A Paradocs Abroad

We have rented a house for the Fall (September to early January). It is such a relief to have it sorted out.

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This morning when I went out to the market I was pleasantly surprised to be understanding many of the conversations of the people I passed. Someone asked me the time, and I did hesitate in knowing what they'd asked, nor in replying "dix heures et demi". I worked a little bit of small talk into my purchasing at the cheese stall, and the roast chicken seller. I even had the courage to go up to a couple I have seen several times and ask them about their pair of Newfoundland dogs.

This is very cool because I have been coming to the realization that I speak, write, and read French much better than I hear it; but hearing and understanding is probably the most important thing I need for the daily interactions I have with people. Susan has gotten much better at hearing than me because she interacts with French people for several hours every day, and chats with them at morning coffee, and lunch.

So, I guess my French may actually be improving. It just takes time to wear the new patterns into my brain, I guess.