Kind People

(Lesley)

Merci! …à la madame qui nous a aidé à acheter de l’essence aujourd’hui à Ouzouer-le Marché!  Nos cartes de credit canadiennes n’étaient pas acceptées à la pompe, alors elle à inserré sa carte et nous l’avons payé en Euros.  C’était bien gentil de sa part.  Maintenant, nous aurons assez de pétrole pour aller voir tout les châteaux près d’Orleans.

Thank you! We had help at a gas station in Ouzouer-le-Marché today by a friendly lady who rescued us when our Canadian credit cards were rejected at the gas pump.  She offered to put in her own credit card and let us fill up, if we paid her in cash.  It was very kind and helpful.  Especially given how few and far between the opportunities are here to fill the car, given the strikes (check Sam’s blog for updates on French strikes), and the subsequent fuel shortages. 

We are being well looked after here in France and owe many thanks to those helping us along the way.  People are ever so patient with us.  They give Sam and Mhari a chance to explain or question without interrupting them or finishing their sentences.  It is such good learning for the kids and it is a pleasure for John and I to watch them learn. 

The gîte owner, from Saint-Suliac had John all figured out too.  He was sure John understood a lot more than he let on.  I think John is making good sense of what is being said; he certainly gets the gist of things in conversation.  I still translate bits, but certainly not whole sentences.  I’m really enjoying the opportunities to speak in French.  I’m sure I still make lots of mistakes when writing, but verbally I’m confident and enjoying myself. (I wonder how we will do with Hindi or Urdu?)

We had a lovely stay in Saint-Suliac and have a gîte to recommend to anyone looking to go stay in Brittany.  It is a peaceful place, located close to so many things worth visiting, but located away from busy roads in a scenic location up on a hill.  The owners are really friendly and helpful too.