a busy wednesday

I seriously could get used to having Wednesdays off. This week, I really took advantage of my break in the middle of the week. First, I drove to Amiens to meet the Association France-USA for lunch at Tante Jeanne, a crêpe restaurant in the quartier St. Leu. I am extremely proud of myself for winding my way through the streets of Amiens when I took a wrong turn and still reaching my destination. France would definitely lose most of its charm if the streets were on a grid like OKC, though. There were quite a few people in attendance this week, including a student from the University of Tulsa who is here for the year, 2 English students doing internships at the business school, and I was most happy to see Jean-Louis, the director of the Sup de Co, whom I hadn't seen since last December.

Later in the day, I ventured out again - this time to Abbeville, a town about 45 minutes from Poix. Originally the objective of the trip was that Ford Fiesta, but even though it was sold out from under us, Philip insisted I still come for dinner. He and his wife are both histoire-géo teachers, and their pre-French Revolution house is filled with interesting antiques and artwork, including an authentic Marianne bust that came from an old school. I think he said she is from the 19th Century. He built a niche for her so she could be displayed properly. I remember a conversation I had with Philip last December about how American antique dealers come to France and take all of their beautiful treasures back to the States to sell at very high prices. He does not like this at all, and after seeing their home, I realize he and I share our appreciation of nice furniture. I know that I will feel guilty if I find a piece I can't live without, but sorry Philip, I don't think that will stop me. The only solution is for me to have my own place here so I can fill it with French antiques and respect their provenance at the same time.

Once again, a comparison of our two heath care systems was a topic of conversation. I can finally remember the word for deductable - une franchise - and am getting better at explaining the American system. I need some examples of what others have had to pay to make my point more clearly. My 34 dollars a month for 8 migraine pills is effective, but if I knew how much Michael's appendicitis cost him earlier this year, I could better make my point. Or friends with babies, how much did your precious child cost you at the hospital? You can e-mail me your details if you're willing to share.

But back to Philip and Eliane. They're great people and I had a wonderful time with them and 2 of their daughters, their kitten Plume and Maurice the hamster. I wish I remembered to take pictures. Next time...