h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As one who sadly is losing my sight and having been partially deaf for many years, this entry was extremely useful.

I have a kind new friend who comes in and reads all my snail mail post which is important,official or informative.

There is one point which I would like to make. That is that I have been in a wheelchair for eight years. In the previous town where I lived,when I went out, no-one ever addressed me - they always addressed the person pushing my wheelchair. This included those people attending Church, practically every single retail store attendant, government servants e.g. at the post office. It was both humliating and enraging. !!

However, in the town where I now live I am fortunate in that the majority of people who come across me, not only smile at me but they also address me.

I wonder if many other wheechair users have had the same experience.?

Thank you for a caring, non-condescending and most informative entry.

Christiane
AlsoRan1

thankyou very much christine

As you may or may not know, both 2legs and myself were writing this from the viewpoint of those on the receiving end of this assistance.

I am glad that you have found somewhere to live that accepts disabled people as they are. I personally have become rather good at hiding my disability.

mini

Dear sweet minimouse and 2 legs,

Now how on earthwas I to know that my darlings?

I have just been to your home page and see

"que tu etudi le francais!!
Est-ce vrai?"
(that you are studying French.
Is it true?)

I would be so happy to talk with you because although French was my first language, because I never had a Rrench husband my language after I embarked on my marriage career was always English.

Lovely to talk to you. I wouold love to know what degree you are doing. Goodness knows what 2 legs is doing. !!

I would love it if you lived nearer and we could meet. !! Perhaps we shall before I curl up my toes.!!

Christiane (with an"a")
AR80

christiane

I have seen you around h2g2 for a while now but have not had a chance to talk with you, I dont know how i expected you to know that i cant see as like i said i hide it well.

I do enjoy studying French and i enjoy speaking it when i can. I like travelling so if i am ever in your area then i will let you know (as long as you let me know what your area is of course)

mini

Qu'elle joie, ma cherie, de recevoir de tes nouvelles.

Moi je vis sur la manche - et je peux voir la cote de la belle France.

Quand j'etais une petite fille je passais de bonnes vacances avec mes grandparents a Wimereux,

What a joy my darling, to receive your news,

I live on the Channel, and I can see the coastline of the Beautiful France,

When I was a little girl, I spent very good holidays with my grandparents at Wimereux.

Je me rejouis de faire ta connaissance prochainement.

I rejoice at meeting you very soon.

Christiane.
AlsoRan

christiane,

I have sitting next to me right now a leaflet about doing an Erasmus exchange over to France at some point during the later years of my degree, so I may have to stop off and see you when I am on my way over or back.

I have a sneaking suspicion that i will get a LOT of funny looks when i am in France because i am Vegan!

mini

No, my dear, you will not.

The vegetables we cook in France are out of this world.

I will hapily sent you sopme receipes if you like. I wonder what part of France you will be going to. Lucky you. !!

You will be more than welcome whenever you come.

Bien affecteusement.

Christiane.
AR80

Bien chere Mini

Non!

You will not. that is one thing about the French - they are not carnivores - they just cook everything to perfection.

I shall happily send you some receipes if you would like it.
but make your visit sooner rather than later/ I am really a very ancient lady!1.

80 and a half years I am. Mind you, I feel as if I could live forever in this marvellous climate. My grandparents lived into their nineties at Wimereux.

Affecteusement.

Christiane,
AR80

Christiane,

Will you be at the meet in London in May? I would very much like to meet you. You are old enough to be my granny (but i am only 20).

I have only visited France once before when i was about 14 it was for a school exchange and we went to Brittany. The french family that were hosting me didnt seem to understand that i didnt want to eat red meat (i wasn't a full vegetarian even at that point) They also kept trying to give me coca-cola which i am VERY allergic to, but i did enjoy my time there.

mini

There is a very polite way of saying No thank you in French. I shall try and ask my cousins what it is.

If I am still around, and can get someone to escort me I shall be at the meet in May

Espoeciallement pour toi. !!

Now there - I am "tu-toing"you. which means that we are friends. "

My darling In am old enough to be nearly your arriere grand mere.

I must now go and make muysekf a little casse-croute, !

Christiane

AR80!!

I feel privelaged to be counted among your friends Christiane.

I will add you to my friends list so that I dont lose you, I wery much hope to see you in May. Go well and stay strong!

A bientot (hope to hear from you soon)

mini

Of course you will.

I wake up very early so at lunchtime the clockwork motor starts stuttering and stopping.!!

So will write again tomorrow very early!!

What a splendid day - I have met a super new friend.

a demain, ma cherie,

christiane Also ran80