Bonjour parlez-vous anglais?
August 12, 2007
Hello Possums. I have just returned to Melbourne after two wonderful summer weeks in France. The first week staying in a converted barn about 45 minutes from Paris and the second in a house in the south of France near Montignac. Here is a quick snap I took with my mobile phone from the top of the Eifel Tower on our first day in Paris.
Paris really did it for me. As I strolled along the river in the sun towards the Eifel Tower, past grand landmarks and monuments, past other holiday makers and Parisians, I felt a sense of freedom. Paris made me feel young. I can’t explain it.
And the French countryside is astonishing. I have come away from France wishing I could speak more of their language. Instead I relied rather heavily on the phrase parlez-vous anglaise. When that didn’t help I resorted to enlisting the help of my two oldest daughters who have learnt a little French at school and sign language, including stick figure drawings once when I had to communicate our departure date to our landlady in Montignac, who just kept talking to me rapidly in French as if I would eventually understand.
I am resolved to return. I am considering taking French lessons. I also promise to fill you in on more travel stories when I have caught up on a bit of sleep. Au revoir.
Accueillir à la maison ! J’espère que vous m’êtes amusé sur vos voyages. Vous avez été manqué !
Glad you had such a great holiday. Looking forward to hearing more about it. Hope the jet lag eases quickly!
Nice photo
Welcome back Binds.
I love France.
I heard that the French are very indignant about people visiting their country and not even trying to speak the French language but they always repsect tourists who at least make an effort like you did. It’s always been the case when I’ve visited France.
It sounds as if you fell in love with France. The pic is wonderful. I hope you take French classes – it is great fun.
Glad you are back – I missed your regular blogs!!
misslionheart, you talented bod being able to parles frances. I deciphered your message with the help of a dictionary and you may be right! What was the opportunity you were referring to?
Thankyou Kit, I have lots to tell!
Mr Z, you dark horse!
Hi earthpal, I wish France were as close to Aus as it is to you!
Thankyou Kate!
Wecome home! Hope you enjoyed your holiday. You were missed!
I got it a little wrong!
well, it was impressive anyway. I thought you had said I missed out on an opportunity. lol
I wouldn’t rely on my translation, you probably were quite correct! Cute little blushing face though!
[...] my eye was in French. I am not too confident with my French pronunciation. (As you know, “Bonjour, parlez vous Anglaise” was my favorite phrase whilst in Paris last July). To avoid having to call the pastry by its [...]