UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY – Dr. Cindy Waters

Dorothy said it & I echo that sentiment… there truly is no place like home!  I’ve been back to the farm for less than 24 hours… & how nice to be back, even among chaos!!

Let’s recap the travel home…. Left Paris hotel Sunday morning (Paris time)—up @ 5:30—bus to airport, through security check, & I was pulled to the “pat down” line- good grief!! Flew to Frankfort—enjoyed Lufthansa airlines—we were in the exit row, so tons of leg room—would’ve liked to take that plane to Chicago!! Landed in Frankfort—note to self—AVOID FRANKFORTAIRPORT if at all possible!! Landed out on the tarmac—way out– & in pouring rain, to bus; then to terminal; had 30 min. til boarding & no gate listed,  then found a board that said 1B—we were steps from B1 gate, but figured it couldn’t be that easy… it wasn’t!  Asked the gate agent at B1 Condor Airlines gate—she was rude rude rude! Reprimanded us, told us we must read the board to know where to go; that we needed to go upstairs & through passport review, etc. So… off on a fast walk to upstairs and found that. Through that and no other idea where to go; at this point the board now just said “B” for gate–flagged down a crew member… she said that if it wasn’t listed, would be B14, so now off looking for that… ended up outside the terminal boundaries now & had to go back through security!! We were obviously distressed, we asked a man at security; he looked at our boarding passes and rushed usto another line, urging them “Expedite!! Expedite!!” So.. .no line, but this time, Dawn patted down!! Now back into area, circling & backtracking where we had just been; now downstairs again… found a board, this time B54, so now down another level… through  another  passport check/security point…. Finally to the gate, where we got to go outside again in the pouring rain and another bus out to Outer Mongolia on the runway to walk in the rain to the stairs to the plane!! Whew!!

We were pretty relieved when we finally were in our seats!! Lucked out again; got seats in first row of coach… so again, aahhh, legroom!! Much improved from our long arrival flight last week!  And so, pretty standard, uneventful flight; fairly decent food (not for Dawn!—she asked for a gluten-free meal when she made reservations; they said she couldn’t do that there, tell them on plane. Attendant told her on plane that she had to request in advance…., so potato salad for her—she had mine, too) while I had potatoes, chicken,  and green beans… not like Mom used to make, but not horrible. So, 3 movies & a long nap later, arrived in Ottawa, Canada, for last leg…through Canadian customs, get bags,  recheck bags, through passport checkpoint, security, US Customs, and found out our plane is going to be delayed.  We were supposed to leave Ottawa at 6:50; left at 8:40. So glad to get toChicago—then we went outside!! The heat & humidity at10 o’clock at night took our breath away—and everyone we talked to said it was better than it had been! YIKES!!

The beds at the hotel never looked so good… I still had my watch on Paris time and as we turned out the light, it had been 24 hours since we had slept…. Monday morning—up and on the road by10:30—quick stop for lunch in Galena and, as mentioned, home to the farm by 2! The drive out of town was a sight for sore eyes—think the corn grew a good foot while I was gone—now I must stop at the corners, where as when I left, a slow-down-roll-through was adequate.

I mentioned chaos at home—in the midst of a bathroom remodel, of which I was assured would be completed by my return… I was skeptical, and for good reason. When you make changes, even seemingly minor ones, in a old home (77 years old!) nothing goes as planned….also building an outside shed, and pouring a patio… not meant to all happen the hottest week of the year, or the week I was gone, just ‘lucky’, I guess…..

And so, what an adventure!! I close my blog of this chapter in my life. As I tell my family and friends stories, I think that it was so magical, that I can hardly believe it really happened and it’s over so quickly. I felt that I really made good notes and observed and really tried to soak up so much, but now, I just have memories,… and loads of pictures! I’m going to try the Google Picassa  site to manage pictures.  If you want to access, let me know and I’ll get you a password. This will be a new technological stretch for me, but, shoot, I’m on a roll on that!

I love having been somewhere and then when I see it on tv or in a movie or paper, I can say, “I’ve been there!” – Annoys my family to no end—they hate it I went to NYC! (Do you have any idea how often NYC shots are on?!?)  Well, now can add one more city to that… I read the papers from when I was gone last night…. on the back page of Friday’s Gazette it showed the “Paris beach”—we were there!! No kidding!! They were making it Monday when we were there!! So, of course, I had to point it out to GW! He said…”are you going to do this again?” (say I was there every time.)   You bet!! 

