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

Shutter Dogs

A description of our living arrangements while in France: The apartment building was built in the mid 1850's, and consists of two apartments on the lower level, the first; with one bedroom, and ours; which has a second bedroom/classroom off the bedroom/main foyer area. Parquet wood floors are found throughout, with hard tiles in the foyer and the other apartment next door, and newer small ceramic tiles in the baths and kitchens. Upstairs there are two 2-bedroom apartments, one overlooks the street, and the other overlooks same garden we can view out our apartment windows. Lace curtains on the front of the building, along with the requisite heavy wooden shutters, while on the back - shutters only, which is becoming an interesting hobby - every night, close the shutters so you can sleep, otherwise the sun is up around 5:30 a.m., and it does not set until almost 11 p.m. Steam heat is wonderful for cool morning showers, and the washing machine is free/1 Euro for 1 dryer cycle, or you can hang your clothes in the basement or in the garden.
Our hosts/instructors have furnished these apartments with a variety of antiques with supplements from IKEA (inexpensive sleek decorating, and nice cookware, too!), and the kitchens are fully stocked with all cooking utensils and dinnerware.












First, a shutter lock, ("shutter dog"), holds shutter open against the building, usually made of wrought iron. Anchors at back of our building are upper torso of a figure with a hat, have seen others around town with figures of horses or decorative designs, all the way to a simple flat piece of metal. Anchors are lifted on their hinges to unlock, and swing away from the shutters to allow shutter to be closed over the window.


















Outside our front entrance to the apartment, a view of the smaller square where we live, with the cathedral's bell tower in the distance.




Invited on a scavenger hunt through a local flea market; all purchased after digging though glassware, cookware, and other assorted treasures at an outdoor area of rows and rows of tables. Rainwater had to be poured out first, before inspection: The cost? less than 5 Euros ($6.75) for everything, including a wire egg basket and a cup/saucer with a kangaroo design - (which did not fit on the buffet) - a birthday gift for a classmate from New Zealand.
Love Goodwill... M

Counting Apricots and Counting on Change

Thursday last day of May 2007 - 3:30 p.m.
Another rainy day here in southwest France, mid 60's to 70's outside with a light breeze.
Most of the "votes" from my survey indicate a preference for the continuous format, and I am happy to provide. I will warn you though, I get a little political today. Quiche last night with spinach, and a touch of ham/bacon? Not sure, so read on....









I am starstruck every time I enter the local SHOPI, it is a small store by USA standards, but with a good selection of everything I need. Some American items seem unavailable; cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, for example, and no cheeses look quite like cheddar. Bacon seems to take strange packaging; either small chopped pieces, or in packages as "Jambon" (ham), and usually smoked but not quite the color of ham, and not quite the color of bacon. Chocolates of all types of sizes and colors, with up to 80% dark cocoa/chocolate, and M&M's sit nearby in easily recognizable packages. I could easily spend an hour in the store, "reading" labels and comprehending maybe 20%, maybe 50%, maybe more. I wandered around the laundry soaps, amused that it is a universal marketing ploy to present this type of soap in either bright blue or orange plastic bottles, with brightly-colored labels offering all types of magical properties. The soap I purchased was on a whim based on the name; "Le Chat" (cat) with a red cat's cartoon face on the front. I like cats, although I'm unsure how they get laundry cleaner.









