"Traffic" in the town of Vaison-la-Romaine. A car lover will appreciate today's edition, which focuses on a unique off-road vehicle, the UMM. Thanks for forwarding the post on to a friend!
quatre-quatre or 4X4 (kat-kat or kat-ruh kat-ruh) (see sound file below)
: four-wheel drive
Audio File and Example sentence: Download MP3 or Download Wav
L'apiculteur est arrivé avec son 4X4 pour monter jusqu'aux restanques et deposer les ruches. The beekeeper arrived with his 4X4 to climb up to the rock terraces and place the bee hives.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
This morning Mr Pottelet, the beekeeper, came to deliver four hives. Jean-Marc met the apiculteur at the edge of the gravel driveway, where the two men took a steep passage that leads to several hillside agricultural terraces, where Jean-Marc will plant his vineyards.
I hurried to dress, grabbed my camera and rushed up the other side of the hill, just behind our house, but it was too late. The men were already headed back down the hillside, having placed the buzzing ruches.
Zut! I'd missed the bee-installation. Never mind. My attention soon caught on the unique vehicle driven by the beekeeper. I watched the tail end of the rover disappear down the steep path, at which point I hurried down the stairs beside our house, to our driveway, where the quatre-quatre was now arriving.
Shaking the beekeeper's hand I couldn't wait to ask about his four-wheel drive. "An UMM?" I questioned, amused by the metal lettering on the front of the car.
Lately I've been fascinated by the Citroën Méhari and the history of this off-road vehicle. The beekeeper's 4X4 looked like a mix between a Méhari and a taller landrover.
"It was meant to be a mix between a tractor and a truck," Mr Pottelet explained. The vehicle was originally conceived by the French engineering company Cournil as a prototype. Its raison d'être was to function as something between a tractor and a truck.
I circled around the tractor-truck, wishing more than ever that it were my own. Jean-Marc has wanted to trade in my Citroën C3 but, being only 8 years old, it is hard to justify the need for a new car.
"Does it get good gas mileage?" I asked the beekeeper, who told me the diesel engine doesn't consume much.
"But it can't be that comfortable," I pointed out, "how was the two-hour drive getting here this morning?"
"Elles sont très agréable à conduire." "They are very nice to drive," the beekeeper said, summing things up.
And it must be quite useful for him, I thought, what with the four buzzing hives he was able to transport.
I began to wonder how I might justify the need for such a vehicle of character?… Two golden retrievers and a steep and winding driveway… was that enough to justify it?
"Je peux vous demander une question indiscrète?"
I wanted to know what a car like this costs. The beekeeper said he paid around 4000 euros after finding it in Le Boin Coin, the local classifieds.
4000 euros? By now Jean-Marc, who had been anxiously following the conversation, was looking relieved–interested even. What with so many French Riviera women driving little Mini Coopers ($$$), he might count his lucky stars that his wife's set her sights on something grander.
Now all my husband has to do is sell several hundred jars of honey to pay for it. Better yet, maybe he can trade for it? Wine and honey for a lemon? But this baby is no lemon!
The UMM rover arriving high up on the third terrace. The beekeeper, who also has 12 donkeys, tells us these dependable workers would be ideal for clearing this land…. Don't tell Mama Jules, or she'll pass out in excitement. After a gypsy trailer, or roulette (or maybe even before it), she dreams of having a donkey.
Move over Popemobile… UMMs are THE beemobile!
Back to work now…. Don't forget to forward this post to a car enthusiast (or even bee enthusiast!) Thanks. (P.S. Just look at all the work there is for a donkey. Is this justification enough??)
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Hi Kristin,
I love this post —–I think you need to get both: goats and a red jeep!
Good luck with the Bees —– countries need to cut out all the killer sprays!
Stay well!
Hi Kristin,
I love this post —–I think you need to get both: goats and a red jeep!
Good luck with the Bees —– countries need to cut out all the killer sprays!
Stay well!
Breaking news! This morning, an important parliamentary committee in the UK said the pesticides that are being blamed for killing our bees should stop being used. ] They agree with scientists and other governments across Europe that these pesticides are a danger to bees.
