More Paris

Paris Photos

Hello to my dear family and friends,

As promised, here is photo album #2, of our great trip to Paris. Rick took over 600 pictures, so it's very hard to choose!

My love to all, Lynn

Canasta Anyone?

Hello All,

I admit to being a little "down" this week, after returning to the desert from the lovely city of Paris. So, the therapy is always to count my blessings, and remember that there are many wonderful people in my life, and much to look forward to . Rick is doing so very well here, and I am very thankful for his job, and the fact that he likes the challenges that are before him each day. After the former busyness of my life as a teacher, this slow pace is hard, and I struggle with the quiet of some days here. So, each opportunity to get out, and meet new ladies is wonderful.

I have learned to play the "real" game of Canasta, and the group of women I play cards with is very multicultural. Some have experienced many overseas assignments, and they say Libya is the hardest of all. I believe the restrictions placed on us as women here contribute to this perception, the challenging language barrier, the lack of freedom to drive, or get out on our own, and the tremendous cultural differences, all play a part in the opinion that this is indeed a tough assignment. It helps to share with each other, to listen and laugh together. Every one is trying to make the best of things here, and reach out. This becomes essential if you live overseas, you no longer have the luxury of staying to yourself, the need for community is too overwhelming and important. Canasta is only our "excuse" to get together once a week, a lifeline. And, I am so thankful for it !! Sending love to one and all, Lynn

PS More Paris Albums later, promise !

Paris Photo Album #1

Paris Photo Album # 1

Ok, I have no idea how Rick just created this first Flickr album, but here it is. We walked to the Luxembourg Palace, and found the most beautiful gardens as well. I think some of our most memorable moments happened just like that, quite by accident, we would discover the most gorgeous places. I remember reading that Paris is all about its sweeping boulevards and intimate lanes, a very good way to describe what we experienced there. Huge overwhelming views of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine, then to contrast, a simple vine covered, very French home, its balcony full of flowers. Enjoy! There will be more to come. Love to all, Lynn

Thoughts on Paris

Hello,

Rick is really showing me up on the blog right now. I promise I will improve when I return to my slower paced life in Tripoli this week, and I can finally process this past week.

French people are wonderful, I think, very full of life, and most seem appreciative of this extraordinary city they live in. Espresso coffee to die for, pastries which can put pounds on you just by looking at them, lovely restaurants, like Le Poulbot, where Rick and I ate last night, so tiny, yet the food was absolutely delicious. There are restaurants like that everywhere you look. We have walked through the most incredible little parks, and gardens artistically planted. I love the open fruit stands on every street, and the women dressed from very casual to "tres chic",all with scarves around their necks, and interesting shoes. Everywhere are couples kissing, and romance. It has been an experience I will always remember.

So my dear family and friends, au revoir for now, love to all, Lynn

Hi from Paris,

We’ve had some internet difficulties since we arrived on Friday, so this is my first blog from Paris. Wow, is all I can say!! This beautiful city has surpassed all of my expectations. I love the pastries , musicians, flowers, and excellent small local restaurants. First we visited the incredible Sacre Coeur Cathedral, which overlooks the entire city. A band from Mexico entertained the crowds near the cathedral, playing La Bamba! Rick wanted me to climb up the stairs to the dome with him. Most of you who know me, know that I really struggle with heights. It was scary. I did get a kick out of all of the gargoyles on the outside of the churches whose faces reflect how I’m feeling when I climb way up high with my fearless husband!

On Saturday, we ventured into the city to walk down Champs d’Elysees, definitely the most gorgeous street I have ever strolled down. You could definitely shop until you dropped, even a Starbucks, the largest one I have ever seen. We enjoyed seeing the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tour too.What a day! Rick snapped pictures and more pictures. I made him delete a few of me !! I studied French in High School and it’s been such fun, and frustrating too, for me to try and put together the vocabulary that I remember from so long ago .

Yesterday we took the metro to Ile de la Cite and saw Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame. Just when I think I have seen the most gorgeous, memorable cathedral, there are two more! There are really no words adequate to describe these two amazing structures. It’s impossible to wrap my mind around the artistic gifts that some people have, statues, paintings, tapestries, all are incredible examples of God given talents.

Today, the Louvre !! Rick and I literally walked our feet off, trying to see as many of the exhibits as we could before we got too exhausted to enjoy it. The Louvre is beyond description, Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, were only two of so many amazing works of art. Now I understand what my daughter and my mother tried to tell me, and were unable, as I am, to find the right words. So friends, I am blessed to be in this wonderful city with my sweet husband, celebrating our 33 years of marriage! Pictures to come later, much love to all, Lynn

Iftar at the Ambassador's Residence

Hi Everyone,

Very fascinating evening at the residence of "His Excellency Gene Cretz, the Ambassador of the United States of America", full title he was referred to as last night. The Iftar celebrates the end of the fast every day, and follows a time of prayer each evening. Fast is broken traditionally with milk and dates first, then prayer follows for every Muslim, then a large meal after that. The Ambassador spoke first, in English, then in Arabic for all of the Libyan guests, then an older Libyan man spoke, fluently in English, then a recording of President Obama was played !! Every speaker repeated the desire that Americans and Libyans learn to understand one another, and respect each other. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience for me. Rick recorded the recitation of a portion of the Quran, sung by a young man with a beautiful voice, and we did take some pictures, so we'll post those at a later date. Rick had his picture taken with the ambassador also, exciting !! Another late night as the end of Ramadan is approaching. They have two more days of fasting, and at sundown tomorrow, Ramadan will be over !! Every Libyan is looking forward to the Eid celebration which begins on Saturday. Rick and I will, however, be enjoying our week in Paris, so I will try to blog while I am there. Much love to each of you, I miss you, Lynn

Breaking Fast Celebration and American Embassy

Hello from Libya,

Tonight, I will be attending the "breaking fast" evening meal at the home of a Libyan man who works for Rick's company. I was invited by a friend who lives at the guesthouse with us. She actually works with this gentleman who has included us in his family's meal. I am excited to have this experience, and look forward to telling more about it in a future blog. Ramadan is drawing to a close, on Saturday, then three days of celebrating, feasting and gift giving will begin, called Eid. The entire country will be on holiday, and many expats will leave and take this opportunity to travel. Rick and I are going to Paris, our first trip to France. We can't wait until Friday !!

Tomorrow night we have another treat, an invitation to the residence of the American Ambassador for an "Iftar to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan". The Iftar will be followed by a buffet reception. A young couple who goes to our church invited us. I have no idea what to expect, so I'll let you know about this in a later blog. Of course, if I can take pictures I will, but pictures are often not allowed because of the customs with regards to women. Anyway, just wanted to share my upcoming "social" life. My love to each of you, Lynn