Housed, fed, and bleached. Our son, Max, is looking for two of those things in Portland, Oregon. For the third, let's see if he can find a better translation in today's story, which he wrote in French and in English. (Photo taken 10 years ago, when Max was 9… and already helping us care for our vines.)
TODAY'S EXPRESSION
"logé, nourri, blanchi"
: housed, fed, and laundered
Note: you often hear this expression in a sarcastic way (where one person's doing all the work while another has got it made in the shade). Have any more thoughts about this expression? Share here in the comments.
AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jean-Marc read Max's sentence (taken from today's story):
Download MP3 or Wav
Mais je ne pense pas que ce soit à la portée de tous d’avoir un gosse français de 19 ans qui doit être logé, nourri et blanchi pendant deux mois.
But I don't think it's possible for everyone to have a 19 year old kid who needs room, bord, and laundry to be done!
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE…
(Today's story is written in French and English by my son Max. Enjoy! The English translation follows, below.)
Salut tout le monde, comment vous vous sentez aujourd’hui ?
Je suis Maxime le fils de Kristi !
Je me présente, j’ai dix-neuf ans et j’étudie le commerce à l’international à Aix en Provence où j’ai un petit studio de vingt m2. Pendant les vacances d’été (de début Juin à fin Juillet) je dois effectuer un stage pour me lancer un petit peu dans le monde du travail dans le domaine du commerce bien sur. J’ai trouvé ce stage à Portland, et oui quelqu’un a bien voulu me supporter pendant deux mois (ils ne savent pas dans quoi ils se lancent !). L’entreprise si courageuse s’appelle Smith Tea, c’est une entreprise qui fabrique et commercialise du thé, pour les amateurs de thé je vous conseille d’en goûter c’est de la très bonne qualité !
J’ai trouvé un stage c’est très bien, j’ai le billet d’avion en poche, c’est encore mieux mais où vais-je dormir, je ne sais pas ! D’accord j’ai fait l’armée mais je ne vais pas faire le « survivor » il faut bien que je dorme sous un toit. Mais je ne pense pas que ce soit à la portée de tous d’avoir un gosse français de 19 ans qui doit être logé, nourri et blanchi pendant deux mois. Surtout que je vais surement avoir de la visite, ma petite sœur va venir me voir, ma copine également qui va essayer de trouver un travail à Portland (si vous connaissez quelqu’un au passage !) donc il me faut un endroit ou je ne dérangerais personne et ou je puisse avoir un peu d’intimité, un petit studio de vingt-cinq – trente m2 ou plus bien évidemment serait l’idéal ! Comme je travaillerais ici, Northwest Thurman Street, Portland, on m’a recommandé de resté aux alentours de ces endroits là ; Inner Sud-Est (du 1er au 30e) Inner Nord-Est, Inner Nord-Ouest, ou Inner Sud-Ouest Portland.
Voilà voilà, je vous serais très reconnaissant si vous me trouvez un petit endroit pour mon séjour, qui est loin d’être des vacances…
Bonne année à tous, meilleur vœux, la santé et tout ça tout ça…
PS : je n’aurais pas ma caisse, je serais donc à pied, donc le plus proche du métro/bus ou tramway (si ça existe à Portland) serait le mieux !
Maintenant que je vous ai écrit l’histoire, je vais la traduire… Ma mère ne corrigera pas les fautes ; on laissera comme ça.
ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY MAX
Now that I wrote you the story of the day, I’m going to translate it. My mom will not correct the mistakes; we will leave it that way.
Hey everybody, how are you felling today?
I’m Max, Kristi’s son!
I introduce myself, I’m 19 year old and I study international marketing in Aix en Provence where I have a little studio of 20 square meters. During the summer vacation (from the beginning of June to the end of July) I have to do an internship to have a try in the business world in the domain of the marketing of course. I found this internship in Portland, yah someone accepted to support me for two months (they don’t know what they are up to!). The courageous company is named Smith Tea, it’s a company which produces and sells tea, and for the tea lovers I advise you to taste some, its real good quality!
