"Post visit endorphins" Read on, in today's story-column.
Note: The next word-a-day will go out on Monday!
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Villa Royale apartment in Monaco. Rent this large studio with beautiful sea views located in the residential district of Beausoleil overlooking Monte Carlo. Click here.
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Cool Raoul (khool Rah oohl) expression
(How to translate this well known French *slang* expression , one that has obviously borrowed a bit of English slang ("cool"). Would you agree the one of the following correctly expresses the meaning (the meaning being "don't sweat it!")… so how about this translation for "Cool Raoul": Chill Jill! Relax Max! Zen Gwen!
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
"It is what it is"
Jitters & rain! A *tour bus* will pull up to our home/grape farm this afternoon… and its *47 students* will file into our front yard for a wine-tasting. I hope our visitors are not picturing the set of "A Good Year". Here at our vineyard, we'll need "Beverly Hillbillies" expectations to take off the pressure. We don't do manicured gardens, we don't do tasting rooms. We do have a rickety old picnic table (seats 10).
Need to take a spoonful of my own medicine: "warm affection, not perfection!" …off, now, to find a feather-duster and a pooper-scooper….
The panicked words, above, were posted yesterday at Facebook. (Thank you to everyone who responded with calming thoughts, including my cousin Marc's no-nonsense "two cents": "Kristi you kick a$@!! fear not just set em on the ground and get em intoxicated").
…And now for the awaited update I promised…
We did not survive the "friendly invasion"…. Thrived is the word! We thrived from it! Composure was one of the many issues that arose in the leading-up-to this event (we'll get to logistics in a bit), for I had to keep running back and forth to the bathroom to towl dry the sweat from beneath my arms, this, before the audience arrived [imagine an audience coming to your own flea-bitten home! (OMG–The dogs! we'll get to them later…]). As for the nerve-wracked hostess and the talk she gave…
Like a child rushing home from a thrilling backwood adventure, words running ahead of her spinning legs — so excited is she to recount every detail to anyone who'll listen — this is how my own words spilled out in front of the high school students… and their collected ears were as receptive as a grandmother's or grandfather's as I, the thrice-their-age hostess shared the adventure that led me to France.
If I had only known how accepting the group would be, I might have skipped the pre-arrival jitters, which began three some days before the event when I was surprised by the response to a certain email confirmation that I had sent….
On Friday night it occured to me that I might contact the teacher who had written me last winter, and who I eventually insisted come for a visit. "But I will be travelling with my students…" Professor Wrenn explained. "Well, why not bring them too!" I insisted…
And then, last week, in an unusual organizational mood, I had the inspiration to confirm Professor Wrenn's visit. Ah, and wasn't he coming with a few students? it seemed to me…. Figuring I'd need to wash a couple of extra glasses, I sent off a confirmation message to inquire about how many extra goblets to set out.
What happened next was a brilliant test! Either throw in the towel (too late, I'd need it to soak up all that persperation) or simply join the audience and watch it unfold — "it" being the latest act in this farcical vineyard comedy….
When Professor Wrenn wrote back, informing me that 47 students would be joining us, there was a moment of silence there, before my blurring computer screen. Next I shook my head in sincere appreciation and, looking up, I applauded (somewhat sarcastically) the powers that be. This was just another test, wasn't it, Lord? Obviously there are still a lot of kinks to work out in little 'ol meaning-well me. The fact remains: It is one thing to mean well, but action is proof of the heart's intent.
That night I tossed and turned. In my dreams troops of students marched up the driveway…
The next night's dreams had the same students overcoming the front gate! They were now looking for seating. Only where? We did not have 47 seats in my dream… not even in reality!
When I wasn't dreaming, I was fretting about logistics: just where will we put everyone if it rains?
"Under the mulberry tree," was Jean-Marc's non-chalant answer.
"Only if we squeezed together like sardines could we fit under that mere seedling!" Now I was exaggerating, our tree was older than that; still, its leafy branches might cover 25 heads, max. (Note: while the scorching sun was initially an issue–now it was rain that threatened!)
When I wasn't fretting about logistics, I wondered about a few practical points, such as les toilettes! We had one of these "seats" available for guests….
"They can just 'go' behind the grape vines!" Jean-Marc offered another of his outrageously improbable solutions.
"These are Americans!" I reminded him, as if his own countrymen were "The Barbarians".
And speaking about going to pot, what about our pot-holed lawn? I imagined so many sprained ankles as students squeezed their way past the bottlenecked courtyard and into our scorched-grass garden.
And the dogs! Our goldens were supposed to be the fluffy 'welcome committee', offering up a sweet-scented bienvenue to our visitors…. As it happened the dogs had run off the night before… only to return one hour before the guests arrival. And what poor dead river rat had they rubbed all over their furry bodies this time? What to do with the stinky, style-cramping dogs?!!!
