Sunday, November 09, 2003
Ch. 11 – We are the world
So, the first month of school was packed with activity. The Louisiana group even managed to throw our first party in the game room of the cite universitaire. It was a costume party. I wore a neon-bright chartreuse-yellow top and pants and went as a bottle of French lemonade! It was a lot of fun. We met at the game room and gathered around the ping-pong table and ate and laughed. Then, we went to a boum in the lobby of the Catho. We danced to French and American rock, even though the place was not air-conditioned. The French did not believe in air-conditioning, but it sure got hot with all of those bodies dancing so close together.
We went on our excursion to Brittany. We entered Brittany via the departement of Loire-Atlantique, passing through picturesque villages like Ancenis, Nort-sur-Erdre, and Pont-Chateau. We went over this big suspended bridge that traversed the Vilaine river. Morbihan is the only Breton department with an actual Breton name. Mor-bihan means petite mer (little sea).
The Gulf of Morbihan was spectacular. We got on a boat in Vannes and took a tour of the harbor. I only got a little seasick, and it was very windy and cold, even though it was only the end of September! There were hundreds of rocky islets littering the bay, with little houses and farm buildings set upon them. We spent a lot of time “choosing” our own real estate – a private island for each one of us! We then stopped at the little port of Locmariaquer, where we had a picnic.
Afterward, we headed back via La Trinite-sur-Mer and went on to Carnac. One of the most important prehistoric centers in France, Carnac is famed for its megalithic remains that are said to come from the Neolithic period – which was in 3500 to 4500 B.C. In addition to 2792 menhirs, which are massive stones erected by tribes who inhabited the region before the arrival of the Gauls, the area is studded with burial places, semicircles of earth and stone, and tumuli (burial mounds). We, being American tourists, spent a lot of time taking pictures of each other behind and in front of large stones. Then we returned to Vannes and walked its ramparts.
It was great to have these excursions planned for us. I believe that I would have probably slept my weekends away if I had not had an agenda. The first week I was in Angers, I took a walk and ventured over the long bridge over the Maine, and explored some across the river. I remember eating alone in a café there. After that, I don’t think I went across the river much. There was so much to see on my side of the river!
As the month came to a close, we were encouraged to participate in the “end of the pre-stage” program. Any and all students could participate. We knew that the Notre Dame students were planning something, as well as the students from Tulane. We were lucky enough to have several gifted singers among us. Trish could sing, and wasn’t shy about it (I was, and did not come forward!) and we had a talented baritone in Roger, a former monastery student who hailed from Abbeville, which was not far from Lafayette. He seemed like such a serious guy, and was there to study how to play the pipe organ in a nearby cathedral – in addition to taking French lessons at the Catho with us.
We decided to sing “We Are The World,” the Michael Jackson and Band-Aid song that was so popular the year or so before. I was one of the back-up singers. We practiced a couple of times. I remember standing out in the quadrangle at the Catho, listening to Roger and a student from Notre Dame warming up with a duet. “Can you sing ‘Reunited’?” I quipped. They all laughed. I was quite the comedienne!
The night of the show, I recall being sort of offended by some of the other skits. The Tulane students, in particular, did a spoof where they mocked every French gesture and mannerism that we were just becoming accustomed to. They strode across the stage with unbagged loaves of French bread shoved under their arms. They met and babbled French greetings, kissing each other countless times on the cheeks. The tradition of cheek-kissing is called faire les bises. You kiss alternate cheeks two, three, or four times, depending on the region. In Angers, it was a standard two, but they fell all over themselves laughing as they kissed over and over again. Then, for their finale, one of their guys came out in Bruce Springsteen gear, and they played “Born in the U.S.A. and lip-synched to the music. They didn’t care if they offended – they were headed for Paris.
As the curtain dropped, we took our places, and cued the music. Those people who were going to lip-synch or sing along with the solos stood in front. The lyrics to “We Are The World” were popular, even in Europe, and the whole audience sang along:
“There comes a time, when we hear a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying, and it's time to lend a hand.
To life the greatest gift of all
We can't go on, pretending day by day
That someone somewhere will soon make a change
We are all part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know that love is all we need
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making - We're saving our own lives
It's true, we'll make a better day just you and me.
Send them your heart, so they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us, by turning stones to bread.
So that we all must lend a helping hand.
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving
Here is the part that I wish I had the guts to say I wanted to sing:
When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well, let's realize
That a change can only come
When we stand together as one
We are the world......
