The French and the English in the Perigord

When we went to the Perigord (some refer to the Dordogne) in France to spend the month of June '07, we knew that there are many English who live there permanently, as well as many who spend the summers in this area of France. I recall reading that there are some 70,000 English in the region. Because of the history of wars and confrontation between England and France, and the two countries' national pastime of recounting mordant jokes at the expense of each other, I expected to encounter animosity between the two nationalities--not usually comfortable for the bystander. We were pleasantly surprised. The resident French had a very benevolent attitude and made kind remarks about the English of the Perigord, and the English we observed there were quiet and obviously made it a point to adopt the norms of French courtesy, including the rituals of greeting and leavetaking. Contrary to what is seen in the Caribbean and in South America as English arrogance and "colonial" style condescension, the English of the Perigord make a great effort to speak the language and respect local custom. Many assimilate well into French life and simply disappear into the social landscape.We saw English with booths at the Friday fair in Riberac selling various and sundry items and integrated into French life. This amiable relationship was just one more welcome and pleasant aspect of our Perigordian experience!

Austin

IN AUSTIN.

Patzcuaro, Mexico

WE ARE IN PATZCUARO: http://mypatzcuaro.blogspot.com/

Ahhh, Austin

Special Austin benefits!

Back in Austin

We have left the Old World. We arrived in Austin last night, 27 June 2007. ****The most useless article I took with me? My bathing suit. It was never warm enough to use it.

Language Feast

We have been staying in the very comfortable Hotel Real d´Obidos, just outside the walled village. We have walked a lot in the area. Today we turn in the car and will spend the night in Lisbon. These past weeks have been a language feast: Portuguese, Gallego, Spanish, Basque (I speak none) and French, most of which have been overlaid with a variety of accents. I love the sound and the familiar kinaesthesia in the mouth and throat when speaking. Hopefully the stimulation of switching back and forth helps keep cerebral synapses snappy. Through exposure, Glen finds he even understands languages he doesn´t speak. Every place we have visited has been more beautiful and enjoyable than our expectations. Ate logo / Until soon. Home tomorrow 27Jun07.

A Weighty Question

LBS?? KILOS?? After eating our way through Portugal, Spain and France and back through Portugal and Spain, what on earth do we weigh? I think I am the same as when I left-- maybe a pound or two less--but I am afraid the latter may be wishful thinking. Scales in Austin will bring the moment of rude reckoning. --PS 30Jun07 -- Not down, but up, 2 pounds, but 3 days back took care of it.

Musings from Portugal

The lingua franca in the countries we have visited in Europe seems to be English. Germans, Slovenians and Dutch, for example, communicate with the Portuguese, French and Spanish in English. *****Because of temperature, wind and rain in some combination, the most useful item on this trip has been my goretex jacket. We have had perhaps 6 or 7 days that were sunny all day. *****Americans would do well to borrow some energy conservation tips from the European Union. Lights in public places such as halls and bathrooms, usually turn on with motion sensors and turn off with timers. How simple. *****Our sojourn amidst chateaux in France, castle in Spain and paços in Portugal is about to end...

In Obidos, Portugal

After two nights in Lariño, we drove today from Costa da Morte (in Galicia, Spain) named the Coast of Death because of all the ship wrecks. The coast itself is beautiful despite its name, although I am sure that the area and ocean are grim in storms, especially in the winter. We are staying in Obidos (Portugal) tonight, and will spend the last night or two nights in Lisbon. We fly to Austin Wednesday 27Jun07 and arrive at night. This has been a wonderful trip but now we can´t wait to get home. We miss you all.

The Road Less Traveled

In Spain: We traveled yesterday on the centuries old pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral was most imposing and inspires great reverence. Then we drove to the north shore of the northernmost ria (estuary) above Pontevedra in Galicia. Pushing on beyond Muros towards Finisterre (land´s end), we found an apartment to rent just outside Lariño and will stay a few nights. There are few places in the world, I think, where one can stay on a clean beach with few people. Last night it did not get dark until 11 pm. Follow the latitude from this area to North America and see where it takes you. This morning we walked on the beach at 10 am and we were the only people on the beach. It is also safe to walk here, whereas in many remote areas it is not. The sun is out! We have not had many sunny days on this trip, but have enjoyed ourselves very much nonetheless. We were told that there was no internet access in Muros by several people this morning but, being persistent with our inquiries, we found a place on a little side street.