I found an internship, good point, I have the airplane bill, even better but where will I sleep? I don’t know! Ok I went to the air force but I’m not a survivor I have to sleep underneath a roof! But I know that not anybody can have a 19year old French child who has to be fed, housed and laundered during two mouths. Especially that I would surely have some visit, my little sister will come and see me just and so will my French girlfriend who is trying to find some work in Portland (if you know someone by the way!) so I have to find a place where I will not bother anyone and have a little bit of privacy, a little guesthouse of 25-30 square meters would be perfect! Because I’m going to work there, Northwest Thurman Street, Portland, we recommended me to stay around these places, Inner SE (from 1st. to 30th) Inner NE, Inner NW or Inner SW Portland.
Well that’s all, I would be very grateful if you can find me a little place to stay for my trip, which is far from being some vacation..
Happy New Year everybody, best wishes, health and all that go with it…
PS: I’ll have no car, so I will only have my legs, so closer it is to the subway/bus or tramway (if it exists in Portland) the better!
COMMENTS
If you enjoyed Max's bilingual letter, let him know here in the comment box. And thanks for your understanding regarding any grammar and spelling errors. Max is looking forward to improving his English while in the U.S.!
Some photos related to today's story, (photos and text added by Max's mom): Max after his recensement militaire.
With his sister, Jackie, after one of their first grape harvests. Ten years later and they are looking to escape France ("France is so old", Jackie says) –for the excitement of America!
With his lovely girlfriend, Mathilde. She's from La Ciotat. They met in high school.
That haircut! (Earlier, while editing this blog post, I took a break and gave Max a trim after he requested some help. It was the first time I've ever used a tondeuse or shaver. (photo of Max helping his Dad buy my birthday present: the little grapefruit tree came with one fruit… and produced one more fruit this year. Sorry to go off topic.)
The photo my son uses for his Facebook banner.
See you next time and many thanks for keeping Max in mind. If you know of any tips for Portland, please include them here in the comments section.
These stories continue… in images! Check out the gallery here, and hit the "follow" button to join me!
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Portland has it all – wonderful light transit, great restaurants and coffee houses, jazz and the blues everywhere. You’ll love it. Good luck with the whole program. Sorry, we’ll be in France while you are in our part of the world (200 miles south of us)
Your English is great and it looks like you are easily going to find a place to stay. I lived there many years ago and it is a young , vibrant city I think you will enjoy.
I do have a Swiss friends son who lives there now and is going to school. I know he will be gone part of June and July….let me check on whether or not he is giving up his place for good. Will get back to you.
Joie
Congrats Max! I live on the coast of Oregon. I have taken classes at the Alliance Francaise in Portland — they are wonderful and always trying to help out students. I would contact them — and maybe do a part time internship? Good Luck!
Oh my Max, you are going to the grooviest city in America!! Love PDX, lived there for 6 years and met the best people ever. The MAX light-rail system is excellent and the city is completely walkable.
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE info@afportland.org
You are going to have an amazing time whilst living there. Do get up to SEA as well for some extra Pacific Northwest flavor.
Bonne chance, Max! Portland is wonderful. Here’s a comment on the two most common mistakes that French people make in speaking English: Most English speakers do not use the present progressive tense ( I am speaking, I am traveling) unless they mean “I am in the act of” (en train de) doing something. Yet almost every French speaker of English that I meet uses this unusual present tense all the time. Someone must teach them that mistake. The other mistake is the confusion of agree/accept (false friends in French/English). One agrees to do something; one does not accept to do something. Subtle but important if you want to speak English well–or sound like you do!
I love it, Max! Great post and great opportunity for you next summer. We’ve hosted several French students for their ‘stage’ – I wish you were coming to Ohio as we would love to have you. But I hear Portland is amazing! You might try the Air BnB website as people often list rooms to rent for extended times at reasonable rates. I wish you a valuable and enjoyable experience (and I’ll definitely be checking out Smith Tea! 🙂
Portland has a very vibrant French community and lots of French resources and connections. I’m the former President of the Board at the Alliance Francaise here in Portland. I’m forwarding your blog to the current Director so they can get the word out for you as well. Even after you’ve found a place to land, you may want to reach out to them for support. We have some great French bakeries including one owned by a real MOF. The public transit is one of the best in the country so getting around town won’t be a problem at all. I would also recommend that you reach out to the Alliance directly as they have LOTs of connections of people with the ability to help with housing. http://www.afportland.org. Bonne Chance et Bienvenue a Portland!!