Hey, it was cheesy, but we were a hit!
Ch. 12 – The University Year begins!
October 6, 1984
Dear Tim and Rita-
Thank you for the letter. I was going to write you one, but I am glad I waited for yours. I am sorry that Reagan isn’t doing too well. The vice-presidential debate must have been interesting. I hear that it was a draw. I personally don’t have any strong political opinion for or against Reagan, but I don’t think that Geraldine Ferrare has the experience necessary to be the vice-president. I said this in my conversation class and a girl from Holland jumped on me because she thought I was saying that a woman couldn’t be a vice-president (or president). I just meant that I thought that Ferrare was nominated to attract female voters, and I didn’t think that it was fair for anyone to be used as a “token” candidate. Anyway, if she messes up, then everyone will think that a woman couldn’t hold such a high office – and that’s not true.
I went to Paris for a week instead of going to England because it was less expensive. I really liked it. Even though it rained for three of the days, it was fairly nice the remainder of the time. I went with some other students from Louisiana. One girl is named Trisha, and she’s a Cajun from near Baton Rouge. Robert is another student that goes to USL, and Keesha is a black girl that comes from Dominican College in New Orleans (it’s an all girls school!). We stayed in a youth hostel. We girls had a room for three, and Robert bunked in the men’s dorm. It was inexpensive, but there was a curfew, and the concierge was really cranky about our using the phone too late.
I love Paris! I have never walked so much in my life! Did you get my postcard? We walked around and saw the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon. We walked along the Seine to Notre Dame, and to the Jardins de Luxembourg. I have now walked the Champs-Elysees! Robert and I took a bus to the Bois de Vincennes, to look for the zoo, and we got quite lost in the suburbs. We also went to Montmartre and saw the Sacre Couer basilica. I’ve seen a lot!
I brought my sketch pad, and started a sketch of the little gothic tower in the back of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, but the weather was not very cooperative, so I didn’t finish it. I went shopping in one of the biggest flea markets in Paris. They call it that here, too – a marche aux puces! It’s actually on the outskirts of Paris, at the Porte de Clignancourt. It seems to go on for miles, and there are some shops that are permanently there, like big Stor ‘n’ Lock garages, as well as temporary booths. They sell everything there – from rare antiques to t-shirts and souvenirs to garage sale items to cassettes! I bought a pair of strap-on roller skates for 20 francs. They will need a little oil, but they are going to be fun! I also bought a Sorbonne t-shirt and a bottle of Kahlua (now that’s French!). I want to return to Paris another weekend – just to come back to this flea market!
I have resumed classes. At the moment, we are in the middle of settling our schedule for the semester. So far, I am taking a grammar class (called langue), written expression, and phonetics. I am also taking a class called etudes socio-culturelles – I guess that is where I will learn about France and French customs. I want to take Oral Expression, but I don’ know if that will fit into my schedule. I am also taking Chorus.
I have a new roommate. She is from Birmingham, England. Her name is Elaine – that should be easy to remember! She is also the same age as my sister Elaine: their birthdays are six days apart! She attends the University of Swansea in Wales, and is not taking classes at the Catho like I am. She will be attending classes at the University of Angers, which is another college located on the other side of the river. She is an economics major, I think. She’s very nice, and I think that we will get along well.
I am not sure, but I think that I will either go to Madrid or London in a few weeks. We have a four-day vacation from November first through the fourth. The holiday is called Le Toussaint – or All Saints Day. I have a friend from Paris who is studying in Madrid and I would like to go there to see her. If I can’t do that, then I may try and visit a friend from London. Another possibility is to go to Saumur, which is only an hour away from Angers. There is a lovely castle there, and a riding school called the Cadre Noir. It is a military equestrian school, along the lines of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria.
Speaking of riding, I am going to check out some riding instructors and stables around here and try to resume riding lessons. I really want to get back into some sort of regular routine of exercise. I walk a lot and have started to do exercises in my room, but I really like riding. I also looked into purchasing a bicycle. There are some nice ones for 900 francs (about $100). I’m still thinking about it, though. A bicycle would be useful, but the French drive like maniacs here – I don’t know if I would feel comfortable or safe venturing out! At least I am safe, walking on a sidewalk!
