Language and Friendship

We met in Capetown some years ago. It was the start of a 24 day southern Africa safari. It was far from glamping as we set up and pulled down our tents each night, and cooked stews together on a couple of burners at the back of the truck.

Beyond counting to three we had no French language skills and our new friends Maree and Augustine had limited English. Despite the lack of language we connected. We laughed. I leaned to make mash potato like the French with a lot of butter and a lot of milk. We enjoyed each other’s company. We communicated via charades, muddled language and through other people on the trip (Thanks Belgiques: Sharon, Baertsie and Maarten).

What we learned is that while having language skills helps (significantly); however if you don’t have it and both parties want to communicate you can. You can develop strong and meaningful relationships. Language is no barrier.

We have stayed in contact via Facebook and Email and have become masters of Google translate.

This week we were graciously welcomed into Maree's home. Since our first meeting in Africa Maree and Augustine's English language skills have improved; and Craig and I can say and understand more than just: un, deux, trois.

Marie was is fabulous host, she showed us around her village of Jonzac and the broader Cognac region. Again she taught us about French cuisine and lifestyle. Along the way we had a lot of laughs, reinforcing to us all that language is no barrier.

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