Thanks Max on a great introduction and well done Kristi on raising such a lovely son. Unfortunately we are even further away in Sydney Australia, however after reading all the other posts, I would now like to visit Portland. Sounds fantastic.
All the best for your internship Max and try not to miss him too much Kristi.
Congratulations Max!
By the way, Portland had one of the 1st free community bike sharing programs in the US. I do not know if that still exists, but from a friend who lived there while in culinary school, I hear it is still one of the few US cities that is not car dependent.
Enjoy!
Max &Kristin,
My niece ,Rachel Sherrard ,who lives in Portland is happy to help Max . Let me know if I can help any more ; You have my email address I think? I tried to send a message on FB,but no luck !
Audrey
My French son-in-law lives in Oregon. (Not Portland) He may be able to help you. At least he would be a good “french speaking” contact. You could e-mail me for his information
Bonne chance à Portland Max.
Il m’est impossible de laisser passer la ‘typo’ en Français: recommandé de resté aux alentours = rester aux alentours. 🙂
Portland is great enough to have spawned a comedy series I have had the pleasure to view on Auntie ABCtv (aussie affectionnate term for our free-to-air, tax-funded channel). It’s called Portlandia and is lots of fun (IMHO)!
When visiting the seafront in Portland Victoria (Australia) I saw a sign to Portland Oregon; some 13000 kms away. That was enough for me to want to go there too.
Vive le bilinguisme!
Amicalement.
Bonjour Max! I live in Portland and look forward to your mother’s newsletters. I live in Portland and take French classes at the Alliance Francaise de Portland: http://www.afportland.org/ The Alliance of Portland is the 8th largest in the US – a testament to the interest in French language and culture in our city.
The Alliance sends out a newsletter to their students, members and supporters every month (sometimes twice/month). They frequently post notices such as yours to their members – connecting people who are able to host French visitors in Portland. I highly recommend you contact them and I feel certain you will find the loge, nourri et blanchi que vous cherchez. Bon chance et felicitations pour votre stage a Smith Teas! Kate
To Max, I offer my Congratulations on your internship! I join the chorus of other responders in saying that “I Love Portland”! I think it is the best little big city you can find and people are friendly, too! I also happen to love tea! Perhaps Max would name some of his favorites to us upon his return? I am sorry I do not have any contacts there but wish you every success with your endeavors!
And to Kristin, your family and all the lovely citizens of France, I send my sympathy for the loss of your fellow countrymen today in Paris. It is a tragic loss and my condolences go to the victims’ families and loved ones. Paris may be miles and miles away but it does affect us all.
Bravo, Max. Well-written post…I know it’s not easy!
It looks like you have several options available to you for Portland. I’m sure your mom is relieved. 😉
I support the recommendations for the AFdePortland, checking out AirBnB, and biking if possible.
Something you might consider that I haven’t seen mentioned on here is checking out craigslist!! (http://portland.craigslist.org/) Often, you can find housing/shared housing for rent, and even bicycles for sale!! At least for acquiring a bike, if you wanted to, you could use the wonderful internet to communicate with the seller, have one of your mama’s French readership friends check it out for you, and then pay the seller via PayPal. Just an idea.
Also, once you get state side, you can find reasonably priced, used furniture for sale to furnish your nice temporary abode.
Bon courage et bon voyage!! 🙂 I’m sure you’ll make memories to last a life time. 🙂
Correction – http://portland.craigslist.org/
Hi, Max. I have a condo in Portland in the Pearl District within walking distance of The Smith Tea company. I live in Michigan but I go there to try new teas when I am in town. If you would like to stay there, please let me know and I’m sure we can work something out. I may even be there at the time. My son lives in Portland and can be very helpful, also, The streetcar stops at the corner next to our building.
I live about 10 miles outside of Portland (Lake Oswego) without access to public transportation, alas, or else I’d I’d offer a room too) but I am thrilled both that you are able to come to Portland for the summer (June may be rainy but we joke that summer begins on the 5th of July, and Oregon is truly beautiful in the summer) AND by the amazing responses that have been made today on this site. What a fabulous and generous community of learners and Francophiles! I hope you enjoy Portland as much as those of us who live in or near it do- I think Papa, Maman as well as Jackie need to come visit while you’re here. Great wine producers in the Willamette Valley as well as tea purveyors (and Steve Smith of Smith Tea is the same guy who started Tazo Tea I believe).