I am sorry that Rita is having problems with her knee. I hope that you are both taking care of yourselves and are feeling well. I’m feeling well, now. The food at the restaurant universitaire is not that great, but it is a balanced meal. I am taking vitamins, too. I love you and miss you and hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Claudine
So, the first month of school was packed with activity. The Louisiana group even managed to throw our first party in the game room of the cite universitaire. It was a costume party. I wore a neon-bright chartreuse-yellow top and pants and went as a bottle of French lemonade! It was a lot of fun. We met at the game room and gathered around the ping-pong table and ate and laughed. Then, we went to a boum in the lobby of the Catho. We danced to French and American rock, even though the place was not air-conditioned. The French did not believe in air-conditioning, but it sure got hot with all of those bodies dancing so close together.
We went on our excursion to Brittany. We entered Brittany via the departement of Loire-Atlantique, passing through picturesque villages like Ancenis, Nort-sur-Erdre, and Pont-Chateau. We went over this big suspended bridge that traversed the Vilaine river. Morbihan is the only Breton department with an actual Breton name. Mor-bihan means petite mer (little sea).
The Gulf of Morbihan was spectacular. We got on a boat in Vannes and took a tour of the harbor. I only got a little seasick, and it was very windy and cold, even though it was only the end of September! There were hundreds of rocky islets littering the bay, with little houses and farm buildings set upon them. We spent a lot of time “choosing” our own real estate – a private island for each one of us! We then stopped at the little port of Locmariaquer, where we had a picnic.
Afterward, we headed back via La Trinite-sur-Mer and went on to Carnac. One of the most important prehistoric centers in France, Carnac is famed for its megalithic remains that are said to come from the Neolithic period – which was in 3500 to 4500 B.C. In addition to 2792 menhirs, which are massive stones erected by tribes who inhabited the region before the arrival of the Gauls, the area is studded with burial places, semicircles of earth and stone, and tumuli (burial mounds). We, being American tourists, spent a lot of time taking pictures of each other behind and in front of large stones. Then we returned to Vannes and walked its ramparts.
It was great to have these excursions planned for us. I believe that I would have probably slept my weekends away if I had not had an agenda. The first week I was in Angers, I took a walk and ventured over the long bridge over the Maine, and explored some across the river. I remember eating alone in a café there. After that, I don’t think I went across the river much. There was so much to see on my side of the river!
As the month came to a close, we were encouraged to participate in the “end of the pre-stage” program. Any and all students could participate. We knew that the Notre Dame students were planning something, as well as the students from Tulane. We were lucky enough to have several gifted singers among us. Trish could sing, and wasn’t shy about it (I was, and did not come forward!) and we had a talented baritone in Roger, a former monastery student who hailed from Abbeville, which was not far from Lafayette. He seemed like such a serious guy, and was there to study how to play the pipe organ in a nearby cathedral – in addition to taking French lessons at the Catho with us.
We decided to sing “We Are The World,” the Michael Jackson and Band-Aid song that was so popular the year or so before. I was one of the back-up singers. We practiced a couple of times. I remember standing out in the quadrangle at the Catho, listening to Roger and a student from Notre Dame warming up with a duet. “Can you sing ‘Reunited’?” I quipped. They all laughed. I was quite the comedienne!
The night of the show, I recall being sort of offended by some of the other skits. The Tulane students, in particular, did a spoof where they mocked every French gesture and mannerism that we were just becoming accustomed to. They strode across the stage with unbagged loaves of French bread shoved under their arms. They met and babbled French greetings, kissing each other countless times on the cheeks. The tradition of cheek-kissing is called faire les bises. You kiss alternate cheeks two, three, or four times, depending on the region. In Angers, it was a standard two, but they fell all over themselves laughing as they kissed over and over again. Then, for their finale, one of their guys came out in Bruce Springsteen gear, and they played “Born in the U.S.A. and lip-synched to the music. They didn’t care if they offended – they were headed for Paris.
As the curtain dropped, we took our places, and cued the music. Those people who were going to lip-synch or sing along with the solos stood in front. The lyrics to “We Are The World” were popular, even in Europe, and the whole audience sang along:
“There comes a time, when we hear a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying, and it's time to lend a hand.
To life the greatest gift of all
We can't go on, pretending day by day
That someone somewhere will soon make a change
We are all part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know that love is all we need
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making - We're saving our own lives
It's true, we'll make a better day just you and me.
Send them your heart, so they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us, by turning stones to bread.
So that we all must lend a helping hand.
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving
Here is the part that I wish I had the guts to say I wanted to sing:
When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well, let's realize
That a change can only come
When we stand together as one
We are the world......
Hey, it was cheesy, but we were a hit!
