Back to school
by tiresomemoi
In true French fashion we began class with Molière*, which lead circuitously to hypochondria and then on to how one expresses illness. Oddly, a phrase to describe someone who is always claiming to be unwell is, “Il a toujours un cil qui branle.” This translates very roughly as “He’s always got a masterbating eyelash.” I was quite pleased to know the definition of “se branler” from reading “Les petits oiseaux.” I’d been confident my new vocabulary would come in handy someday but would never have guessed I’d get to use it in class. Thank you, Ms. Nin.
Vocabulary
After class I stopped to pick up a bottle of Port and got to try out a folding ramp I’d been eyeing. It was remarkably easy to use and the guy at the wine store both knew where the key was and how to operate it, the ramp not the key.
Open
Closed
Heading home I passed Le cimetière du Montparnasse** at closing time. The guards where ringing their bells to warn stragglers to head for the exits. I find this ritual charming and strangely calming.
A guard and his bell
Le cimetière du Montparnasse from the Tour Montparnasse
*Apropos of nothing, I love adding tags they’re like a crazy index.
**Le cimetière du Montparnasse is wheelchair accessible and there’s a wheelchair accessible restroom in the south-west corner of the upper part of the cemetery.
Very interesting. I’ll have to add that new term to my French vocabulary list!
We were reminded that such expressions are only to be used among friends. I’ve become quite fond of the “Vous” form. I like separating casual and formal interactions. You might get more use out of “jouir de.”
I likely will get NO use out of either phrase, but it still tickles me to pick up these little bits of knowledge. My high school French days are long over, but I came away with a love of the language. I still watch French films, and read the occasional book just to keep my hand in. And of course, the music….I’m revealing my age here by saying I fell madly in love with Sacha Distel while in HS and never got over it. I still listen to his songs.
Thanks for the tip, I’ll check out Sacha Distel. And you’ve reminded me that I’ve been meaning to go to the movies. I will add French films to my to-do list.