The language difficulties make me think of how foreigners to USA must feel overwhelmed by the choices in our grocery stores. I've been in line in USA when the person ahead of me does not speak English, and is trying to communicate with the cashier. Do they understand the cashier is describing the special of the day, or asking for coupons or "store discount card"? I know I have been nervous when the cashiers here, ask me questions in a language I do not understand. I also remember looking at books a month or so ago at my local library, and being aware of a mother with two children entering the library. The eldest daughter asked the librarian for the "Spanish language books", an area around the corner from where I stood, and I did not know it existed. I walked over after the family had left, and was disappointed in the library/city/government for the small area of only one shelf that offered limited choices for someone who probably did not read English very well. With what little Spanish I can read, the choices were lousy. Then I realized I should not be angry at the library, a struggling institution limited by taxpayer's dollars for every book they put on the shelf. I am angry at myself - for not being aware of others who also may be nervous about entering a foreign-language business. This person wanted to be part of the community by utilizing the same library as her children, but with limited choices may not return for choices for herself. <<<>>>
Here I am using children's books and menus, and listening to foreign-language radio to try to grasp as much as I can. I am nervous every time I interact with someone "of the town", but I'm getting better. I requested fresh fruit and vegetables at the farmer's market today and the farmers did not "correct" my pronunciations this week, although one laughed with me, as I tried to hold up the proper fingers (counting with thumb first, then index, then middle, then ring finger - but no pinkie!), to indicate only four apricots. And I understood the small amount of money he requested -offering the correct combination of coins needed.










I am struggling here, and I am struggling with how to make opportunities better when I get back; where my home is, where my grocery store is, and where the library where I grew up is.
Wherever you are, enjoy the knowledge you possess and be charitable to those who do not yet understand the traditions or language of your land.
M

Surveys, Burros and Baking

Sunday, 10 pm - was a cold, wet, windy day. Walked in the blowing rain to SHOPI for a few necessities, but had to check the French dictionary before setting out - trying to bake today, and wasn't sure how to translate baking powder "levure", baking soda"bicarbonate", or cinnamon, "cannelle". J created a wonderful honey cake, and we shared it with the housemates. Everyone was hibernating in their rooms - trying to stay warm & cozy.








Yesterday we went for a walk in a new direction, and found a new friend. One of the instructors knows his name, and that he likes carrots, so I saved a few from our Sunday night vegetable soup for my new furry friend.








Want to take a survey as I finish up my first month of blogging: Am considering a single-page format (a page per day), instead of one continuous long line of entries, but not sure if my "subscribers" read the most recent day, and don't bother going back over "old" entries. Please leave a comment before June 1st - and let me know - a page a day, or a continuous "stream" of blogs - your votes count!

What To Eat

I though you might enjoy some menu descriptions: Got out two of our French/English dictionaries and translated a few menus. First, from Pizza Truck; "jambon blanc"= white ham, "champignons" = mushrooms, "poivrons" = sweet peppers, "saucisson sec" = salami, "merguez"= red sausage, "andouillette" = pork tripe, "lardons" = bacon, "magrets de canard fume" = smoked duck breast, the "quatre fromage/fromagere" = 4-cheese/5 cheese combination - all flavorful, and some stinky! "Ananas" = pineapple, "pommes de terre" = potatoes, "oeuf" = egg, "saumon" = salmon, "thon" = tuna, and "miettes de surimi et de crabe, ecrevisses, crevettes" = crabmeat, crawfish, and shrimp.
Sorry - but I'm going for the (safe) quatre fromage again tonight.



At the river view restaurant the menu includes simple pizzas, along with; "tartare frite" = raw chopped steak with french fries, "escalope de Volaille Normande" = baked turkey breast with white sauce, "choucroute de la Mer" = sauerkraut & fish, "fondue Bourguignonne" = hot burgundy-based sauce with onion, mushroom, bacon, and shallots - with beef to dip/cook in the sauce, and to finish; "hache a cheval" = ground horsemeat, and "foie gras maison" = house specialty - fatted goose or duck liver pate.

I'm not sure if these descriptions made you hungry or not, but there are no words to describe the tastes or smells of these foods that have been around for hundreds (if not thousands) of years in this region. I also appreciate that the food is unbelievably fresh - most items are from the region, or within a few hours drive of this village - with no added hormones, preservatives, or additives; everything just tastes pure...

I apologize in advance for any mis-spellings - I'm sure some of my classmates at Alliance Francaise in Chicago will find some food that was not spelled correctly. Pardon!
M