But Owen Paterson, the environment minister, is refusing to listen to the mounting scientific evidence. In just a few weeks he will vote on whether these pesticides should be taken out of use across Europe. Last time he refused to vote in favour. This time let’s make sure he votes to protects our bees.
The petition to protect our bees is growing fast, more than 100,000 of us have now signed it. If we can grow the petition even larger, we can send a message that he’s not only going against science, but he’s going against public opinion too.
Please can you forward this email to your friends and ask them to sign the petition too? They can sign the petition at:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/save-our-bees
Bees pollinate apples, cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, cauliflower, onions, cabbage, broccoli, carrots and many many more of our fruit and veg. France and Italy have already taken steps to ban these pesticides but our minister is putting his head in the sand.
With this new report, Owen’s refusal to act looks even more ridiculous. Even his fellow MPs are saying these pesticides should stop being used. He talks a lot about protecting our bees, but his actions seem to do nothing but protect the pesticide industry’s profits.
If we can get the petition to over 150,000 we’ve got something rather special planned. We’ll build a mock-up ‘mountain of evidence’ and wheel it right to his doorstep so that he can’t ignore it.
Please can you forward this email to you friends and family and ask them to sign the petition:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/save-our-bees
Thanks for being involved and helping to protect our bees,
P.S: Can you share the petition with your friends on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/bees-facebook
Twitter: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/bees-twitter
NOTES:
[1]Ban pesticides linked to bee deaths, say MPs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22021104
Breaking news! This morning, an important parliamentary committee in the UK said the pesticides that are being blamed for killing our bees should stop being used. ] They agree with scientists and other governments across Europe that these pesticides are a danger to bees.
But Owen Paterson, the environment minister, is refusing to listen to the mounting scientific evidence. In just a few weeks he will vote on whether these pesticides should be taken out of use across Europe. Last time he refused to vote in favour. This time let’s make sure he votes to protects our bees.
The petition to protect our bees is growing fast, more than 100,000 of us have now signed it. If we can grow the petition even larger, we can send a message that he’s not only going against science, but he’s going against public opinion too.
Please can you forward this email to your friends and ask them to sign the petition too? They can sign the petition at:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/save-our-bees
Bees pollinate apples, cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, cauliflower, onions, cabbage, broccoli, carrots and many many more of our fruit and veg. France and Italy have already taken steps to ban these pesticides but our minister is putting his head in the sand.
With this new report, Owen’s refusal to act looks even more ridiculous. Even his fellow MPs are saying these pesticides should stop being used. He talks a lot about protecting our bees, but his actions seem to do nothing but protect the pesticide industry’s profits.
If we can get the petition to over 150,000 we’ve got something rather special planned. We’ll build a mock-up ‘mountain of evidence’ and wheel it right to his doorstep so that he can’t ignore it.
Please can you forward this email to you friends and family and ask them to sign the petition:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/save-our-bees
Thanks for being involved and helping to protect our bees,
P.S: Can you share the petition with your friends on Facebook and Twitter:
Facebook: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/bees-facebook
Twitter: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/bees-twitter
NOTES:
[1]Ban pesticides linked to bee deaths, say MPs http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22021104
Oh you adventurous people! I used to want an MGB, then a Camaro or a Jaguar. Could care less about hauling stuff around. Just wanted style and speed. Fortunately I’m too old to be let loose in an expensive car. I’ll stick with my reliable Chevy Impala, which is a 2006 with about 25,000 miles. Is that pathetic? Used to rent some great cars on European vacations. Can’t drive a stick shift anymore but learned to drive in a ’39 coupe with 3 gear floor shift. Best car we ever had was a VW Rabbit in 1960’s. Drove thousands of miles in it – no a/c or power brakes. Ah, youth!
Oh you adventurous people! I used to want an MGB, then a Camaro or a Jaguar. Could care less about hauling stuff around. Just wanted style and speed. Fortunately I’m too old to be let loose in an expensive car. I’ll stick with my reliable Chevy Impala, which is a 2006 with about 25,000 miles. Is that pathetic? Used to rent some great cars on European vacations. Can’t drive a stick shift anymore but learned to drive in a ’39 coupe with 3 gear floor shift. Best car we ever had was a VW Rabbit in 1960’s. Drove thousands of miles in it – no a/c or power brakes. Ah, youth!
