Sarah's Song

Sarah is the model for the first half of the session here, and a going away party was held this evening in her honor. She is also first of hopefully all, of those related to Studio Escalier who will have their portraits on this blog. Found a scarf for her at the second-hand store, and she wore it proudly for an impromptu session of fortune-telling, with Timothy keeping harmony on his acoustical guitar. Good food and friends before we leave for a week-long trip to Italy.
M

A French Monster

Since the Clock Contest is about a monster, and "Time" terrorizes everyone...
My entry for the "Monster Contest" is from French legend:
I checked French Monsters in History and came up with a description of La Bête du Gévaudan, ("The Beast of Gevaudan") a "terror which reigned between 1764 and 1767", a wolf-like monster who lay claim to 100 killings in a small area of France.

OK, so the description is a little depressing, but some history is good to know.




I am enjoying the current roster of votes - hoping for about 20 to choose from, so keep 'em coming. Another beautiful sunset from the 20th of June - Ahhhhhh...
M

Update on the Monster Clock Contest...

Deadline and prize for person who determines winning name chosen for my computer clock: Deadline 3 pm (USA time), on August 10th. Entries to be judged on originality, beauty, humor, and possibly a talent portion, yet to be determined. <> <> <> Grand Prize: three 5x7 photos of winner's choice, from those published throughout this blog - to be awarded first week of September, 2007. Judges votes are final - and any bribes are greatly appreciated.
Good luck, and vote often! M

The Kindness of Strangers...

"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers"... Yeah, Blanche and I can now both use that quote... Checked bike this morning; front valve was stuck and the tire was flat, so visited the bike/motorcycle shop for free valve adjustment and some free air. Rode the bike to Thouars, and was hopeful - when I started; slight breeze against me (to be at my back on the way home), but the wind shifted before I entered that town, which meant the wind was definitely against me when I returned home. Spent most of the day wandering around town - sorry, Cafe Paix (Peace Cafe) was closed, so I could not join my new friend for another "Coca" (term for Coca-Cola). Picked up a few small items from Goodwill, flea market, and at a nice shop, took some photos of a cow wading in the river, and of a healthy riverside garden, and headed home.


The town of Thouars is about 21 km from Argenton-Chateau, and there are only three very large hills, one as you first leave my town, and another at the halfway point; a small village called Massais, and the third just prior to Thouars. The shoulder along the road through Massais is rather rough, and I noted a slight increase in vibration as I coasted down into the valley before climbing their monster hill - The vibrations became much heavier, and louder, and then much worse as I struggled to reach hill top. Let us just say - the front tire was still fine, the back was not. I had just learned proper terms for ("my tire is flat"), "mon pneu est a plat", so I tried the phrase at the only tiny grocery store in town...The lady spoke "un peu" ("a little") English, asked me where I was from (-in French - which I understood), and offered to have her husband drive me home. He refused payment of any kind, as well as one of my handi-wipes for his dirty hands after crawling around under his sedan to find a place to attach a bungee cord. The driver dropped me and my wounded bike off at the same bike shop in town, and 20 Euros later, there is a lovely brand new tire and tube, fixed in less than 10 minutes. Ah, the kindness of strangers.


Please note: The photo of the bike was taken at Thouars prior to any tire related incidents. M

Double Bise

First, a quick funny story: We were eating lunch at the Tabac, (pub), and J was enjoying a wonderful cut of steak - the bartender introduced us to a gentleman who had just come in - "...he supplies the beef for our kitchen..." The farmer explained that each of his cows is named after a French politician, and I asked, "what was the cow's name for this steak?" Jacques Chirac.
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So what do you want us to find out next? Hope to have a some photograps of a few residents by the end of this week. And J indicates he will try to "do a blog page", too.
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To answer a question about clothing/style differences: Teenagers appear to be just as nervous about "wearing the right stuff" here as in the USA; slightly less baggy/hip hop-styles, more fitted jackets, lot of layers/scarves, and vests for the girls, and and no teenagers around town or shopping in sweats, PJ bottoms, or flip flops. I have noticed logos and patches with "American" messages appear to be popular - concert shirts and the peace sign/Smiley Face are universal. All ages seem more "aware" of dressing up to "go out". Although the weather has not been very warm yet, it is very unusual to see anyone wearing shorts. A few students here cause a bit of a shock every time they go running in shorts. Other differences in style are more subtle; women greet close friends, (men and women), with a "double bise", or air kiss to each cheek, and even teenage boys will greet young men formally with a handshake, or exchange a double bise with teenage girls who are friends. Overall, many of the women seem to favor wearing some type of scarf to keep their necks covered, and enjoy the same types of jewelry popular in the states.
Early July will find us in Florence, Italy -and not sure if frequent updates to the blog will be possible while there, so I will try to write more frequently this week.

Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice celebration last night - with a band, dancing, potluck with J's class, and a bonfire. View of the town and the cathedral from a hill across the river, and a few blurred shots of the gentlemen playing French horns, and the dancers circling the bonfire, singing what could have been ancient folk songs.

