A Journey of Opening and Closing

Seasonal changes always begin to signal reflection. Today, in the small town of Niort, the rain has been present all day.

I put on my raincoat for the first time on this trip, grabbed my umbrella and headed to Mass at L'église Notre-Dame. I was not raised Catholic and I still can understand very little French, but I found much comfort in the gathering. A lively congregation and full church greeted me. Because tomorrow heralds la Rentrée for the French (back to school) the altar was heaped in colorful backpacks. I was able to ask the mother in front of me if it were a blessing for the backpacks, and despite our lack of knowledge of each other‘s verbal language, we were able to communicate! Her two little girls kept smiling at me throughout the service.

It’s moments like these that bring such joy in travel. I have looked at this long journey as a semester abroad, which has been deferred until now.

The goal for a semester abroad program, as described by the University of Redlands, my alma mater, is “to create opportunities … to explore diverse cultures and languages en route to becoming more broad-minded, interculturally adept, and knowledgeable citizens of the global community.”

That is the generic goal, but it is the individual moments that have been such gems along the way.

This week I have a feeling of satisfaction as my geographic journey for now has been completed. I traveled from Paris westward toward the sea, a journey that took me through Chartres, Orleans, Blois, Tours, Poitiers, Niort finally to the seaside destination of La Rochelle.

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Photos above: my watercolor of the flags in the Orleans Cathedral, sketching in Orleans, figuring out a French washing machine, Chartres Cathedral, mural of Jean Moulin -Resistance leader - Chartres, Chartres labyrinth, finding the Airbnb lockbox under the creeping vine, young Italian artist sketched me while I was sketching the cathedral,

sketching Orleans Cathedral, and contemporary glass exhibit in Chartres

It has been quite a journey laden with challenges and joys, painting is often as I can, and keeping a journal along the way.Opening eyes and mind.

Closing out old habits and accounts.

Pruning and simplifying.

Strengthening relationships that are most important and making new ones.

My knowledge of the French language remains elementary. However, my knowledge of customs deepens every day. I have learned more about the custom of civility. France is not perfect, but what I have seen for the past six weeks has been a well mannered (for the most part) people, eager to help and show kindness even if you don’t speak French.

I sat in front of the train station yesterday, looking at my phone. I’ve learned to take my time on travel days; check out time is 11 and check in time  is often 4 or 5! A gentleman sat nearby with his bicycle, and smiled as he began to leave. And then he came back to ask if I needed help. That’s just a small example of the many acts of kindness I’ve experienced.

And what am I learning?

There are times to blend in - which can be keeping silent and not smiling.

Take your YouTube favorites.  Mine include Yoga with Adriene, the Washington National Cathedral - Morning Prayer, and the PBSNewshour (to which I’m listening to g to less and less).

If you cannot operate a washing machine, stove, top, coffee maker, Google the directions. Generally, I figure it out.

I had no idea how to open a wine bottle with a wine key and after reading these directions, I found it quite simple! (See the directions at the end of this article)

Often follow the lead of those around you. Yes, after years of telling your children not to do what everybody else does, this is how I  find my train, buy groceries, put paperwork away, follow procedures.

Photos above: my watercolor sketch of Jeanne d’Arc statue in Orleans, “winged victory” wall art in a local restaurant, my watercolor sketch of the towers in La Roche, a brief view of a wedding in the La Rochelle town hall a Hotel de Ville, sketching Chateau du Coudray-Salbart near Niort, bathroom photo because it’s so pretty - Baci et Libération (Italian food), and the canals of Marais Poitevin.

Above all, keep calm, maintain patience and my trust that God is with me helps a lot!

Most of my Airbnb‘s have been fabulous, but there was the night that my host did not respond and the additional deadbolt locked mysteriously behind me as I left. Airbnb Support stayed on the phone with me even though I sat in the dark stairwell for two hours. Always carry an extra phone battery! Support finally suggested that I call a hotel. I negotiated the European phone number and my own phone number. The hotel sent a taxi, graciously welcomed me after midnight and I stayed in a hotel for the night. The next day the Airbnb host sent a workman who spent 45 minutes drilling out the lock. It was not me! But thankfully, I never felt fear. I was in a locked building and knew I was safe. Impatience and fatigue, I felt! But I got through it. And everyone I have met face-to-face has been gracious. I told the taxi driver he was a hero and he said, “No, I’m just a taxi driver.”

Photo: drilling out Air BnB lock!

I am learning so much about world and myself even after quite a few decades. When we begin to think we know a lot, life throws us new circumstances.

I’m learning to handle loss of control a little better.

This month, mysteriously Facebook decided to dispose of my account after 18 years despite my appeals.  My hair at the moment is sort out of my control.

I must abide by century old customs. Greeting people in shops is a lovely habit! But certain things are not to be changed. Lunchtime. Afternoon closure. Dinner time.

Today is definitely about reflection and I see the beautiful reflections in the river here. I have definitely been on a quest for a place where people enjoy nature, good food, conviviality, and where many sit in cafés discussing the matters of the day.

Thank you so much to my team at home who will be there when I return and have maintained the home front.

To my husband who has always encouraged my endeavors, thank you!

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, even if it’s only a few baby steps.

Traveling doesn’t have to be physical. It can be nurtured through reading, looking at art and film, trying new things and talking to new people.

Inspired by you all,

From https://www.instructables.com

Using a wine key.

Step 1: Remove Foil From Cork

I'll admit that I don't always use this part, but it's useful to have. This little blade is great for cutting off the foil that covers the cork and with enough practice you can cut the whole thing off with one circular motion that looks pretty slick.

Step 2: Insert Corkscrew

This part is pretty straightforward. You screw the worm into the cork, usually most of the way in and near the center but not exactly centered.

Step 3: The Really Cool Part.

There are countless fancy (and expensive) corkscrews that do all kind of neat things in order to pull the cork, but I love how simple the process can be. All you need is this notched foot that can perch on the edge of the bottle.

Once you have the corkscrew setup like the first photo shows, all you do is pull up on the opposite end and the cork comes out fairly easily.

Step 4: Voila

You now have an uncorked bottle of wine ready to be enjoyed and a cork that can be reused as needed (From https://www.instructables.com)