How wonderful that you are coming to Portland! It is lovely. My husband, son and I live in Hillsboro, about 50 minutes commute by Max Train (yes, our rapid transit system is called The Max) from where you will be staying, and we only have a spare guest bedroom, not a separate apartment, so it does not sound like what you are looking for. But please do feel free to contact me at my email address when you are here, as we would love to introduce you to some locals and recommend the great places in Oregon to visit! I was an exchange student in Angers for about four months when I was in college (a good 10 years ago), and absolutely loved it. (Plus I have been following Kristen’s blog for years now.) Best of luck to you!
Thank you all so much for these thoughtful ideas and offers! In our haste to post Maxs story, we forgot to mention that Max does not expect anyone to do his laundry, to cook for him, or to offer free rent! Merci encore, and we will be in contact with some of you soon 🙂
Hi Max. I agree with Kate. The Alliance Francais is the perfect place to find a place to stay for a couple of months (if nothing works out here). I live about 30 minutes west of Portland, in wine country, but I have two children in college in Portland: a daughter 21 and a son 18. While you’re here you may want to see the town from their eyes! They have been to France a few times and love it. Let me know and I’d be happy to connect you. Also, if you’d like to get out of Portland for a weekend, we’d be happy to have you stay with us! Bon Voyage!
Portland has the best mass transit system in the States. I always use it. Never a car. Enjoy Portland. It’s beautiful!
Greeting,Max:
I am so glad you will have an opportunity to work in the US. Portland is one of my favorite cities on the planet and I know that you will feel at home there.
Too bad you are not coming to Cincinnati. We have a very large house with a pool that you could call home with plenty of room for your friends to visit.
Keep us in mind for the future if you have an opportunity in Cincinnati. All the best to you and best wishes for your success. We love your mom’s blog–c’est le clou de ma journee.
Russ Norris
Max –
We would suggest a contact at the French International school can likely help you.
http://www.faispdx.org/
–
My wife and I have a son, now 27, who has traveled worldwide. He is a polyglot – and native fluent in all the Euro languages.
We have also spent much time in the Northern Euro countries – mostly Germany and the Netherlands. And the wife has stayed in the Provence region.
We host – but at our home in Astoria, on the Oregon coast. https://goo.gl/maps/X1Ng9
You are welcome to stay with us for a break from Portland. Write to us –
Bon Voyage. Jay and Cathy
Hi Max. My daughter and husband live in a lovely area of Portland, close to lots of transit opportunities, and may be quite amenable to some kind of boarding arrangement, as they own a couple of homes which they renovate or rent. My daughter, who is (english) Canadian, is a graduate of French Immersion schooling, and has often regretted the lack of opportunity to keep up her french language skills. Perhaps a good arrangement can be made?
Congratulations ,Max, on getting an internship in Portland. Had you thought about asking the person in HR at Smith Tea if he/she has any suggestions for housing? My grandson had an internship last summer and they recommended an apartment to him. Also think the Alliance Francaise is a good suggestion.
Good work, Max! I have no doubt you will find the perfect place!
My thoughts & prayers are w/ everyone in your country today, especially those who are directly affected by this horrendous act of terror.
Hi max!
It was great reading your article translated in English.
Très bien!
I could connect well as I am learning French so the traduire was of great help!
I enjoyed reading in French as well.
I am having a tough time choosing between passe compose and imparfait in my lessons!!!
My heart goes out to your nation in this hour of grief.
Bon courage pour trouver l’ appartment!
Hello Kristi and Max!
I am happy to hear you are coming to Portland Max!
I live far enough away from NW Portland that it is a very long commute by bus, so don’t think I would be a good option for him to stay, plus I just rented out my upstairs. However, Max, send me a facebook request and I will give you my contact information and I will happily be a contact for you while you are here, and help you however I can.
I love showing Portland off to visitors, so maybe we can talk about fun things for you to do while you are here. I can send you some links to my tv show that you can watch before you come and get ideas of things you would like to see. Lots of music and art!
Most of my friends are musicians, and there are so many outdoor music festivals in the summer, so you will always have something to do.
