I had a very successful trip. There were no delays and things went smoothly. I met some very nice people along the way. From GJ to Dallas I sat next to J.J. from Palisade. He happens to be a friend of Cheryl (Burris). From Dallas, I was next to a very beautiful and quiet lady who spoke Spanish, but also English. You don't really feel like talking much when you're flying for 14 hours, or however long the trip lasted! Once I got to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, I located my way to the train station. It was at the other end of the airport and finally I got smart and located a cart to haul all of my bags. It's amazing how heavy everything gets after packing it so far! It made me cuss to myself for bringing as much as I did. The train station was a little confusing but luckily I had enough time and asked enough people to figure out what I needed to do. I even had time to answer an opinion poll about the station, with a nice young French lady. While waiting for the train, I met a gentleman named John O'Hare I believe. He was originally from New York but about 20 or so years ago, married a Dutch woman, and lives in Amsterdam. He studies languages and had just been in Turkey with a group of people discussing the Persian language or some other one as well. He was very talkative and loved discussing the different things about the French language that I should listen for. By this time I was extremely tired, dehydrated, and needed to use the restroom, so I hoped I wouldn't pass out listening to him! He directed me to the restroom and it cost .50 euros to use it. I told the nice lady at the desk who collected the money, that I hadn't changed any of my money into euros yet, so she waved me in...bless her! Right before I got on the train, there was a man in front of me and I noticed the name on his ticket. It was one of the students who was signed up for Studio Escalier as well. I asked if that indeed was where he was headed and he said yes! Brinton Ferrand, from Indianna. My first contact with a fellow student. As luck would have it, we were in the same car on the train, just a few seats apart. I got us onto the wrong car at first, but then after a lady informed me (in French) that I was in her seat, I finally installed Brinton and myself in the correct car. Along the way, I did sit by one nice French man for a short section of the trip. I believe his name was Jean-Yeves. He works for Phillips-Chevron. Luckily his English was better than my French! After the two hour long train ride, Brinton and I met up with others from the group, as well as the director of the program, Timothy Stotz. Packing into the van, and using Tim's car, we made our way to Argenton, a 45 minute trip from the train station. I met the landlords of my apartment, neither of whom could speak English, but my French was good enough that I figured out all they had to say about the apartment, as well as tell them a little about myself. In the evening, we all met at the director's house, which also has the studio in it. What a beautiful grand building. It was built in 1853 and is so typically French. 14 foot high ceilings, tall windows, elaborate moldings around the ceiling. He and his wife (or partner), Michelle Tully, also a fabulous artist, live there part time, and also in Paris. Quite the perfect set-up. The evening was absolutely delightful. Wonderful fellow students, from Italy, Brazil, England, New Zealand, New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Portland, Indianna, and a few more that I can't remember. Michelle greeted us all in their stunning dining room, with wine and delectable hors d'oevres. The evening was warm so we all sat out on their back patio, overlooking the beautiful trees below. It was so interesting hearing all of the stories from fellow student's and our passion for art. Walking back to my apartment, the town was so peaceful and still. The old buildings, the quaint little streets of the village, magical. This morning I shall proceed to the market to buy some food. I'm including photos of my view from my living room window. Not too shabby! Peace to all!