Ch. 12 – The University Year begins!
October 6, 1984
Dear Tim and Rita-
Thank you for the letter. I was going to write you one, but I am glad I waited for yours. I am sorry that Reagan isn’t doing too well. The vice-presidential debate must have been interesting. I hear that it was a draw. I personally don’t have any strong political opinion for or against Reagan, but I don’t think that Geraldine Ferrare has the experience necessary to be the vice-president. I said this in my conversation class and a girl from Holland jumped on me because she thought I was saying that a woman couldn’t be a vice-president (or president). I just meant that I thought that Ferrare was nominated to attract female voters, and I didn’t think that it was fair for anyone to be used as a “token” candidate. Anyway, if she messes up, then everyone will think that a woman couldn’t hold such a high office – and that’s not true.
I went to Paris for a week instead of going to England because it was less expensive. I really liked it. Even though it rained for three of the days, it was fairly nice the remainder of the time. I went with some other students from Louisiana. One girl is named Trisha, and she’s a Cajun from near Baton Rouge. Robert is another student that goes to USL, and Keesha is a black girl that comes from Dominican College in New Orleans (it’s an all girls school!). We stayed in a youth hostel. We girls had a room for three, and Robert bunked in the men’s dorm. It was inexpensive, but there was a curfew, and the concierge was really cranky about our using the phone too late.
I love Paris! I have never walked so much in my life! Did you get my postcard? We walked around and saw the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon. We walked along the Seine to Notre Dame, and to the Jardins de Luxembourg. I have now walked the Champs-Elysees! Robert and I took a bus to the Bois de Vincennes, to look for the zoo, and we got quite lost in the suburbs. We also went to Montmartre and saw the Sacre Couer basilica. I’ve seen a lot!
I brought my sketch pad, and started a sketch of the little gothic tower in the back of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, but the weather was not very cooperative, so I didn’t finish it. I went shopping in one of the biggest flea markets in Paris. They call it that here, too – a marche aux puces! It’s actually on the outskirts of Paris, at the Porte de Clignancourt. It seems to go on for miles, and there are some shops that are permanently there, like big Stor ‘n’ Lock garages, as well as temporary booths. They sell everything there – from rare antiques to t-shirts and souvenirs to garage sale items to cassettes! I bought a pair of strap-on roller skates for 20 francs. They will need a little oil, but they are going to be fun! I also bought a Sorbonne t-shirt and a bottle of Kahlua (now that’s French!). I want to return to Paris another weekend – just to come back to this flea market!
I have resumed classes. At the moment, we are in the middle of settling our schedule for the semester. So far, I am taking a grammar class (called langue), written expression, and phonetics. I am also taking a class called etudes socio-culturelles – I guess that is where I will learn about France and French customs. I want to take Oral Expression, but I don’ know if that will fit into my schedule. I am also taking Chorus.
I have a new roommate. She is from Birmingham, England. Her name is Elaine – that should be easy to remember! She is also the same age as my sister Elaine: their birthdays are six days apart! She attends the University of Swansea in Wales, and is not taking classes at the Catho like I am. She will be attending classes at the University of Angers, which is another college located on the other side of the river. She is an economics major, I think. She’s very nice, and I think that we will get along well.
I am not sure, but I think that I will either go to Madrid or London in a few weeks. We have a four-day vacation from November first through the fourth. The holiday is called Le Toussaint – or All Saints Day. I have a friend from Paris who is studying in Madrid and I would like to go there to see her. If I can’t do that, then I may try and visit a friend from London. Another possibility is to go to Saumur, which is only an hour away from Angers. There is a lovely castle there, and a riding school called the Cadre Noir. It is a military equestrian school, along the lines of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria.
Speaking of riding, I am going to check out some riding instructors and stables around here and try to resume riding lessons. I really want to get back into some sort of regular routine of exercise. I walk a lot and have started to do exercises in my room, but I really like riding. I also looked into purchasing a bicycle. There are some nice ones for 900 francs (about $100). I’m still thinking about it, though. A bicycle would be useful, but the French drive like maniacs here – I don’t know if I would feel comfortable or safe venturing out! At least I am safe, walking on a sidewalk!
I am sorry that Rita is having problems with her knee. I hope that you are both taking care of yourselves and are feeling well. I’m feeling well, now. The food at the restaurant universitaire is not that great, but it is a balanced meal. I am taking vitamins, too. I love you and miss you and hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Claudine
Ch. 9 – Letters from home
September 5, 1984
Dear Daughter-
Guess I should be writing this in French, but I’m in a hurry. Hope you are settled in and having fun – also hope you are at work learning enough French to say NO! to the wrong questions.