Thanks for joining in and following my adventure… this was fun to write about it; will help me over the years to remember my trip, what I saw, how I felt, etc… and also somewhat selfish, as I could write once and family and friends who were interested could follow on…. Re the title of the blog……. Yes, I loved Paris….this was a dream come true, and I am so grateful for this opportunity—(for those who knew my folks, what would Wendell have thought of this?!?!? That I went to Paris?!)  But, no worries, I  have no qualms about being “kept “ down on the farm…. as I mentioned, I love to go away, but I love to return to my roots….. There truly is No Place Like Home!!

It’s here…all too quickly, our last day in Paris…and it seemed so far away just a few days ago! We did a lot again today…Kara, our “trip advisor” had suggested no more than planning 4 “places” each day, as we may want to stop & browse, people-watch (France’s national pastime), etc. Good advice, as we never got near what we’d planned done! So it always went to the next day…we had to wrap it up today- no more tomorrow’s!
I think we did well…as we reviewed our list we made weeks/months ago on what we wanted to do/see while here, we covered it all! Today, with a beautiful blue sky, we headed towed the Place de la Concord–this is at the opposite end of the Champs Elysses and is the site of the execution/beheadings during the French Revolution. So we have now seen where Louis XVI was born & lived (Versailles),was held prisoner (Conciergie), and died. We got to the Tuillieries Gardens adjoining it as it rained…our typical operation this week. just a light rain, so we took cover under some trees…the rain let up, so we headed out into the gardens …then the rain started again…and got harder…and harder..then it got windy…then it thundered….and lightning….we made a beeline to a nearby building & re-planned our agenda. We decided rather than heading up the Champs Elysses, we would go to the Hotel des Invalides, which houses Napoleon’s Tomb and the Army Museum…figured worm could pass while in there. Hit the Metro again, got to the museum & sky is clear again! This was a phenomenal museum….Napoleon’s Tomb was a beautiful building; there is a (supposedly) beautiful church there, but a wedding there, so it was closed! The nerve…but @end, the elegant dresses & hats & Fascinators (sp-?) made so popular by Kate & Will’s wedding–it’s really caught on here!
Many areas of museum—this is a huge space; was a hospital for soldiers originally– we went through WW I & WW II museums & an exhibit about Charles de Gaulle (he was a favorite of mine). Interesting, but not as I recall the “story” from my American & World history classes–I think
Mr. Engen &the French historians have varied viewpoints!

Then on to the Rodin Museum–did the gardens only–worked great; saw The Thinker, Gates of Hell…..the best known of
his works, plus beautiful roses & manicured gardens. Of course, started to rain as we left gardens– just not catching a break on the weather!!

Finally on to the Champs Elysses–just strolled….saw the shops, the view….stopped by Louis Vitton (waiting line to get in–only a few allowed in at a time!)& window shopped @ Cartier where I saw a great souvenir I’d have liked: Diamond solitaire earrings ….for 22000 €!!! GW–I checked on a watch for you there… But you’re getting a Tour de France t-shirt instead!

Speaking of the Tour de France, it’s coming to Paris tomorrow! We should’ve stayed another day! The barricades are all along the Champs Elysses ready to be moved into place. We visited with a shopkeeper who anticipates a record day tomorrow, saw some early riders come in, & chatted with a family at our dinner restaurant from England who came today to watch it tomorrow. A huge deal, to say the least. So watch tomorrow the finish… When they circle on the roundabout around L’Arc de Triomphe, we were there again today! when they sail down the Champs Elysses, think of us strolling there a couple hours ago…and when they cross the finish at Place de la Concorde, yup, we were there,too!

Back at hotel now; bags packed except for what we need in morning. Our flight leaves Paris @10:50 a.m. to Frankfort, then to Ottawa, arriving in Chicago @ 8 p.m. Iowa time. We’ll stay overnight in Chicago & drive home Monday. Then back to reality–this has really been an experience of a lifetime for me…I have learned so much and gained a great deal upon which to use professionally and personally. What an opportunity I have been given!

Til I wrap it up from Iowa….

