Our hostess has been managing through some tough times. As we argue about the relative merits of the laws and customs of our country compared to others, it is easy in the abstract to forget about the fact that the people in these systems have similar problems, and some manage to deal with them more admirably than others. And that the social systems of any country solve some issues and creates others. For example, here, you cannot make your children leave home if they choose not to. It is not unusual for kids to never leave home. And you can't disinherit them. So say, if you had cancer, and your daughter lived with you but also beat you, you would have little recourse short of criminal prosecution.
This morning Maryvonne had to so some business at a bank. I wondered why an appointment was necessary for a simple visit, and then we saw the line at opening time. As I saw in the lobby waiting, I had a chance to see several people come and go. It seemed like pretty much the same kinds of folks you would see in Port Angeles. Every person who came in said hello to every person in the room. They helped the door for each other, young and old. They played with the little children waiting patiently for their mother in line.
The appointment took much longer than was planned. Seems that closing an account and getting cash can be quite involved.
It was very rainy, and this region has only the beach as an attraction, so we decided to head inland, and south to the Perigord Noir. You may recall from 2006 that this is one of our favoritre regions of France. There are castles, ancient cities, Cro Magnon sites, fat poultry (more on that in another note), history, randonees (walking trails), chambre d'hotes on small farms, just all kinds of great things to see and do in a rural setting.
No comments:
Post a Comment