It was all too late now. The jig was up. One way or another, the tour bus was arriving. It was showtime minus 58 minutes when, standing there with a wet head, I rooted through the medicine cabinet for toothpaste and a comb. Nada. Zip. Scratch. Rien! Our own kids, who had left for camp, had swiped them! Chewing on the bristles of my toothbrush, hoping to capture the essence of mint, I ran my fingers through my hair. I had to give my husband credit – he certainly wasn't worried about appearances — in fact just where was he this many minutes before he was to appear, wine-bottles in hand, and launch into his welcoming speech?
The moment passed…. as had all the uncertain moments before it.
And then, there they were, filing in smoothly to the courtyard, over to the mulberry tree, where each student took a mismached seat…. (scavengered seats taken from every kitchen nook and every garden cranny).
And, there they were, listening to Jean-Marc, listening to me. And there was the rain, falling down softly, hitting the leaves of the mulberry tree. Where was the chaos? Where were the ankle sprains? Where was the kilometer-long line to kitchen bathroom?
Looking over the scene, more than order, there was peace. And when I glanced over to Professor Wrenn, seated in his wheelchair at the foot of the steps, I saw each individual raindrop falling over him, like pennies from heaven. Rich droplets mirroring the moment. The weather didn't seem to bother our teacher. In his clear eyes I saw that it was, afterall, a beautiful day.
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Um… logistics!
Jean-Marc, aka "Chief Grape" is a natural!
Professor Wrenn, after the rain, and students.
P.S.: (a bit off topic but…) I forgot to wish everyone a Happy 4th! HAPPY 4TH!!!! In return students wished Chief Grape and me "Happy Anniversary" (celebrated 17 years married on the 4th!)
Postnote: so much more to say about Mr Wrenn's class visit. So many names to mention (I only managed to scribble down the name of one of the student photographers: thank you Max Parriott! I hope to add in the names to the other picture-takers. Where to end this rapid recounting of yesterday's meet-up? How about with Merci beaucoup to the students from St. Helena High, in Napa Valley. It's was such a joy to spend time with you.
Le Coin Commentaires
I'm afraid I could not get in every detail of this memorable visit, but I hope you enjoyed the story of our first tour bus visit! To leave a comment, click here.
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Meet-up! If, by great chance, you happen to be near Colmar, France on Thursday, please join Jean-Marc and me for dinner! Click here for more info.
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As soon as the students and the chaperones left, we missed them! "Monsieur Wrenn," Jean-Marc said, "est vraiment sympa!"
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Jennifer, it is so true what you say: the day we marry, or unite with, our “better half” (or “soulmate” or “partner” or…) it is, in many ways, “Independence Day”! It can seem like prison, at times (ha! independence!!), but this is when we are stuck in a rut, and the tendency is to blame the other. And, sometimes, our “better halves” do indeed hold us back (non independence day!), when they are unsure of the outcome of the “fiery project” within us. The trick is knowing how to proceed: for him, for me, or for “we” 🙂 ‘Scuse this mini-rambling, but it is our anniversary week and I’m giving BIG THANKS. As for many, ours was not the smoothest journey up to this point! Time to celebrate.
Nadine, you are right: there is no need to feel nervous about speaking in front of the group. What made me jittery was the other “character” who was standing bare before the audience: our home! It is such an intimate member of our family, that nest of ours. When all the students and visitors left, I stood in our kitchen (hours later) in my bathrobe — and I had to look out the window more than once and peer around: am I sure that everyone has indeed gone? It is the same feeling on other occasions: have all the visitors gone? One thing I may never ease into is the “semi-public” part of farm life.
Janine, Jean-Marc and I sensed that Professor Wrenn is, as JM said, très très sympa. His class reflected this quality.
Stacy, thank you for your support of 25 years. I am certain that your creative ways whispered to me, chère chère amie.
My daughter was there with this group of 47 and the amazing Mr. Wrenn! Thank you for your kind hospitality and for her very first sips du vin!
Dear Kristin,
Our son was part of the student group. Thank you for opening up your home and heart. Your hospitality made a beautiful impression.
Chip telephoned us after his time with you and spoke fondly of his experience. This is more than a french class.
Mr Wrenn is an amazing teacher who teaches all aspects of language and culture. We appreciate his guidance and inspiration. For sure this adventure will forge our sons path in life and fuel a passion.
It is a nice our children who come from a wine growing region are able to appreciate the life style and approach to the industry from another country and viewpoint.
Congratulations on your anniversary, here’s to many more filled with happiness.
