Monday, April 7, 2014

Another Tidbit About Yesterday

The French couple who visited with us yesterday spoke no English during their visit and I was straining my brain to understand their rapid-fire talk despite 6 years of French language in high school and college. I suddenly had the inspiration to break into the French National Anthem, which I still remember totally after having to memorize it in high school.  Well, let me tell you -- if you ever want to make immediate friends with a Frenchman, try that!   They were singing along with me and their smiles were of the ear-to-ear variety.   Just a fun tidbit from life on the wonderful Route 66.

Allons enfants de la patrie, 
Le jour de gloire est arrivé 
Contre nous de la tyrannie 
L'étendard sanglant est levé 
Entendez vous dans les campagnes, 
Mugir ces féroces soldats? 
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras 
Egorger nos fils, nos compagnes!

Refrain 
Aux armes, citoyens! 
Formez vos bataillons! 
Marchons! Marchons! 
Qu'un sang impur 
Abreuve nos sillons!


2 comments:

Susan Yates said...

Brilliant idea, Laurel, proving once again that you have the knack for being a Route 66 hostess.

Jak Fitzgerald said...

As always super interesting. You're running a Route 66 Unnited Nations outpost. I wish I had been there to translate for you with the French people. You'e certainly one up on me. I may speak French, but their National Anthem I've never learned. Keep the fun up. Fun for all of you at Afton Station and fun for the visitors who come to spend some time with you. A great blog! Best to you, Jack Fitzgerald.