hoppy easter?

It was so interesting to go back to roanne this weekend. It's the city Bertrand and Sophie are both from, and Sophie's parents house--this picturesque sprawl set atop a hill, featuring a gorgeous swimming pool with a backdrop of lush green french hillsides and plenty of toys for les enfants to fight over (this time: the balançoire and the petit quad)--is where the kids spend their holidays from school. It was also here that I first met the children, my first weekend here in France, Antoine and Jeanne showing off their skills on the diving board, Julien, shy and wrapped in a towel on his mamie's lap. I'd met lot of Sophie and Bertrand's childhood friends, then, too, and been overwhelmed by my complete non-understanding of French.

In seven (!) months, some things have changed, and others have not. I am much more comfortable with the kids and family, though I am continually perplexed by the French language, not least of all the apparent nuances by which "vous" and "tu" are decided upon. I have always used "vous," as in "s'il VOUS plait," with the grandparents, who have always been kind to me. Today, as I was being told, again, how to say correctly, "Do you want some water?" to Bertrand, he suggested I use the familiar, "tu" form with him, as I have always done, at he and Sophie's insistence. But, the grandma insisted that "vous" should always be used for people "older than you, as a form of respect!" and Bertrand, laughingly, agreed, saying, "yes, use it for the OLD!" I don't want to be seen as impolite, but I don't know how I will EVER understand this! Apparently, you can use "tu" is you're trying to "get friendly," but otherwise you should always use it with people you don't know. However, I guess this confusion isn't only a problem of mine, as a foreigner: I recall, when I was trying desperately to finish my French credits in order to graduate, talking with the French exchange student/tutor who expressed similar problems and her solution: holding to water jug above her head and saying to no one in particular, "Vous voulez de l'eau?" Because, of course and after all, "vous" can be plural, as well.

In conclusion, it's embarrassing how terrible my French still is and I know continuing to write, read, and listen in English isn't doing me any good... only 3 more months! I can't believe it! I must try harder!

x.

oh, my little brazilian (and i don't--and will never--mean my vag!):

and it is forgivable, i mean it is not everyday we see a charming old british, is it? with enphasys on the 'old'

heuhe

oh lorraina, i don't why really, but i like you so much!

i wish you be as happy as possible