I am keeping busy and trying to get caught up. I had a call yesterday from your “pest’s” father – he really called your mother – Guess he is going to call everybody. I tried to call him last night but missed. I’ll get that taken care of today. I haven’t heard from the guy with the other car problem but I have that pretty well taken care of.
I stopped in Metairie yesterday and left your loan application. It is being processes, and I am calling USL this week. There have been some changes in the program, so this may drag out for a while. Don’t plan on a whole lot out of this: I believe that $1000 per semester is max. I’ll know soon.
I have worked into a pretty good deal with Pelican Oil and the client that I got from Sandpiper Oil looks like a couple of weeks work this month at $200 per day, so that will help. Things are looking up!
The maid was out yesterday and she is ready to pack up your closet. She also wants to clean the bathroom cabinets out. Guess I’ll try to get her to come work one day a week on the packing routine. I can’t see the house selling quickly, but I might at well get prepared.
Pablo called on Sunday, and was very nice. He and I are going to try to get together sometime and compare notes. I will try to keep in touch with the gang at El Torito and others and report from time to time – in case they don’t.
I haven’t heard from Elaine and there is not much news- besides, I don’t want to write a great deal as I am not sure this will get through. Keep in touch and have a good time. Don’t worry about cash – it will work out.
Love you,
Dad
September 3, 1984
Dear Claudine,
I guess by the time you get this, you will be completely settled! I’m going to try to write often. Who knows? Maybe this will get me into a letter-writing habit. I might even write to your grandparents.
We had a relatively pleasant Labor Day (do they have Labor Day in France?). Some people came over and we had worlds of food. Someone made three pies and I had a piece of each.
I put a brisket in the oven last night and set the oven at 200 degrees. It seemed like a good plan to your Aunt Mary and me. This morning, it was slightly overcooked – like a ½ inch thick charred crust! I don’t think that my blackened brisket will give K-Paul’s blackened redfish any competition! I was able to salvage about ½ of it and made barbecue. Mary went out and bought a ham to augment it.
Elaine came by last night and said that she had moved in – with Richie. I’m really not too wild about the idea, but there’s not a whole lot I can do. I’m concerned about Richie not telling his parents. From what Elaine said about them, they will heartily disapprove. Elaine is going to the house tomorrow to work with the maid on your room, etc. We are having an Open House in two weeks – hope we get some prospects.
I don’t know what we are going to do about the car. I just found out from your father that there was no insurance on it. I had planned to pay the deductible and get it fixed. Elaine my drive it while you’re gone, but I feel she should pay something as long as she’s not in school – I am going to talk to her about it tomorrow. It will cost $392 just to get the light and grill fixed. Nothing is simple.
Your father found a home for Chelsea with one of the next-door neighbors’ ex-daughter-in-law. She has an eight-year-old and a fenced yard. It sounds like an ideal home for her. If it is the girl I think it is, she really seems to care for animals. I’m sure you can go visit when you get back.
I know that you are going to have a wonderful year. I really admire you for having the intestinal fortitude to commit to going. I know how scary it must be, but it might help you to remember that there are 20 some-odd others with you that are having the same feelings.
I hope you got some sleep on the plane. I know that you must have been exhausted. Elaine said that you didn’t leave until midnight or so. That was really probably best for you to stay up so you could confuse your body clock. I know my mind is really confused about the time.
Love,
Mom
P.S. – Remember to bathe and to shave under your arms! See you Christmas!
P.P.S. – Don’t marry a Frenchman!
Addendum – (9/7/84) Enjoyed talking to you, but I was excited and didn’t get to ask some of the questions that I wanted to:
1. Who’s your roommate?
2. How was your flight and how long was it?
3. What is your room like?
4. What is the best time (yours and mine) for me to call and give me your phone number!
I had supper with Elaine and Richard last night while washing clothes. Their apartment looks cute. Elaine is sporting an engagement ring. At least that’s encouraged her to remove all other rings from conquests! (no more “notches”) Write!
September 6th, 1984
Dear Claudine,
Guess you are already in France and busy trying to find the things you have to have and wondering what in the world you are going to do with the rest. Hope you had a nice flight. What airline did you fly on?