Today was our big day at the conference. this is why we’re even here to begin with: we presented @ noon today. Our presentation: “Eat your breakfast, Honey”: Eating for success in school & beyond. We explored the impact of nutrition on behavior &school performance in children. We had a good group to present to, it wentbsmoothly, the technology worked (always a worry of mine!), &many good questions & comments from our audience. Dawn & I ere also discussants for sessions– there to spur discussion if no one asks a question, etc. So our responsibilities are over! Conference’s last day is tomorrow, just a couple sessions, so can sleep in a bit, still get to them & then wrap up any sightsvwe still need to see. I had so wanted to go to Normandy, but bus tour (pricey, but decided I’ll only be here once) is full & minivan tour is 215€ or about $330!!!

This afternoon, we headed to the Pompidou Centre..museum of modern art. First,the building is so…..interesting. It is exoskeletal–all the pipes, escalators, heating & cooling are on the outside of the building…odd. But the view from the top of the building is breathtaking!! Then, the art… I do not claim to know a lot about ant type of artwork, let alone modern art, but just some things I think you should see if the opportunity presents…Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Picasso…..those are the ones I “get”. very very very interesting…..

Took time tonight to go with friends to the 33rd floor Bar Panoramic @our hotel–listed as one of the best views in Paris. iIt was, it was stunnung! We went about 8:30 & got a front row table…great view then & even better as it got darker & city lights came on. Not really dark herevtil after 10. Eiffel Tower lit up by about 9:45 & @ top of hour, “sparkles/twinkles” for 5 minutes…so cool!!

So another day has zoomed by…and now we’re down to our last day…I spent a bit of time tonight re organizing the suitcase…man, hope all fits! I did a little shopping..but also packed a small duffle for the overflow….but, alas, no purses!!! Only found real Louis Vitton & Chanel…..

Calling it a night….12:20 a.m. Saturday here…way way past this old gal’s bedtime!

Til my last day….

Bonjour!

Sessions all morning– very good ones; timely & relevant to teacher ed, early childhood, education trends; presenters from all over; I just happened to go to ones thus far that included  Central College in Pella and Winona State University! Sat next to a professor from Cornell in Mt. Vernon!

I hear that Minnesota is in business again… true?  News here is much to be desired for me- CNN & BBC are in English, but only news that has hit the headlines here since Sunday is: 1) the Murdochs testifies @ Parliament, 2)  The US is going broke & will shut down Tuesday ( they’re loving reporting that!), 3) Yao Ming retired, & 4) Tiger fired his caddy. I need a good news fix!!

Ok– then on to the fun stuff– want to talk about the food…..it is everywhere!!  There are bakeries, cafes, bistros, restaurants everywhere along the street. All cafes, etc. have outdoor seating as well as indoor; you can  buy a cup of coffee, etc. & the table is yours all day if you want! They never  rush! Every meal is leisurely…..no such thing as a ‘quick’ meal here!!  Most of the meals here are formula:  you choose an entree’ (salad), plat (main dish), dessert ( you can figure that one out!), &/or cafe’ (coffee) or any combination… for one price; there are usually 3-5 options, though, for each part of the meal.  Think I mentioned our little place we went for breakfast– the formula I had was the juice, tea, croissant, & 1-egg omelet. Excellent every day!  Because we’ve eaten a substantial breakfast & often not til 9, we go over lunch & maybe have a break later in day, then dinner… We have eaten around 7 most days– early by a lot of standards in Paris!! Often the places we eat are not real full, or if they are, no on is eating yet, just drinking ( coffee or wine….) But, by the time we leave, has filled up as people come for dinner  (& we’re ready to head to the hotel for bed!!) Start dinner @ 7, maybe be out of there by 9….!! Not slow… just leisurely!

Then… what we’ve eaten— Dawn, my travel pal,  has Celiac disease, which is an intolerance of gluten; the phrase she learned for France, ” Je suis non-gluten,” doesn’t mean much!  Most are not sure what gluten is or what it’s in… found in wheat, barley, & rye, so that means no breads, pasta of course, but also, no gravies or sauces on anything, which can limit. The other night she ordered chicken, thought we had it clear that there could be no sauce ( flour for thickening) & it came & , that’s right– sauce!  She couldn’t be sure it had no flour, I tasted it– wow!– it was amazing, the flavor– chicken stock, wine, think it could’ve been thickened with corn starch, but she can’t take a chance!  They graciously took it back & brought her a plain one. 

So, I feel badly that she can’t enjoy the pastries, crepes, croissants, soups, etc. that I have been enjoying!   Yes, I’ve tried all those… did you know there are little narrow open front crepe shops in the Latin Quarter?! They make them right there in front of you– and so many kinds!  Sweet ones ( chocolate, fruit, sugar & cinnamon!) and others (cheese, ham & cheese, seafood…) They fold them up, wrap them in a ‘cone’ made of tin foil & away you go!!

