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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