Day 2 for those keeping track….second full day en Aix en Provence, France. My post title telling you sometimes I think I’m crazy! This might be one of those moments where I fit into that category! But, I have to give myself some slack…honestly! I’m accepting this challenge, knowing I’ll get through these moments that one might consider lonely..perhaps accentuated by the fact that in a foreign country with a language barrier, it creates a bit of isolation when one is intimidated by the mere idea of speaking. Does it help when I have French TV channels playing in the background…not so much, but on game shows I can decipher what is being asked and many times figure out the correct answer…but this isn’t a game show! It’s the fear of not speaking where I could be misunderstood…but if I don’t try…shame on me. I’ll try to put myself into conditions where they might forgive my mistakes…point taken.
I was attempting entry at an exhibition of incredible tapestries, they explained that they would be closing the entry in half an hour (mid-day)…I didn’t understand that I would be asked to leave…should’ve entered at a later time….lesson learned. I did get some information about a music festival in June (juin) that I must get a ticket for on May 20th (which was conveyed in both languages) so I accomplished something with pride! From here I went to an incredible church…le Cathedrale Saint Saveur ( excuse the absence of grammatical accents…my computer doesn’t offer them…I’m sure they do but how? I’m not that well-versed in this blogging process or my new lap top).
I’ve got a tour scheduled tomorrow for “The Steps of Cezanne” which will take me through many landmarks for the painter who was born here and is a source of pride for this region. It was so popular for many artists…this area of Provence. I even stopped by an English book store to find a little more history along with paintings they will undoubtedly be discussing (or at least pointing out) tomorrow.
I have a couple more activities scheduled to look forward to and tell you about in future posts. I shall also tell you about my apartment in posts to come….how we are spoiled in the US but it still works.
Sorry about the appearance of these photos. I’ll keep trying!
Flora MacLean says:
Hi Lisa,
I just sent you an email but now I’m home and got to read your blog. Yes, there definitely will be a learning curve with the language but it sounds like you are stepping up to the plate and will ultimately conquer this obstacle. You are a very capable woman.
The pictures are beautiful. I’m living your experience vicariously through your blog and emails. Jiller’s just sent me a text that tomorrow night works better for her schedule so she will come to the house at 6:00. I’m thinking we will go out to Kaliescope (sp??) Pizza tomorrow night.
Right now I put chicken in the oven and I’m either going to make chicken, jasmine rice and a salad….or I may make some chicken enchiladas. Have to see what I have in the cupboard.
My brother Bob and his wife Barbara arrived late yesterday and I cooked dinner and they stayed til 9:00. That was a bit too late for me so I may have to kick them out at 8:30 so I have plenty of time to rest before falling asleep.
Love you,
Flora