Then there’s the patisseries–the bakeries, where the baguettes, croissants, & other delectible pastries are displayed! The smell as you walk by is intoxicating & just draws you in!! My favorite is still the flaky croissant, but the hard crusted bread/baguette is wonderful– always a basket to the table @ each meal– but no butter unless requested– hate that, doesn’t promote dairy & farming!! 

Main dish-wise, there is something of everything… We’ve had chicken, seafood (I had the most outstanding scallops & pomme Provencale one night– large, sweet, succulent scallops and potatoes in a wine/shallot sauce.) Wow.  Also had a pasta with seafood– mussels, mostly, and it was quite good, but not my favorite. Brochette quite popular; many restaurants serve  it– skewer of  meat–chicken, chorizo, beef, lamb, etc…– and vegetables, grilled.  Always served with mustard sauce; I’ve noticed that’s on the table with the salt & pepper!  Ordered an Androillevette ( believe that’s the spelling) last night… a sausage… with salad & potatoes– Sausage with a hot mustard sauce. I was worried about the sauce being too hot & spicy…not to worry. It was excellent! But the sausage….oh my…. you know I’m game to try something new & local, but this may have been my limit… it was a large, thick sausage & when I cut into it, the inside was not like sausage we know… honestly, it looked like guts in a casing. Sorry.  And as a farm gal, I could not get past the smell…. not a good sausage smell… I’ve moved & herded a lot of hogs in my day &  this sausage smelled like pigs.  Dawn said, ‘you mean like pork?” NO– pork smells good! This smelled like PIG! Even with the outstanding mustard sauce, the smell & texture were too much, so I had to pass, much as I tried not to….

It’s a good thing there were great desserts!  Creme’ brulee’, caramel creme, chocolate mousse, taratines, tartlets…. the caramel creme is my favorite, though the chocolate mousse is a close second! Have tried the mousse in 3 different places & each is amazing… & not like any of the others!

The waiters everywhere we have eaten have been so accomodating–even if they say that they don’t speak English– they do very well &  we always understand each other! The worries we may have had on the French not liking Americans, etc. have  been unfounded for us; the hotel personnel, the people selling the Metro, bus, & train tickets, waiters, museum guides, etc.. have all been patient and helpful to us every time!!

AH– good news– the SUN is out! Must take advantage– off to see some more Paris!!

au revoir!

Good morning!

So nice to have access & keep up daily…. I’ve talked about our sightseeing adventures mostly, but do want you all to know tha I really am here doing some  ‘business’ as was the reason we came!!    We had so hoped to see schools in session here, but knew it would be cutting it close, & yes, we missed full sessions. We have, however, found a school close to our first hotel– an honors high school– & saw that… not much going on to ‘see’ however– interesting as gated, very large… we didn’t even know at first if that was the high school… They had finished a couple weeks ago, so no one around by now except for skeleton staff. But interesting to see… much like our larger city schools– older building, though, reminded me of CR Washington, W’loo East, or especially, DSM Roosevelt.   Preschools– also out, but  have found out very interesting things about child care in France– 1) many parents take children with them to work!– apparently quite flexible– mostly the women &  the kiddos tag along! 2) lots of individual child care providers/nannies & they are everywhere– lots of outings, play in park, etc…. we saw them in the parks by Notre Dame, the Tuilleries by the Louvre, in the neighborhoods when we were on bus & trains– most not English speaking, so we couldn’t get a lot of info, but enough to gather that this is their full time job–nannying– & in summer, like a daily field trip to various places– they do not stay home or in to watch TV or videos!!

Then, today is start of conference sessions; so I will be off to those… have many interesting ones marked; as with many conferences, 1 time slot doesn’t have a lot to interest me & another has 3-4!! It is what it is…

Later today… will try to check in-want to tell you about the FOOD!

Au revoir!

