One of the first things I learned this year was that the stereotype of the aloof, arrogant Frenchman who hates foreigners has no basis at all. I have been invited to more dinners and weekends at vacation homes by my friends/acquaintances in France than in all the rest of my life combined. The last two weekends were some of the highlights. I spent Easter weekend in Poitiers with the Sibileau family. This was the second time in the last three months that they have hosted me for a weekend of feasting and they could not be more hospitable. This past weekend I traveled to Belle Isle with Marianne (a prof from Lycee Guist Hau) and her family. They put me up and fed me (very well) for three days and took lots of time out of their vacation to show me around the island. They even helped me beg for a ride back to Nantes as cars were lining up to get on the ferry this morning.
The island is about 40 km long and its cost is covered with caves, cliffs, arches and beautiful beaches. The water is crystal clear and already about 12 degrees C. The island is also full of pheasant, rabbits and huge hares. I came to expect to see a little herd of the three species in every field we passed. The island reminded me a lot of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan.
No comments:
Post a Comment