Anniversary!

September 10, 2013

Thirty years ago this evening, right after our wedding celebration was over, we realized that, in all the excitement, we had hardly eaten at the reception.  On our way out of town, we went to a McDonald’s drive through and each had a filet-o-fish.  This afternoon, in the town of Besancon, we stopped and had filets-o-fish to commemorate that event as we were on an afternoon drive.

Late this evening we headed back out on the street in search of dinner.  The weather has gotten nippy here, so we didn’t eat outdoors.  Our anniversary dinner consisted of veal and “haricots vert” (green beans).  The server and chef/owner were delightful, and we enjoyed talking with them so much.  Almost everybody in France speaks a little English.  We end up speaking a little French and a little English in almost every sentence—when we come to a word or words we don’t know in French, we resort to English.  Yesterday in a tourist office I found myself saying, “Je voudrais d’information re le Beaujolais route.”  (I would like some information about the Beaujolais route.) I don’t know if that is the right word for information in French, but I said it with the French nasal sound and pronunciation, and she seemed to know what I said.  I have more self-confidence this time in France than the last time.  I can read the signs—except for the traffic symbols—and the menus are easier.  I just don’t like to talk to the people in French because they answer me in speed French, and I don’t know what they’re saying.

That’s all for tonight!  We have an early morning—we have to get the car to Hertz and hop on the train for Paris.  This adventure is winding down, and we’re getting ready to be home late on Saturday and to easily drive around Richmond without Samantha on the GPS.  I am looking forward to iced tea, blueberries, peanut butter (haven’t seen it once in Europe), and oatmeal.  Little pleasures!