Winter wanes

Hello All,

Things have been well here in our little city. The cold weather was something, boy. We're sure not used to that type of thing in southern California. But we did have a couple of days when it snowed and then it was very pretty. Lately, it's been a little more mild and it seems we're inching our way slowly towards spring now.



Ruth and I have been busy as ever with work and hobbies. We participated in a rowing competition in the city of Caen this past weekend. That was a very interesting experience for both of us. For Ruth it was her first time in a competition here or at home and it turns out she was in a boat without me to help her with the French. Needless to say, she was a bit nervous. But she did really well and came out of it with a big smile upon her face. We also got to see some different areas of Normandy as well.

We have some exciting plans for the next month or so. In the first week of March we are going to the coast for the first time to spend a couple days with a family we met here in Rouen. And then in mid-March we are planning to go to the eastern part of France for the weekend to do some cross-country skiing. The trip is being organized by the rowing club so we will be accompanied by many of our new friends on this trip.


Since our arrival in France, Ruth and I have been the fortunate guests of several different French families who have invited us over for dinner at their homes. It's been a veritable tour of classic French cuisine: boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, lapin aux pruneaux, canard rôti and more smelly French cheeses than you ever thought possible. And then there's the wine which I must say has been my favorite part. Despite the fact, we can afford to dine out only occasionally I really can't say we've missed out much in the way of delicious food and drink.


In a sense we have been adopted by our rowing club which has become a sort of home away from home. They refer to us as "our Americans" and really enjoy helping us feel at home in this new culture and language.



When we first arrived here, we were searching for ways to fit in and truly experience a new way of life. Our efforts have been richly rewarded as we are often invited to go for walks to discuss the rich history and architecture of the city or simply to meet at a nearby cafe to discuss life in general. The French are also very curious and interested about life in America, and we often talk about the differences and similarities between our two cultures.












Ruth is getting better and better at French as the old adage proves once again true. Necessity really is the mother of invention. She volunteers her time Wednesday afternoons to go down to the boathouse and help the teenagers with their English homework and conversation skills. I teach seven classes at the university this semester, but it is by all accounts a job I enjoy and learn much from.


Ruth and I are looking forward to the end of winter and the return to warmer days. We miss everyone back home and send our love and best wishes for the difficult times our nation is facing. Indeed, being abroad has helped us to appreciate the numerous blessings we have in our lives.

Love Matthew and Ruth