Wednesday, 7-20
OK–if you are confused about the order of my blogs, you have a right to be… First, thanks for the concern many of you had in emailing me to see if we were ok. I could not get connected @ 1st hotel. Moved today,now got connected sot ring to catch up–had blogged on my I-pad, but took me a bit to figure how to get those cut/pasted appropriately,so got Monday’s posted w/o date attached. Please bear with me! I really am doing the best I can, such as it is!
So…Wed…as mentioned, we ventured unto yet another mode of public transit & took the bus to our new hotel, the conference center. This then started us on another adventure–new friends & networking. Within an hour of arriving, had 2 new acquaintances–Josefina (Puerto Rico) & Corine (Australia). Ate lunch with them & visited, then after keynote speaker, went with for a drink, then Josefina joined us for our trek to the Arc de Triomphe. We are about 10 min. From there, so walked over. When we got there, we met a group of older men, soldiers–had jackets with medals, etc. We visited with them, had pictures taken, discovered they were here for a ceremony@ the Arch. Talked to some who had served in France & also a number served in North Africa in WW 2
–think the one guy said in 1944. Very cool. The ceremony was impressive & (this is the best!) –for those of you who chuckled @ my knowledge of being able to sing “The Marseilles”, they played it & I got to sing along!! The Arch is really beautiful–the architecture was outstanding–amazing to see something of that magnitude.

A few items of note:
Interesting observations–Parisians: many smoke, quite prevalent. Many wear scarves–men &women; men wear capris; most men carry a man-bag–thinking that will be the souvenir of choice for the men in my life.

Oh–and met 2 teachers while en route to hotel from Arch–1 from Wisconsin, heard us chatting & stopped us & while giggling & visiting with her about education’s issues in our states, another young woman stopped to ask if we were teachers–said she knew we were as we were noisy & having a good time!!

That about covers today– conference sessions start in earnest tomorrow;manymexcellent ones, it looks like.

Til next time…

Tuesday, 7-19

What a day! It is 22:45 & just back to hotel a bit ago..a longest,but did so much! Started our day with fresh squeezed  oj, a bakery-fresh and oh so flaky croissant!  We’ve navigated the Metro headed to Notre Dame and surrounding sites.The cathedrals are my favorites so I could visit many of those! The architecture of all the buildings here is just breathtaking.ND is especially beautiful from all sides–the flying buttresses are quite impressive;inside, the statues, frescos, artwork, and stained glass are also amazing. 

At ND I lit candles ( Kate &Ann!) and we sat in the front row for mass!! Take note–I think this probably is like a pass to heaven…? Then to the Left Bank, Latin Quarter, St. Severin, St. Chapelle, Palais du Justice, Conciergie (Marie Antoinette held here til her execution) ; all major 
Paris sights; then on to The Louvre.   

Winged Victory, Mona Lisa, & Venus de Milo, among hundreds of other statues and paintings…..simply mind-boggling and almost too much to absorb. Again,the architecture of the building itself is a work of art.  I personally don’t care for the pyramid entrance, however.Oh– a humorous side note–there was a mouse in the Louvre!!!? Shoot– have those little rascals on the farm!! 

Visited the Tuileries Gardens and ended our day with a cruise on the River Seine. Goes up & back, pointing out all the major buildings, statues, and bridges. Was an excellent way to end the day. We walked a long ways….saw so many things–my mind is just full–I don’t want to forget a thing! This morning when we started at Notre Dame seems long ago already; what will it be like at the end of the week?

Let me talk about weather…temps perfect for me, but Dawn is chilly–68-70 F, alternating cloudy and overcast and bright sunshine, intermittent, scattered, and, thankfully, brief showers. I have no complaints. I’d have cool than hot. THis is forecast for our entire time….
 
All I can muster tonight. I am whipped & need some zzzz’s for tomorrow! Versailles is first on our agenda, then museums, perhaps Eiffel Tower,depending on time. We would like to get back sooner tomorrow night!
All for now…hope you’re enjoying following along!

Til next time….

We are in Paris!!!  Arrived without incident–smooth flight, but long.Can’t say United is best choice for international flight! We are seeing quickly we need to pay a little more attention to detail: directions to Park n Fly hotel in Chicago not as good as needed–not critical but irritating. Hotel here was booked as had advertised free shuttle from airport. Not so when arrived. Very helpful person at information desk got us squared away & arrived in good shape.  

City quite reminiscent to me to NYC–traffic, appearance, etc. Hotel fine—also similar to NYC–quite small &efficient, but clean, friendly staff thus far so not complaining. Arrived hotel about 11:30 Paris time (4:30 a.m.IA time! ) Very tired with little sleep & I felt a liitle nauseous, so broke my rule & napped a bit before heading out. Going to explore, get the ‘lay of the land’, as in finding Metro station & getting pass, buying Euros, securing Museum pass, getting a bite to eat–time to check out those sidewalk cafes &bistros!

