The Epistle June 2007

Chateau La Roche Jagu

Built in 1405 on the site of a fortress erected in1100, the Chateau lies on the banks of the Trieux river. Evident in it's construction are elements of it's defensive as well as residential nature. Currently used for cultural exebitions (photo, painting, etc.) various charity events as well as a backdrop for private weddings.

Unfortunately, the interior has been “modernized”, that is the stone walls are by and large covered with stucco, drywall or other non-period finishes. There is no period furniture so the most interesting part of the visit are the grounds, which are lavishly landscaped. The chateau is about a 20-minute drive from home.

Mandy sneaks in a visit

Days before we pulled up stakes for the season, Mandy had several days off from school so she took the train to come get a little face time with mom and dad. We did not get a chance to visit her in Germany, nor she having the time to join us for a part of our Italian trip because of studies and exams.

Not being one to miss an opportunity, Mandy had recently returned from a sponsored week long volunteer assignment in Washington DC, where she was a group leader for the “People to People Ambassador Youth Program” begun by President Eisenhower.

We got a chance to show her a little more of Brittany including one of several local flax ponds. Few people know that many of the Manoirs in Brittany were paid for by the owners of these little cash cows. Historically, Brittany’s linens were famous for their quality and sought the world over. They were produced by growing flax which when harvested were soaked in the flax ponds for several days then carded like wool prior to spinning.

Mandy is just like us when it comes to loving to seek out and visit these offbeat sights.

Who needs a license?

(Welcome to France)

Without a doubt, The French have interesting perspectives on some things. Many laws of public order are openly flaunted or circumvented in ways that seem daft to the rest of us. I have mentioned before the common practice of violating parking laws. But many other commonly accepted laws and rules that govern peoples daily behavior elsewhere are only seen as ‘suggestions’ or are ‘optional” here.

For instance, a sizable number of people in France drive cars or motorbikes that do not require driver’s licenses.

Come again?

Yes, they purchase and drive vehicles that meet the criteria to be on the road without a driver’s license. OK, they are not tooling around in Porches or Maserati’s. Although ‘car like’ in appearance, they are technically a quadra-cycle. The rules are that the vehicle cannot be over 50 CC, cannot be driven over 27 MPH (HA, HA, HA. as if!!!), not weight over 900 pounds dry, not be longer than 9’ and be a two seater. They are allowed anywhere but on the freeways or the ‘peripherique’ around Paris. Price? Around $10,000.

They are marketed to the young, the seriously budget minded, people in cities that have horrendous parking issues and…this is a biggie… those who have lost their drivers licenses due to driving offenses including DUI’s.

How does that grab you?

To add insult to injury, they can continue to get insurance coverage as long as they are not involved in yet another substance abuse related accident.

Only in France…..

Our world in transition

It’s that time again. It’s goodbye to the only bread on the planet worthy of the name (except for California sourdough), goodbye to spectacular architecture, art, history, chateaus and forts more numerous than pebbles on the beach.

On the other hand, back in the land of milk and honey it’s hello to public bathrooms where the toilets actually have seats, a 30% reduction in our cost of living, where everything is open all the time, parking spaces are big enough not to have to crawl out of your window to get out of your car and being able to enjoy a great big juicy hamburger without people looking at you as though you were biting into lizard entrails.

Returning to America always requires several days to adjust from the jet lag (9 hours difference) and a period of cultural re-orientation. It took me almost a week to stop pulling over every time I saw an oncoming car, remembering that the roads here are actually wide enough for cars to pass together. Imagine that. Several times, I caught myself starting to drive up on the sidewalks to park before the glaring and astounded looks of pedestrians reminded me that “ that dog don’t hunt” here.

We started this season’s trek in Seattle Washington, home of the planet's 4 greatest grandchildren. (#5 is in the oven!) Our little man Christopher is slowly on the mend but is tended at home with an outside nurse 12 hours a day to help out. I finally got to take a tour of the Boeing aircraft assembly plant (worlds largest building) with son Wesley and grandson Alex. We visited the 777 assembly line and saw the beginning of the new 787 Dreamliner production.

Flying on to California, we arrived back into our hometown. After seeing just how many people smoke in France, we were really struck by the fact that in 1990 San Luis Obispo was the first city in the world to ban smoking in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants. Since then, many municipalities around the world have followed suit using us as a model.

Over the years we have heard the hue and cry of many other communities who struggled over the same concerns ours had over the decision, mainly that business and tourism would be hurt. Today, both are booming beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.

As long as we are going down memory lane, San Luis Obispo was also the last city in the United States to have a gas lamp lighter on its payroll after electricity became the standard for street lights

While home, we had a chance to do our usual bit of maintenance. A little roofing, fence repair and cleaning up the property to keep our renters happy. It’s all good. It was great to be back at our home church and catch up with friends while staying at Janice's mother. On a few occasions, we spent happy hour enjoying great Mexican food outside at sunset overlooking the Pacific from our favorite restaurant. Man, I love it here.

As we go to press we are still 5 days from flying to the Bee, our tiny little island home. We can hardly wait. We feel like kids about to be let out for recess.