Lessons learned

The French enjoy life, slowly, (the only way actually) and it’s seen most dramatically in how long it takes the waiter to return between courses. Our North American stomachs are used to FAST FOOD, so we gulp down our Msg before bolting out the door. Last night, we were eating on the terrace of a restaurant set in the cliffs of La Roque-Gageac, frequent winner of France’s prettiest village contest. We inhaled our food so fast (we had been canoeing all day) that Angie actually had time to leave and phone her parents before the desserts came. While embarrassing on our part, it was yet another lesson that the ultimate purpose of food may not be biological, but relational. Experts have shown families who share a meal together double their chances of remaining healthy and functional. The Close Family is slowly improving; France has been a good teacher indeed.

Speaking of teaching, here are some lessons I’ve learned these first few weeks:

1. While the French take their time, they drive fast. Many times I’ll look up and think I’m towing something. Although they tail, they never flash the bird, shake the noggin, or curse. They just pull out, pass, and away they go. Also, pedestrians don’t have the right of way here, expect it and you’re liable to get a leg full of fender.

2. As far as lizards and spiders go, we’re living in their house.

3. Next to God and the ones you love, beauty is the easiest thing in the world to take for granted. One week in France and we’ve already found ourselves speeding past beauty on our way into town. Beauty’s a multi layered creature, one I will write more on later.

4. As much as we love our evening TV, we’ve barely missed it. Although my Oilers start up again next week. . .

5. The richer the day - the fuller the life - the slower it will go by. England feels like a lifetime ago.

6. I’m learning not to hurry and experiencing more.

7. Washing machines take 2.5 hours and dryers are nowhere to be found. Dishwashers really are a God send (we’ve never had one before)

8. Ancient seldom means inferior.

9. In the end, the only investments that matter are love given and time spent.

10. Nancy Drew is a surprisingly good film (although it’s the first movie we’ve watched so that could have had something to do with it)

11. Finding a toad the size of a small dog in the wood shed late at night is enough to make Ethan, my and Lexa’s life, and Angie and Maddie fear for theirs.

12. Starting a fire is strangely similar to coddling a child. Patience is key.

And finally, always makes sure you bring cash when visiting Beynac Castle. It’s a 450 foot steep climb to the top, a long way down and an even longer 450 foot climb back up again. Sure Angie was wooed by my manly cardio but it hurt all over.

John