My New Irish Friends

Although my time at Musee de Orsay was enjoyable, I felt quite alone. Not being able to speak French really limits my communication in France, believe it or not! The language barrier has gotten to me over the past few days. I'm used to talking with anyone I choose. I also had two less than desirable interactions with museum employees (I presume both were French) that left me close to tears.

One interaction was with a woman who yelled at me for attempting to take photos in an exhibition - "No photographs! It is strictly forbidden!! You may never take photos in the exhibition!!!" Well, how was I supposed to know that when I could take them in the REST of the museum? The other was with a man who I attempted to ask if I could take photographs again. He pretended (or maybe really didn't know - in my emotional state it didn't matter) not to know English and was peeved at me for not greeting him with "Bon Jour, Monsier."

After the museum closed, I took some time outside to gather my thoughts and eat some chocolate. Or was it eat chocolate and gather my thoughts? Anyway, I stood next to some ladies speaking with, what I assessed, either a Scottish or Irish accent. I was just about to ask them when one of the ladies named Joan asked me about my "Guggenheim Bilbao" t-shirt. She had visited there several years ago and always regretted not purchasing the black t-shirt I wore.

I was just so happy to speak with friendly people who spoke English! We chatted for about half an hour. They invited me to join them for dinner and two of them (Margaret and Joan) gave me their phone numbers for when I visit Ireland. Well, I'm just have to now!

God provides for me in amazing ways and on this day it was through my Irish friends. I didn't feel so alone anymore. He prepares our paths and we walk in them.