquarters of the French Cavalry School, as well as regarded as the nation's center of horsemanship and all things equine. The photo on right is a partial shot of the classrooms to the north of the school. Several indoor and outdoor riding areas also surround the school.
The photo below, left is of one of the jogging tracks surrounding each side of the school, a soft sand/dirt track allows for excellent footing for which to cool down the hoses after exercise.

Jade Dalleau, jounalist, notes:

"Famed throughout the world, the Cadre Noir (Black Squad) of Saumur is the keeper of an equestrian tradition that is an integral part of France’s cultural heritage. Its most noble mission: teaching."

Cadre Noir link