Oh, Kristi, what a fun and charming story! I love this vehicle and its adorable co-pilot! I say go for it! I love old cars though I am quite satisfied to have my comfy 4-Runner for everyday use. My guy is a mechanic so that takes the stress out (for me at least) of maintaining old vehicles.
My favorite rig of ours is a 1969 Toyota Land Cruiser that he’s had for over 25 years. It serves as our camping rig and logging rig; plus the occasion “blow out the dust” trip to town car as it no longer has doors. We are beginning to restore his mom’s 1959 MGA (I use the term “we” lightly here as I’ve yet to help). This may become my new favorite ride. I can just see our two Russell Terriers and I cruising with the top down.
Glad to see you’ve found a beekeeper in your new surrounds. Raw honey is not only delicious it has so many amazing health benefits. Long live the honey bees!
Oh, Kristi, what a fun and charming story! I love this vehicle and its adorable co-pilot! I say go for it! I love old cars though I am quite satisfied to have my comfy 4-Runner for everyday use. My guy is a mechanic so that takes the stress out (for me at least) of maintaining old vehicles.
My favorite rig of ours is a 1969 Toyota Land Cruiser that he’s had for over 25 years. It serves as our camping rig and logging rig; plus the occasion “blow out the dust” trip to town car as it no longer has doors. We are beginning to restore his mom’s 1959 MGA (I use the term “we” lightly here as I’ve yet to help). This may become my new favorite ride. I can just see our two Russell Terriers and I cruising with the top down.
Glad to see you’ve found a beekeeper in your new surrounds. Raw honey is not only delicious it has so many amazing health benefits. Long live the honey bees!
I grew up with that classic English Landrover as my dads farm vehicle – learnt to drive in it!!!! It taught you well…..
Looking forward to seeing Provence for myself in a few weeks – thanks for the glimpses through your lens – we have planned some of our trip through your recommendations. Thanks for sharing your life with us all….
I grew up with that classic English Landrover as my dads farm vehicle – learnt to drive in it!!!! It taught you well…..
Looking forward to seeing Provence for myself in a few weeks – thanks for the glimpses through your lens – we have planned some of our trip through your recommendations. Thanks for sharing your life with us all….
Our dear Kristi,
We would’ve LOVED to have an UMM when we were living in Paris!
We were driving a (citroen) Ami 6 (don’t even know if they still make those) and many times in the traffic I thought we’d be goners for sure!!
What a(nother)wondeful post! Just sorry to hear that the bee problem exists around the world (thought it was only here).Hopefully one day it will be corrected –hard to imagine life without bees and pollination.
Love, Natalia XO
Our dear Kristi,
We would’ve LOVED to have an UMM when we were living in Paris!
We were driving a (citroen) Ami 6 (don’t even know if they still make those) and many times in the traffic I thought we’d be goners for sure!!
What a(nother)wondeful post! Just sorry to hear that the bee problem exists around the world (thought it was only here).Hopefully one day it will be corrected –hard to imagine life without bees and pollination.
Love, Natalia XO
I agree .. SAVE THE BEES! They are indicative of a healthy planet. Also agree with Passante above … I loved my little Suzuki Samurai .. the perfect island “Ride”. I miss it and kick myself everytime I see one go by. That is one fun vehicle to drive! EXCELLENT POST KRISTIN .. EXCELLENT! Aloha, Bill
I agree .. SAVE THE BEES! They are indicative of a healthy planet. Also agree with Passante above … I loved my little Suzuki Samurai .. the perfect island “Ride”. I miss it and kick myself everytime I see one go by. That is one fun vehicle to drive! EXCELLENT POST KRISTIN .. EXCELLENT! Aloha, Bill
Love this post about cars!