When we were in France the whole tour got sick and we did not get a chance to see very much. I hope you stay well and take very good care of yourself. We love you and wish you a wonderful experience.
Love,
Rita and Tim
Ch. 10 – Letter to the Grandparents
I made it a point to check the mail bin at the CIDEF regularly (obsessively?). I was so happy to have mail. The first month flew by. One of the highlights of the pre-stage was that excursions were planned to tourist sites within driving distance of Angers. I bowed out of the first excursion, the son et lumiere at the Chateau Lude. Sound and light shows are given at night, and I was much too sick to sit out in the already cool weather. I did make the other excursions, though.
I wanted to make sure that I was a good correspondent, and spent a lot of time writing postcards and sending letters. My grandparents in Texas especially coveted letters. Rita and Tom were my mother’s parents. The story goes that my grandfather, macho ranchman that he was, didn’t cotton to the idea of being called “Grandpa.” Instead, he insisted that his grandchildren call him by his first name, Tim. My grandmother then had no choice other than to let us call her Rita. She certainly wasn’t going to be the elder one - “Grandma” and Tim would sound too silly.
September 19, 1984
Dear Rita and Tim,
Yes, I got to France in one piece. Angers is a beautiful town. It’s much larger than I thought it would be, but maybe it only looks that way because the buildings are so close together, and the population seems so concentrated in one place. In Lafayette, things are more spread out! There are two beautiful churches and all sorts of gardens everywhere. There’s even a castle only three blocks away from my dorm! It’s huge and very medieval looking. It’s fun walking around town – and good exercise, too. I’ve lost about 6 pounds since I’ve been here.
Aside from our tuition, room and board, several excursions have been paid for by my scholarship. So far, we have visited Mont St. Michel and the Chateaux of the Loire. The Mont St. Michel was truly spectacular. It’s an abbey and a cathedral built on an island, which resembles a big rock in the ocean. There’s a touristy town built on the rest of the available space, but it really is a spectacular sight.
On that same excursion, we visited St. Malo, a resort on the English Channel. It was beautiful and the sun was out and shining. I walked around the ramparts above the old city, which is walled in. I also went down to the beach where we walked out onto a jetty that led to a lighthouse. From there, you could see all of the little rocky islands, some of them with little buildings on them. One of the islands has a fort on it and, at low tide, you can walk out to it. That day, I didn’t chance it – I had this vision of the tide coming in, trapping me on the island and making me miss the tour bus.
We also took a tour of the Chateaux of the Loire. We went by bus and passed by a lot of chateaux, seeing them from the outside. We only actually stopped and visited three of them. Believe me – that was plenty! I was exhausted after touring the interior and gardens of just the first one! We visited Azay le Rideau, Chenonceau, and Chambord. Azay le Rideau was very pretty – it is built over water, so it looks like it is in the middle of a moat! The turrets were so beautiful! Chenonceau was a castle I’ve always wanted to see, and it was super! The gardens were really magnificent and the castle is built over the River Cher (cher means “dear” in French!) – it looked like a fairy castle!
I was also impressed by Chambord. It is the largest of the Chateaux and has 440 rooms! The extensive grounds are now used as a park and game preserve. There is also a big old-fashioned stable where people can keep their horses. We saw several people riding horses and driving teams of horses in front of carriages. I went to the stables and fed a few horses some sugar cubes I swiped from a café. I even talked with one of the grooms (in French, of course!)
Next weekend, we are going to see the monoliths of Carnac and the seaside resort of Morbihan in Brittany. But, for now, we have schoolwork. Today, I gave an oral presentation about Texas in front of my conversation class. Everyone was interested and surprised that life there was not like that on “Dallas” – that TV show is the only reference that many Europeans have of Texas! My teacher told me that I did a good job because I drew a map of Texas on the board, I had pictures to show the class, and I knew a lot about the different regions (I should, shouldn’t I? I was born there, after all!)
I also have a special class called Enquete. In enquete, we have to pick a topic and research it by interviewing the citizens of Angers. Some people did their projects on Cointreau (it’s made right here!). They visited the distillery, and even were given tiny bottles of liqueur! Some of my classmates interviewed the French about the change in the vice-presidency, asking how they felt about it. I am doing mine on – are you ready? – THE DOGS OF ANGERS. Seriously. I noticed how many dogs there are, and they are allowed everywhere – restaurants, banks, department stores… I’ll report back to you with my results.
Y’all take care of yourselves. I’m going to try and write as often as possible. Until my next letter, au revoir!
