Nights cool off quite a bit and
we need a light cover on. There
is a swimming pool at the U.S.
Embassy residence, just two hou
ses over from us and we have the
use of it 10-12 A.M. and k-6 PM,
so my girls swim every day now.
In the morning the girls attend a
French Kindergarden, starting at
7.30 A.M. and lasting till noon.
Went along willingly this A.M. so
hope this will continue so. Our
house is lovely. We have a very
large living room; formal dining
room, 3 bedrooms. Very nice cove
red patio in front of the house
with lots of outdoor furniture;
the house has four air-condition
ers in it, but of course do not
need them right now. A very spa
cious kitchen with large refrige
rator and a range of butane gas:
We have hired a houseboy and he
seems to be working out very well.
Have to show him to do everything
but he is willing and patient
with my French: Van and I attend
French classes every morning from
7.30 - 8.30 A.M. Shopping here is
quite an experience. There is an
open market where you can buy
everything under the sun, if you
don't mind the dirt on it. Works
out fine tho for fresh fruit and
vegetables, of which there is an
abundance. The prices are quite
high for most everything. Bought
a case of Coca-cola and paid
1710 francs for 2k small bottles:
the rate of exchange is 2kk francs
per dollar. Also bought a case of
Heinekens beer; again 2k small
bottles for 1910 francs. Butter
is cheap here, so won't eat mar
garine anyway, price is 120 francs.
Other groceries are not this
cheap in proportion. Bread a very
very small loaf, just enough for
one meal, costs 100 francs. The
hard crust long narrow bread
(french) is available, but kids
have not taken to that at all.
Last week both girls and I had
a quick 2k hour bug, which was
wicked while it lasted. We all^
ran fevers from 103° up. All
better now, but just waiting for
Van to come down with it. There
is quite a bit of social life here.
Of course this does not include
the children, which is quite a
shock' to them. Last week there
was a cocktail party at the U.S.
Embassy to which they were invi
ted. Since I was sick Van atten
ded by himself. Tomorrow tho we
go to cocktail party together.
Girls are getting used to the
houseboy, altho they cannot fi
gure out why we do not have a
girl to do the housework.
Oh, the furniture in the house is
all Danish modern, made by Kroehler
USA. Have a lovely diningroom
(table is oval shape). The tabJs/
will seat 8 comfortably and more
if needed: china cabinet is just
what I always wanted, so can enjoy
it while here. Eventually we will
move to Dori, north of here, but
so far the contract of the house
has not been let, so expect to be
here for the first year. If you
get a chance do drop us a line.
Our best wishes,
Van, Betty, kids
