“I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences. Today is one of those experiences.”
This quote by Sonia Sotomayer sums up my thoughts so far about my French adventure. Here’s the story…….
This was my last week of classes at the french school. As I look back on my time there, I am amazed at how much I have learned, how much I have done and how many friends I have made. I can’t begin to tell you how much the people I have met in the last four weeks in these classes have touched my heart. It’s an interesting experience doing something like this. Because of the intensity of the classes (every morning for 3 hours) and the continuous contact with the other students during the classes as well as during the extra-curricular activities, you find yourself bonding with people in an unusual way…..and, very quickly. And, you find yourself making unexpected friends. At least I did. The most remarkable thing for me is that the people I became closest to here, don’t speak any english. In an earlier post, I said we wouldn’t get enough of the language to really get to know each other. I was wrong. And, we were able to do it through the use of the french language, which none of us knew when we started! Extraordinary!
My Brazilian friend summed it up quite well when we all went to dinner last night for one more time before we all go our separate ways. She said that she has had a most magnificent experience at the school. One that she might never have again. When would she again ever have an opportunity to make friends with so many people from so many cultures. The four of us at dinner last night noted that we were even from four different continents….South American (Brazil), Asia (Japan), Europe (Switzerland) and North America (USA). Again, extraordinary! What a wonderful and surprising outcome to the first part of my Aix en Provence adventure….a group of ordinary people (one teacher, two retirees, and one customer service expert….among others) having a quite extraordinary experience!
In a way, I’m sad to see it end. But, I know it must in order for all of us to move forward to the next thing…..whatever that is. But, I have to say…it’s bittersweet……
(Sorry for the poor quality of the picture. We were in a Cuban restaurant whose lights were pink. Very difficult for pictures!)
In addition to saying good-bye to my new friends, I have some other experiences to share as well. On Tuesday of this week, I ventured out on my own for lunch again and found a great lunch spot that was recommended by my San Luis Obispo “coach”, called Chez Fanny. Cute place with about 8 tables. Kind of like the other restaurant, but a little more upscale…..not much. What a great time. Not only was the food good, but I think it was the first time since I have been taking the french classes that I realized that I could communicate with a french person. The restaurant was quite busy. I sat down at the only available table, which was for two people. Another woman who was also there alone came in and was waiting for a table. I offered her the seat across from me and she accepted. We talked for almost two hours….en français. She was very kind…..and patient! And, in the end, we both had a nice lunch and a good conversation! Score!
Also, visited the other little lunch restaurant together with my friends from the school for one last time before we move along. (I’ll be back for lunch again. I have more time in Aix….but, on my own.) Meet the nice ladies who have been feeding us for these many weeks!
I also attended an interesting wine class that was set up by the school. One of the local merchants came to talk to us about the wines of France. It was quite informative and a lot of fun! And, we tasted some interesting wines from all over France. My pastor friend from Holland let the speaker know that I worked in a winery in California. I think the speaker was a little intimidated. But, the discussion with him was fun. The next day in class, my friend from Holland said that he was quite impressed with my knowledge of wines. I was the only woman in the class, and I knew the most about the wine. He thought that was interesting. I think he is interesting! HA! I am going to dedicate one post to my wine tasting experiences so far. I’ll include this one. Stay tuned!
I also attended an interesting art exhibit this week. Monique, who owns the “bastide” where I am staying has a gallery on the lower level of the building where she sponsors rotating art exhibits. She invited me to attend an event that was going on this week. I really didn’t know what it was about, but decided I should go, at least for a short time in a show of support. As it turns out, it was a showing of her work, which was spectacular! Who knew! I met some very interesting people there from France, Italy and the United States. And, I met, again, Monique’s delightful mother, Simone. When I tried to talk to her in French, she once again, said that she doesn’t speak “American”. So much for my progress with the language. How funny! Anyway, it was a great time!
I am now in Les Baux de Provence having a different kind of experience….an actual vacation….sans (without) homework. HA! so far, this is proving to be an extraordinary experience as well. I’ll fill you in on the next post!
I am meeting some American friends in Avignon tomorrow for some wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape. We have an appointment with Beaucastel, among others for learning about and tasting the wines from this famous region. I’m looking forward to it.
So, here’s to extraordinary times with ordinary people. Can it get any better?!
Salut!
Travel With Betsy 
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