Love,
Claudine
September 5, 1984
Dear Daughter-
Guess I should be writing this in French, but I’m in a hurry. Hope you are settled in and having fun – also hope you are at work learning enough French to say NO! to the wrong questions.
I am keeping busy and trying to get caught up. I had a call yesterday from your “pest’s” father – he really called your mother – Guess he is going to call everybody. I tried to call him last night but missed. I’ll get that taken care of today. I haven’t heard from the guy with the other car problem but I have that pretty well taken care of.
I stopped in Metairie yesterday and left your loan application. It is being processes, and I am calling USL this week. There have been some changes in the program, so this may drag out for a while. Don’t plan on a whole lot out of this: I believe that $1000 per semester is max. I’ll know soon.
I have worked into a pretty good deal with Pelican Oil and the client that I got from Sandpiper Oil looks like a couple of weeks work this month at $200 per day, so that will help. Things are looking up!
The maid was out yesterday and she is ready to pack up your closet. She also wants to clean the bathroom cabinets out. Guess I’ll try to get her to come work one day a week on the packing routine. I can’t see the house selling quickly, but I might at well get prepared.
Pablo called on Sunday, and was very nice. He and I are going to try to get together sometime and compare notes. I will try to keep in touch with the gang at El Torito and others and report from time to time – in case they don’t.
I haven’t heard from Elaine and there is not much news- besides, I don’t want to write a great deal as I am not sure this will get through. Keep in touch and have a good time. Don’t worry about cash – it will work out.
Love you,
Dad
September 3, 1984
Dear Claudine,
I guess by the time you get this, you will be completely settled! I’m going to try to write often. Who knows? Maybe this will get me into a letter-writing habit. I might even write to your grandparents.
We had a relatively pleasant Labor Day (do they have Labor Day in France?). Some people came over and we had worlds of food. Someone made three pies and I had a piece of each.
I put a brisket in the oven last night and set the oven at 200 degrees. It seemed like a good plan to your Aunt Mary and me. This morning, it was slightly overcooked – like a ½ inch thick charred crust! I don’t think that my blackened brisket will give K-Paul’s blackened redfish any competition! I was able to salvage about ½ of it and made barbecue. Mary went out and bought a ham to augment it.
Elaine came by last night and said that she had moved in – with Richie. I’m really not too wild about the idea, but there’s not a whole lot I can do. I’m concerned about Richie not telling his parents. From what Elaine said about them, they will heartily disapprove. Elaine is going to the house tomorrow to work with the maid on your room, etc. We are having an Open House in two weeks – hope we get some prospects.
I don’t know what we are going to do about the car. I just found out from your father that there was no insurance on it. I had planned to pay the deductible and get it fixed. Elaine my drive it while you’re gone, but I feel she should pay something as long as she’s not in school – I am going to talk to her about it tomorrow. It will cost $392 just to get the light and grill fixed. Nothing is simple.
Your father found a home for Chelsea with one of the next-door neighbors’ ex-daughter-in-law. She has an eight-year-old and a fenced yard. It sounds like an ideal home for her. If it is the girl I think it is, she really seems to care for animals. I’m sure you can go visit when you get back.
I know that you are going to have a wonderful year. I really admire you for having the intestinal fortitude to commit to going. I know how scary it must be, but it might help you to remember that there are 20 some-odd others with you that are having the same feelings.
I hope you got some sleep on the plane. I know that you must have been exhausted. Elaine said that you didn’t leave until midnight or so. That was really probably best for you to stay up so you could confuse your body clock. I know my mind is really confused about the time.
Love,
Mom
P.S. – Remember to bathe and to shave under your arms! See you Christmas!
P.P.S. – Don’t marry a Frenchman!
Addendum – (9/7/84) Enjoyed talking to you, but I was excited and didn’t get to ask some of the questions that I wanted to:
1. Who’s your roommate?
2. How was your flight and how long was it?
3. What is your room like?
4. What is the best time (yours and mine) for me to call and give me your phone number!
I had supper with Elaine and Richard last night while washing clothes. Their apartment looks cute. Elaine is sporting an engagement ring. At least that’s encouraged her to remove all other rings from conquests! (no more “notches”) Write!
September 6th, 1984
Dear Claudine,
Guess you are already in France and busy trying to find the things you have to have and wondering what in the world you are going to do with the rest. Hope you had a nice flight. What airline did you fly on?
When we were in France the whole tour got sick and we did not get a chance to see very much. I hope you stay well and take very good care of yourself. We love you and wish you a wonderful experience.