My father used to be a collector of all sorts of cars…the car I learnt to drive on was a silver Dellow which was an old hill racing car( from late 40’s-50’s I think)….I learnt about double declutching to change gears, how to deal with rattles and shakes over the speed of 30mph and tires locking up to slide down the hills when applying brakes! Kids today learning to drive are SOOKS!!
PS I now drive my mother’s little red 1990 MX5 and love it!
PPS Love the “UMM”!!
Love this post about cars!
My father used to be a collector of all sorts of cars…the car I learnt to drive on was a silver Dellow which was an old hill racing car( from late 40’s-50’s I think)….I learnt about double declutching to change gears, how to deal with rattles and shakes over the speed of 30mph and tires locking up to slide down the hills when applying brakes! Kids today learning to drive are SOOKS!!
PS I now drive my mother’s little red 1990 MX5 and love it!
PPS Love the “UMM”!!
Just curious… Does “UMM” stand for anything?
JoanL.
Just curious… Does “UMM” stand for anything?
JoanL.
UMM is a Portuguese metal works factory and ex-automobile manufacturer based in Lisbon, Portugal. It was founded in 1977 with the purpose of manufacturing four-wheel drive vehicles for agricultural, industrial and utility applications.
The UMM 4×4 design is derived from a prototype created by the French engineering firm Cournil, called Entrepreneur. The Cournil Entrepreneur’s building rights were acquired by the Portuguese company União Metalo-Mecânica, part of the Mocar group and were renamed as UMM.
They became known for their reliability, especially when in a Paris-Dakar rally the team was able to finish with all the cars that started. Many UMMs are still in use by utilities in Spain, Portugal, Cape Verde (in use by the national army) and France and also by the “Guarda Nacional Republicana” (Portuguese Gendarmerie), fire service and military, although the majority of their customers were private individuals. Around 700 UMMs are still in service in the Republic of the Congo (Zaire). They are also popular in France and Angola.
The most famous UMM is probably the one that transported Pope John Paul II in one of his visits to Portugal.
UMM is a Portuguese metal works factory and ex-automobile manufacturer based in Lisbon, Portugal. It was founded in 1977 with the purpose of manufacturing four-wheel drive vehicles for agricultural, industrial and utility applications.
The UMM 4×4 design is derived from a prototype created by the French engineering firm Cournil, called Entrepreneur. The Cournil Entrepreneur’s building rights were acquired by the Portuguese company União Metalo-Mecânica, part of the Mocar group and were renamed as UMM.
They became known for their reliability, especially when in a Paris-Dakar rally the team was able to finish with all the cars that started. Many UMMs are still in use by utilities in Spain, Portugal, Cape Verde (in use by the national army) and France and also by the “Guarda Nacional Republicana” (Portuguese Gendarmerie), fire service and military, although the majority of their customers were private individuals. Around 700 UMMs are still in service in the Republic of the Congo (Zaire). They are also popular in France and Angola.
The most famous UMM is probably the one that transported Pope John Paul II in one of his visits to Portugal.
Love this post Kristin. It reminded me of the British tv series, Rosemary and Thyme. Have you seen it? Rosemary owns an old Land Rover and they drive around in that together to all of their landscaping jobs. You should watch if you’ve never seen it. Part gardening/part mystery show-lots of fun.
Jules-you’re so funny! I love it that you found a WWII vehicle to drive/sleep in. I hope you can make your dream of that and a donkey come true! I love donkeys.
Best of luck to you JM and Kristin with the bees/honey. Yes, let’s pray for the bees and hope that people stop using pesticides so we can save them, ourselves and the Earth!
Love this post Kristin. It reminded me of the British tv series, Rosemary and Thyme. Have you seen it? Rosemary owns an old Land Rover and they drive around in that together to all of their landscaping jobs. You should watch if you’ve never seen it. Part gardening/part mystery show-lots of fun.
Jules-you’re so funny! I love it that you found a WWII vehicle to drive/sleep in. I hope you can make your dream of that and a donkey come true! I love donkeys.
Best of luck to you JM and Kristin with the bees/honey. Yes, let’s pray for the bees and hope that people stop using pesticides so we can save them, ourselves and the Earth!