The final chapter
The final chapter of my own autobiographical novel was played out under Marseille’s autumn sky. The sun slowly setting on nearly three years of overwhelming joy and happiness in France.
The final chapter of my own autobiographical novel was played out under Marseille’s autumn sky. The sun slowly setting on nearly three years of overwhelming joy and happiness in France.
I noticed many similarities between the programmes I had been watching in the UK and the new emissions I was discovering in France.
Sharing with other nationalities really opens the mind and absorbs you into a world of languages, cuisines, habits, religions and opinions.
A friendly demeanour, warm smile, arms outstretched and the “how can I help you sir” welcome that we’ve become so familiar with seems to have accompanied us, seamlessly, from country to country, yet amazingly, seems to have missed large pockets of the French nation.
Jason Stoneking is an American author and poet who has been in France off and on for 15 years. During that time, he has published two volumes of poetry, recorded an album, and made two short films. His new collection of essays, Audience of One has just been released in Paris.
The marvellous adventure of Amélie Poulain, Montmartre, sunset by Notre Dame, picnics along la Seine and Parisien café culture. The view of Paris from afar might suggest a city void of disturbances and inconveniences. Unfortunately the truth is slightly removed!
The life of a Prof d’anglais isn’t always as idyllic as one would hope though. I often find myself in the metro struggling through a congested corridor, dashing for the RER then squeezing onboard, starring eyeball to eyeball with men in suits talking loudly and obnoxiously on their portables...
To celebrate the arrival of spring rue des Pyrénées welcomed locals and tourists alike to rummage through its things in search of treasure and old relics.
I now use 'tu' with my local Boulanger... even in my local Kebab shop I get a warm welcome with a little broken English! I very rarely hear English spoken in the streets ... it’s generally all French which is great, I can listen and absorb and améliorer...
French people often ask me why I came to France & why I live in Paris... I often have difficulty expressing myself when answering ..."My love for France & all things French comes from various unusual corners of my mind..."