Much appreciated, Jim & Nicky
I recently co-hosted an event which I expected 10-15 people but the final RSVP list included 46 picnic goers! I had no idea where I would seat so many and provide shade from the California sun. As my smart significant other (himself an ex-pat from France) said, “Don’t worry, it will work itself out.” He was so right! Everyone showed up, found a place to sit (it was a picnic so the ground wasn’t off limits) and all had a good time. Lesson learned…don’t sweat the logistics. Simply greet your guests with a genuine smile and a warm welcome. They will figure out what to do from that point on.
Salut, Kristi,
Such courage taking on 47 visitors … teen-aged visitors, no less! You look very “No sweat, Yvette” in the photo at the top of the post. No way, Jose could I have appeared so at ease.
I was just in St Helena today. Actually, in Oakville at Opus One for meeting. Beautiful place, that valley. I’m so happy the kids were good ambassadors.
Bisous, Corey’s cousine, Christine
Did Jean Marc charge a fee to the tour company?
Congratulations Kristen I remember you were worried over purchasing the property and starting a vineyard. It looks as though everything is working out magnificently. All it takes is the passion to do something and keep working at it.
Bravo a M. Wrenn, and what a fantastic experience for his students. I bring groups of students to France every other year and know how fatiguing it is, but I’ve never brought 47! Bless his heart… Bravo a Kristen to welcome his group. Totally cool, Raoul! Joan L.
As I write this, we have now left le Midi and are up in the Alps enjoying a perfect day in sunny Chamonix. Thank you again, Kristin and Jean-Marc for the wonderful visit which the students are still talking about!
Thanks to all the readers for their compliments and accolades. In my teaching career, I find rarely anything as rewarding as bringing a group of students to my beloved France. This is my 13th tour leading a group to France, beginning in 1998. Kristin and Jean-Marc literally opened their arms and homes to us, and it will be an unforgettable part of this year’s tour for our Voyageurs.
Just to be clear as this topic was brought up by some readers, this trip is not sponsored by St. Helena HS, or St. Helena Unified School District though most of our participants are students at that school where I am their teacher. As with most teachers who travel with their students to Europe, I have organized this trip on my own as a non-school activity, and thus was able to offer this unique wine-tasting experience which otherwise would not be permitted. However, we do have a rather unique school being from the heart of the Napa Valley, in that we offer a viticulture class through our Agriculture Department!
@Jules: I am sorry that you weren’t there as well! I asked about you and Max and Jackie of course. It would have been such a pleasure to meet you as well. Maybe on a future trip up to the Napa Valley.
Kristi,
Those of us who have visited you and Chief Grape at DRB know what wonderful, relaxed hosts you are … even when I have visited in the midst of la vendange! What a fabulous experience for these students who themselves come from a beautiful part of the world … St. Helena, CA.
How lucky these students are to have a teacher like Michael Wrenn and parents who allow them to travel through France. I will never forget the times I have spent under that Mulberry tree sipping your wines.
Bonne Anniversaire and let Jean-Marc know that yesterday while enjoying a mini-break in Manhattan, we took the subway to Canal Street and walked over to Vestry Wines to buy a bottle of DRB Lunatique. It is going into the cellar to be enjoyed this Christmas when Margaret and Portia are with us. Can’t wait.
Hospitality is a state of mind and slight of hand. You executed it perfectly and I’m sure garnered a few more fans for the grape and the words/images from a foreign clime. xx
Late catching up with the outcome of the visit. I may have awakened other hotel guests laughing so loud at midnight. And then the tears, too. More worrisome than the students is wondering how that big bus turned around, having watched the Lavender Ladies having to jockey to turn around mere automobiles. Could give new meaning to crushing grapes. By the way, you’re listed in Facebook as Kristin Ingham Espinasse. I remember having some difficulty originally finding you there because of that.
John, No, Jean-Marc did not charge a fee to the tour company or to the students.
Always a day late, but none the less I am brought to tears when I look at the pictures of these students and how well behaved and respectful they appear. Hats off to them, their parents and their teacher. And to you Kristin and Jean-Marc, what a wonderful thing to do.
Now I need to know how to prune lavender. I have my first plant and I am learning as I go.
Kristin and Jean-Marc–Kindly let me add my thanks for making my son feel so welcome at your charming “grape farm”. It was lovely that you graciously opened your home to him and his young friends. He shared with me that the experience was very special for him and one he will always remember.
With gratitude, Diana Henriksson
My son’s name? Professor Wrenn
I had to laugh from the very beginning, when you said they were high school students from the US. They were all under 21, no doubt, so you could have served them wine from wheelbarrows while they stood in a hurricane and they would have been excited- THEY WERE DRINKING WINE!!! If I had been able to have a tour like this as a student, I would have loved the casual feel. The mismatched chairs, being outside, under a tree, right where they harvested the grapes. I bet every student will remember the magical moments they shared with you long after their memoirs of all of those guided tours through museums!!
Great memories for you, J-M, the Professor and a bunch of very lucky teenagers.