A car is une voiture in French. But the word "bagnole" has so much more character–and this 2CV, especially. Speaking of character, read about it in today's story!
la bagnole (ban-yol)
: car; ride, set of wheels
A Day in a FRENCH Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Last Sunday I hid in our bathroom as our guests collected their purses and coats. "I'll be right back," I said, promising to meet up again in the parking lot, where we were about to drive to the beach.
Hightailing it to the loo, I locked the door and sat down to collect my thoughts. This particular W.C. is hidden behind another "guest" restroom–the one I keep as tidy as possible in spite the crackling paint. But all my efforts to conceal the parts of our life that are not up to snuff were about to crumble like the paint next door….
As I sat on the throne of our hidden W.C., my guest's words echoed in my mind: "We'll need to take your car."
My car? But my car was worse than a mess! Sticky with after-school snacks, it attracted dust, parking receipts and dog hair (heavier items–such as books–collected on the floor). This accumulation of horrors is my secret shame, and it was about to come waltzing out of the closet with a toothless grin on its face. Like drunken kin who show up to the party unbidden, so was I at heart: undisciplined.
But no, it isn't true. Just because my car is a mess doesn't mean that I'm one too! And so went my reasoning as I sat on the pot, in the dark–the light-bulb having burst weeks ago.
And then another light went off…. It occurred to me that if I sat there long enough things might work themselves out on their own! I leaned forward, putting my ear to the bathroom door. I could hear Jean-Marc chatting with our guests. Knowing my husband, he was busy redirecting everyone towards the other bagnole–our guest's car. I needed only to wait out the crisis a little longer–then appear in time to dive into someone else's back seat, in time to avoid humiliation.
Alas, when I exited the petit coin I was surprised to discover one of our guests getting into my car! At that point I was left with one all-consoling thought:
Character. Remember. It is what you most admire in others. So why not begin to appreciate it in yourself?
Shifting the car in reverse, I heard the familiar jingling. Besides dust, who else has a sheep bell tied to their gear stick? I smiled at my graceful passenger and we both laughed as my car lurched out of the driveway, jingling all the way to the shimmering blue sea.
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French Vocabulary
w.c. = water closet, toilet
la bagnole = car
le petit coin = powder room
Had a wonderful time at our meetup yesterday, meeting a handful of delightful readers. Will have more photos and a story for you soon! Beside me, in dark blue, is Najima, who, along with husband Frédéric, run this delicious crêperie in the port of Madrague (near St. Cyr sur Mer).
See another cool French bagnole in the post "Where to Rent a Car in France"
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
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Fell in love with your Le Petit Prince car! That’s my favorite book so your car touched my heart!
Fell in love with your Le Petit Prince car! That’s my favorite book so your car touched my heart!
Boy, can I relate to that.
Today when I got into my car, I vowed I would get it washed and vacuumed this week.
The Easter lily had fallen over before I made it home from the store on
Good Friday and I’d tried to vacuum up the dirt but it still looks bad. And all those stains from spilled liquids, crumbs from food. Quel horreur! Loved the sign about the stall. At least we’re alive and running, messy car and all!
a
Boy, can I relate to that.
Today when I got into my car, I vowed I would get it washed and vacuumed this week.
The Easter lily had fallen over before I made it home from the store on
Good Friday and I’d tried to vacuum up the dirt but it still looks bad. And all those stains from spilled liquids, crumbs from food. Quel horreur! Loved the sign about the stall. At least we’re alive and running, messy car and all!
a
Natalia, thanks for your words, which always feel like hugs!
Eileen, no, that is not my car … But wish it were! Loved your note: Wait, let me clean it out first! 🙂
Natalia, thanks for your words, which always feel like hugs!
Eileen, no, that is not my car … But wish it were! Loved your note: Wait, let me clean it out first! 🙂
Have just discovered this wonderful story a with its kindred-spirit comments a month later, Kristi and fellow fans, whilst clearing out my inbox — what perfect timing, as I’m in the midst of the seasonal clothing and linens changeover, and spring-cleaning’s topsy-turvy time. For me, it’s merely a switch from one type of comfy clutter to another … and a clinging to the established links between creativity and apparent physical ‘chaos’! Adopting the Clean Stall saying IMMEDIATELY! And cherishing your own beautiful reminder, warm as a fond embrace:
“Character. Remember. It is what you most admire in others. So why not begin to appreciate it in yourself?”
Merci, merci, merci —
Have just discovered this wonderful story a with its kindred-spirit comments a month later, Kristi and fellow fans, whilst clearing out my inbox — what perfect timing, as I’m in the midst of the seasonal clothing and linens changeover, and spring-cleaning’s topsy-turvy time. For me, it’s merely a switch from one type of comfy clutter to another … and a clinging to the established links between creativity and apparent physical ‘chaos’! Adopting the Clean Stall saying IMMEDIATELY! And cherishing your own beautiful reminder, warm as a fond embrace:
“Character. Remember. It is what you most admire in others. So why not begin to appreciate it in yourself?”
Merci, merci, merci —
Appreciate it regarding share………. I am hoping inside foreseeable future it will be definitely great for us……
Appreciate it regarding share………. I am hoping inside foreseeable future it will be definitely great for us……