There is another wonderful tea company in town too, right down the street from my house, Stash Tea, and they have a lovely store at the warehouse, maybe you should see it just to compare.
You are welcome to come visit on the weekends, and I would also be happy to take you for some drives to see some scenery. The Columbia River Gorge, with multnomah falls and other waterfalls are one of my favorite things to take visitors to do.
Here is a link to a Portland episode of one of my shows.
Talk to you soon!
Julie
http://blip.tv/next-stop-travel-show/next-stop-portland-4607908?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NextStopHD+%28Travel+TV%3A+Next+Stop+%28HD%29%29
Be sure to sign up for the Clear Creek Distillery tour located in Portland. Their Pear Brandy beats Poire William hands down.
Hi, Max, I was pleased to read your post. Bear in mind that it is an airplane “ticket”, not a “bill”. Otherwise, very well done. I hope that while you are in the USA you might write a couple of posts on French-Word-A-Day so we can read how things are going with you.
I’m sorry I don’t live near Portland, or know anyone who does. It appears that you have plenty of possibilities to investigate from what others have written.
If you get to the D.C. area, I would be pleased to have you as a guest and show you some of the sights.
Best of luck!
The french expression sounds similar to thr British one of “living the life of Riley”. That is to say having all your needs generously catered for. Who Riley was has been lost in the midst of time. Is the phrase used out side the UK.
I have to laugh at all of you suggesting the breweries, distilleries, and wineries! You have forgotten, we are in the USA! The drinking age is 21 (at least in public). Good luck Max! Next time try Washington DC and I could have helped!
How exciting! Have you guys watched Portlandia? You may enjoy it as you prepare for this adventure. It can be a pretty funny show.
bonjour max!
how fabulous to have this opportunity ahead! You will have a MOST enjoyable time in a wonderful city. I lived there just 4 weeks while attending a floral design school last fall. I experienced all of the cafes of “Petite Provence” there. J’adore those! sorry, I digressed. good luck to you and safe travels to you. Tell your mom that she is. one. amazing. gal.
Forgive me for being so late to respond; enjoyed your letter so much and I got excited when I read that you will be at Smith Tea Co! I just discovered them last October when we were visiting in Portland and love their tea1 I do have family and friends in Portland so please let me know if you still are looking for a place! My nephew Scott Snyder is the chef/owner of a restaurant in Portland called Levant. If you get a chance, please go there (tell him you are my friend). Wishing you a wonderful adventure!
Hello Max. I’ve been slogging through my holiday back up of email and ran across your post which was forwarded to me by a friend. I live in Portland (North) in a house I just recently purchased. I don’t have a separate guest house but I do have a lot of extra space and would be happy to discuss with you (via email) the possibility of putting you up this summer. If your are still looking and this is of interest, please send me an email. In any case, you will love Portland. What a wonderful adventure!
Thank you all very much for your help in finding a place for Max. Ca y est! He will be staying at Gail and Freds. We are deligjted and so thankful!
If you have any other tips–what to see and do in Portland (or in the area)–please include them here in the comments. Much appreciated!
Congratulations Max! Portland is a most wonderful place, especially in the summer. Having lived in Portland for 13 years, I wouldn’t be quite so localized in looking for a place to live. Public transportation and the bicycle make it easy to commute from many neighborhoods. I did just read in Sunset magazine (Feb issue) that Smith is moving to SE Washington, opening up many other areas to live. If I still lived in Portland, I’d be more than happy to host you–you’d feel right at home with our 2 golden retrievers. Good luck with your internship; I hope you get to enjoy all the Northwest has to offer!
Top 5 Must Do’s, all worth the cost of a couple weekend car rentals:
1. Mt St Helens
2. Cannon Beach
3. Willamette Valley wine tasting
4. Portland’s Japanese Garden
5. The loop around Mt Hood with stops along to Gorge to see the waterfalls.
Je n’ai jamais été à Portland, mais j’ai eu un étudiant qui habitait là. Il m’a dit que la ville est très belle. Mieux voeux!!!
Daryl in St. Louis MO.
I live in Portland. In fact, I live in NW Portland very near NW Thurman. If you need any advice about our fair city, a tour guide, an introduction to other francophones, etc. I’d be happy to help.