The trip is swiftly slipping into history as each of us move on with our lives back home, but we will treasure the times we shared with our French friends. For Steve and I, it was "les retrouvailles" (a reunion) for the others a chance to make some new friends. For our French friends, it was a pleasure to get to know this special group of Americans that came to discover, paint and enjoy their culture. Here are a few photos of "les amis francais."
Francine Hutin & Colleen Nigeon
Jerie & Steve have known Colleen for over 35 years from their time in Lille, France. Colleen was a masterful help as tour guide in helping us find out of the way opportunities like the Musee d'Art Moderne and it's restaurant, just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. She also helped us discover the restaurant behind the clock at the Musee d'Orsay.
Francine is the wife of Gilles Hutin, a dear friend Steve & Jerie met way back in Arras, France in 1977!
Linda, Jerie's roommate from college along with dear Colleen at the Musee d'Art Moderne.
Our dear friend Gilles, "un bon vivant!" as the French say. What a fun evening - he treated all of us to some excellent wine and our desert as well.
Tching tching! A votre sante! Cheers!
Steve and Jerie enjoyed lunch with our dear Iranian friend Vahideh. Our children all went to school together back in Lille. She is a treasure.
Et Voila! nos chers amis - les Demeures! Our dear friends, Gilbert & Nicole Demeure who were our hosts "par excellence" during our week in the Creuse region in the center of France. They opened their guest home, their home, their beautiful property, and their hearts to us during our stay. Nicole was one of Jerie's china painting students back in the 80's in Lille, France. Her hand painted tiles that decorate the bathrooms, kitchens and stair wells are outstanding. We can't express our gratitude enough for their warm welcome.
It was hard to say goodbye! Au revoir! A la prochaine!
And last but not least,we can't forget Gwenaelle from the Hotel du Donjon, http://hotel-donjon-vincennes.fr/. She was more than accommodating in helping us make arrangements for our hotel rooms before we came, and then daily with questions about the best metro lines and taxi services.
Vive les amis francais!