Love,
Rita and Tim
Ch. 10 – Letter to the Grandparents
I made it a point to check the mail bin at the CIDEF regularly (obsessively?). I was so happy to have mail. The first month flew by. One of the highlights of the pre-stage was that excursions were planned to tourist sites within driving distance of Angers. I bowed out of the first excursion, the son et lumiere at the Chateau Lude. Sound and light shows are given at night, and I was much too sick to sit out in the already cool weather. I did make the other excursions, though.
I wanted to make sure that I was a good correspondent, and spent a lot of time writing postcards and sending letters. My grandparents in Texas especially coveted letters. Rita and Tom were my mother’s parents. The story goes that my grandfather, macho ranchman that he was, didn’t cotton to the idea of being called “Grandpa.” Instead, he insisted that his grandchildren call him by his first name, Tim. My grandmother then had no choice other than to let us call her Rita. She certainly wasn’t going to be the elder one - “Grandma” and Tim would sound too silly.
September 19, 1984
Dear Rita and Tim,
Yes, I got to France in one piece. Angers is a beautiful town. It’s much larger than I thought it would be, but maybe it only looks that way because the buildings are so close together, and the population seems so concentrated in one place. In Lafayette, things are more spread out! There are two beautiful churches and all sorts of gardens everywhere. There’s even a castle only three blocks away from my dorm! It’s huge and very medieval looking. It’s fun walking around town – and good exercise, too. I’ve lost about 6 pounds since I’ve been here.
Aside from our tuition, room and board, several excursions have been paid for by my scholarship. So far, we have visited Mont St. Michel and the Chateaux of the Loire. The Mont St. Michel was truly spectacular. It’s an abbey and a cathedral built on an island, which resembles a big rock in the ocean. There’s a touristy town built on the rest of the available space, but it really is a spectacular sight.
On that same excursion, we visited St. Malo, a resort on the English Channel. It was beautiful and the sun was out and shining. I walked around the ramparts above the old city, which is walled in. I also went down to the beach where we walked out onto a jetty that led to a lighthouse. From there, you could see all of the little rocky islands, some of them with little buildings on them. One of the islands has a fort on it and, at low tide, you can walk out to it. That day, I didn’t chance it – I had this vision of the tide coming in, trapping me on the island and making me miss the tour bus.
We also took a tour of the Chateaux of the Loire. We went by bus and passed by a lot of chateaux, seeing them from the outside. We only actually stopped and visited three of them. Believe me – that was plenty! I was exhausted after touring the interior and gardens of just the first one! We visited Azay le Rideau, Chenonceau, and Chambord. Azay le Rideau was very pretty – it is built over water, so it looks like it is in the middle of a moat! The turrets were so beautiful! Chenonceau was a castle I’ve always wanted to see, and it was super! The gardens were really magnificent and the castle is built over the River Cher (cher means “dear” in French!) – it looked like a fairy castle!
I was also impressed by Chambord. It is the largest of the Chateaux and has 440 rooms! The extensive grounds are now used as a park and game preserve. There is also a big old-fashioned stable where people can keep their horses. We saw several people riding horses and driving teams of horses in front of carriages. I went to the stables and fed a few horses some sugar cubes I swiped from a café. I even talked with one of the grooms (in French, of course!)
Next weekend, we are going to see the monoliths of Carnac and the seaside resort of Morbihan in Brittany. But, for now, we have schoolwork. Today, I gave an oral presentation about Texas in front of my conversation class. Everyone was interested and surprised that life there was not like that on “Dallas” – that TV show is the only reference that many Europeans have of Texas! My teacher told me that I did a good job because I drew a map of Texas on the board, I had pictures to show the class, and I knew a lot about the different regions (I should, shouldn’t I? I was born there, after all!)
I also have a special class called Enquete. In enquete, we have to pick a topic and research it by interviewing the citizens of Angers. Some people did their projects on Cointreau (it’s made right here!). They visited the distillery, and even were given tiny bottles of liqueur! Some of my classmates interviewed the French about the change in the vice-presidency, asking how they felt about it. I am doing mine on – are you ready? – THE DOGS OF ANGERS. Seriously. I noticed how many dogs there are, and they are allowed everywhere – restaurants, banks, department stores… I’ll report back to you with my results.
Y’all take care of yourselves. I’m going to try and write as often as possible. Until my next letter, au revoir!
Love,
Claudine
