It finally came!Madame Aranna phones at noon
to inform us that some mail has arrived addressed to Richard Thompson. Could it be? Don't
get too excited now. It could be just another Gites de France contract to sign.
When M.Aranna hands me the letter I am so happy to see the "Wanadoo" logo on
the outside of the envelope. For roughly two weeks we have been dialing long distance to
Bordeaux to retrieve email and post the web site. This was costing us a lot of money and
reducing our net activities. We bought our Wanadoo internet access package as soon as we
moved into our Ondres Gite but could not register online. Instead we had to apply by snail
mail! Who knew if the company would accept a Gite address or foreign credit card. But it
now it has all worked out.
Now we can surf for one fifth the cost. We dial a local number and can do so from
anywhere in France. A much better long term plan for moseying throughout this country.
So as you may well have guessed, the day has been spent making numerous changes to the
web site format and enhancing journal entries. All of our plans for the last 2 weeks can
now be put into action.
EXCERPT FROM SARA’S JOURNAL
December 3, 1998
Arbonne
Cote Basque
Madam Aranna’s son emits the distinct aroma of Cassoulet.
It’s a garlic sausage, duck fat and beans smell. He’s fixing the shower drain.
He speaks very quickly and when he comes to the gate he asks me to invite him in. Then he
walks to the door and asks me to invite him in. Then he crosses the threshold and asks me
to invite him into the salle de bain. Now the salle competes with the dedicated cuisines
of southwestern France.
