Petanque and a long day of French speaking

Bonjour tout le monde,

With Erica and Cliff (younger daughter and son-in-law from the Washington DC area) here since Sunday, we're having beaucoup good times. We played a little tennis yesterday (doubles at some public courts about a ten minute walk from here) and then ventured to a new park where it was rumored that they play Petanque, a popular game--like bocce ball (sp).

The new park (about an 8 minute walk from here) was beautiful and would seem to offer good prospects for meeting people. However, when we finally discovered the part of the park where they play Petanque, we came upon one of the most intriguing situations we've seen to date. In an area about half the size of a football field, there were at least 80 men--mostly older men (retraite, retired)--and very concentrated on the various competitions. The Petranque balls are about the size of a tennis ball; they are silver, with a smooth surface and fairly heavy. After throwing an initial smaller ball (golf ball size) out as a target (6 to 10 meters away), they try to launch the Petanque balls as close to the target ball as they can. Each player seemed to have four to six balls ... and they were, all the time, knocking each other out of position with accurate tosses. Apparently, these afficionados occupy themselves with this competitive passtime four to six hours every afternoon. We played a few games with some balls we had brought from our flat but, clearly, have a lot to learn.

Today, Yvette and I spent at least five hours in three separate meetings with locals (some of whom have become conversation partners and others who were new acquaintances). I can tell you this: it's very tiring trying to listen intently and put together our responses in French. Actually felt like today was a sort of mini-break through day with the language. Learning more all the time and--little by little--building up confidence. Still, long, long way to go. However, we're enjoying the challenge and the adventure.

Friday morning, we have a rendez-vous with an older man who knows the tennis situation in Aix (his son apparently teaches tennis in Oklahoma City, OK). He's supposed to check us out at some local courts--avec sa femme (with his wife)--see what level players we are and help us make some connections for doubles. Looking forward.

Finally was able to go to the post office today and communicate fairly well (had to pick up our boat tickets (from Athens to the island of Rhodes) from some Greek friends of Natasha who had sent us the tickets from Greece. Apparently we have an overnight trip (mid June) with our own, private cabin (Niko will stay back in France with friends of Natasha who will be flat-sitting).

Anyway, life unfolds. There is so much to see and learn. Pour ce moment, je suis tres fatigue (for the moment, I'm very tired).

A bientot for now,