Later….Have been out and about most of afternoon and evening. Much to our delight (and good luck!) our hotel is across the street from a Metro station, a block & half from RER station (train), and next to bus stop. We’ve figured out the MetroPass, have a map &know where to go…to a point &have a plan nowhere we’re off to tomorrow. We spent a good deal of the day doing what Parisians &many of our travel advisors recommended: people-watching @ a sidewalk cafe, i.e. “immersing ourselves in the culture!!”

We have  figured out the French menu &ordering & had a great dinner–now back at hotel tired above tired!! Hitting the hay so we can get an early start in the morn–Notre Dame & area, Louvre, & Eiffel Tower. A full day, but am very excited to see and experience these iconic trademarks of the city.

Til next time….

We are in Paris!!!  Arrived without incident–smooth flight, but long.Can’t say United is best choice for international flight! We are seeing quickly we need to pay a little more attention to detail: directions to Park n Fly hotel in Chicago not as good as needed–not critical but irritating. Hotel here was booked as had advertised free shuttle from airport. Not so when arrived. Very helpful person at information desk got us squared away & arrived in good shape.  
City quite reminiscent to me to NYC–traffic, appearance, etc. Hotel fine—also similar to NYC–quite small &efficient, but clean, friendly staff thus far so not complaining. Arrived hotel about 11:30 Paris time (4:30 a.m.IA time! ) Very tired with little sleep & I felt a liitle nauseous, so broke my rule & napped a bit before heading out. Going to explore, get the ‘lay of the land’, as in finding Metro station & getting pass, buying Euros, securing Museum pass, getting a bite to eat–time to check out those sidewalk cafes &bistros!

Later….Have been out and about most of afternoon and evening. Much to our delight (and good luck!) our hotel is across the street from a Metro station, a block & half from RER station (train), and next to bus stop. We’ve figured out the MetroPass, have a map &know where to go…to a point &have a plan nowhere we’re off to tomorrow. We spent a good deal of the day doing what Parisians &many of our travel advisors recommended: people-watching @ a sidewalk cafe, i.e. “immersing ourselves in the culture!!”

We have  figured out the French menu &ordering & had a great dinner–now back at hotel tired above tired!! Hitting the hay so we can get an early start in the morn–Notre Dame & area, Louvre, & Eiffel Tower. A full day, but am very excited to see and experience these iconic trademarks of the

Bon Voyage!

 It’s here! Travel Day!  It seemed almost surreal when we got the notification that we were accepted to present at this conference—we had applied in October; finally heard something in mid-February…. In the dead of winter, it seemed like ages away that we would be actually going to Paris!! And… wow… the time has arrived!!

 We’re leaving Iowa at the start of this extreme heat wave—just did a last check of Paris weather—has now changed somewhat—highs 68-70 & showers, at least forecast in mornings- for most days. Hate the rain part L  but love the temps! So now… umbrella or not? Planned against it based on earlier long-range forecast; taking a jacket with an attached hood…. But now…?  will stew about it til I leave the car.

 Will mention travel logistics….. Dawn & I are heading to Chicago later this morning; flight scheduled for about 6 p.m.; nonstop to Paris, ETA 9 a.m. Sunday morning. We will hit the ground running—per Dr. Walker’s Hong Kong advice, “don’t stop to sleep then or it will kill you!”  We will have Sunday through Tuesday to ‘immerse ourselves in the culture’ – watch the people from a sidewalk café, stroll & see the sights—yes, I’m a tourist, I’ve wanted to see l’Arc de Triomphe and le Tour Eiffel and Notre Dame since Madame Dozark introduced me to those possibilities in French I in 1970!!!! That has created a yearning for over 40 years—yikes!—that I finally am about to satisfy!  Talk about living a dream!!! 

So.. by reviewing, reading, reminding…. Mm. Dozark, you will be proud, wherever you are, to know that I will be okay in Paris with the language—I can greet people, ask how they are, inquire & respond related to the weather, recite the days of the week, colors, count to 20, request a bathroom, order apples, green beans, fish, potatoes, bread, cheese, roast beef, and coffee, and if really need to pull that ace out of the hole, could sing the French National Anthem! Will that address all situations?!

 And so the adventure begins. When I post next, it will be on Parisian turf….perhaps sipping a café au lait from a sidewalk bistro….? Time will tell….

Au revoir!