Work, Wind, Water....and a Contest!

A few questions answered from the last few postings: No, have not seen any working windmills, although the blades on the mill in the photo from a few days ago can be fanned out to catch the wind - that windmill was right along a main route on the outside of town, (less than a 1/2 mile from SHOPI). There are wind farms, which we viewed during our train ride from Paris to this location, (please disregard the fuzzy image - we were traveling at about 100 mph when it was taken...). Have seen a few water wheels/mills at the various rivers near here - not sure if they are decorative or still in use, most are now private homes.
Second, yes, a physiotherapist and a kinesiotherapist are both employed in this town - both share a neat little office near the SHOPI - they seem to do a booming business, but sorry, no physical therapist assistants, not approved to practice in France. Patients do not seem to need a physician referral prior to attending therapy, and there is also at least one chiropractor who also lives here in town. No hospital here, but an ambulance service and a large retirement/nursing home probably employs a few other medical staff.

As for J adding some comments - he is not big on typing, and I have not taken dictation for about 4-5 years, but may have to get the hang of it again.

Finally - Contest Time! Need help naming the purply-pink monster clock on my computer.
Open to all (decent) suggestions. Have not decided what the winner will receive, but will keep the contest going for about a month. Vote early and vote often - leave your suggestions in the comment area - and please sign a name, to help keep track. Thanks for your help.
M

Cat Cafe

Bike trip to Thouars today - 21 km/each way, took the other loaner bike which seemed lighter, seat is more comfortable, and it has a nice box on the back to haul stuff. Breezy/cool, overcast most of the day. Arrived just as the flea market was closing from 11:30-2 p.m. for lunch, so cruised around the town for a bit - another medieval town on a hill, which offered a true medieval structure still standing near the town's largest cathedral. Joined a "new friend" for a quick Coca-cola (he was sitting there first, I just joined him at the table...) After checking out the junk at the flea market, admired some lavender across the road - then headed home. I am no Lance, that's for sure. M

Wind

Answer #6 - Critter Count...Current count of all sightings since 17th of May: Rabbits (6) wild; Chickens/roosters (7) domestic and yes, still clucking; Dogs (too many to count - we are two doors down from a veterinarian); Cats (7-8) some "street cats", some domestic + (2) really cute kittens; Squirrels (none); Raccoons (also none); Donkeys (4); Horses (10-12); Cows (more than I or anyone else, for that matter - can count), Other? Yes, Fox (1), although I'm not sure if roadkill counts...; Bats (also, unable to get accurate count for obvious reasons); Snails (about 4-5 live, usually on the ground, usually slow movers, and also, usually about 3-4" long); Geckos (too many...too quick). Hope that answers that question, thus far...
M

Answers #5

Had a few questions about employment; France hovers around 10% unemployment, which is probably more evident in the urban areas such as Paris. In checking some statistics, French wages tend to be lower than those in USA, and the French are taxed at about +40%. Keep in mind though, Socialist medicine offers coverage for everyone at what Americans would consider very low rates, and although I am not aware if the amount of time needed to get a doctor appointment is much longer than the US, reports from my sources here indicate "pretty quick turn around times". So with wages, taxes, and the price of gas in mind, people who live here seem to do pretty well. They are obviously frugal with their earnings, seem to take care of the environment with strict rules for recycling, carrying baskets or reusing heavier bags at the grocery store (where; if you forget to bring a bag - they will offer a used box, or sell you a reusable bag), and many ride bicycles instead of driving. The residents here also appear to take great care of their properties, some which may have been in their families for generations.


Also had some questions about the students in the art school: The other art students are from a variety of places, are a variety of ages, and have various levels of comfort levels with the aspect of "being in France". A student from Belgium is fluent in at least three languages that I know of; Dutch, French, and English, although he probably knows German also. It was interesting when using a term such as "culture shock", he was confused as to whether I was in shock, (medically), or I was shocked by something in the culture, (dismayed). I had to explain the basis of this American term was a common book title for those traveling to other countries - to instruct a person in the differences in cultures. Two other students are from New Zealand, and they both have offered numerous points about their history, the wildlife/plants, and the culture of their island. The similarities are striking when considering struggles of native people from their land and from USA. And discussions about ecology and global warming have been eye-opening. A few other student are first-timers to Europe, like me, and are missing some truly American experiences that are not available in this area of France.

I have been asked, again, if the French are rude: Some of the classmates may disagree, but in my opinion, NO, I have not yet met a rude French person. Some are more willing to try to communicate in either broken English to my broken French, or able use gestures to get our point across, and some do not. But this is a small town, they know "the strangers" are only here for a few months, then are gone. But most are helpful, no matter what the language. I figure those over the age of 70 have lived though the memories of a war on their land, occupation of this town, and the memories of losing family and friends in that war. I also believe knowing and appreciating at least a portion of a country's history/traditions/culture/religions makes a transition into another country a whole lot easier.




Now to spend some Euros. And yes, that is a snail in the road...
M

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