I passed the test!

by Sandie Rollins
(Blue Bell, PA)

In high school and college, I studied French. Back in the 80's it was the language of choice for college track students. I enjoyed it, but always wondered if it would ever become useful for me.

In the late 90's, my husband and I took a romantic trip to Paris. I did so well translating menus, but never felt comfortable enough with my spoken French. One memorable moment happened when I asked for the check in local cafe, I overheard a French patron comment to another that my accent was very good. C'est Magnifique!

My crowning glory, however, was on the way home. I was at the Paris airport waiting for our plane. I approached the woman working behind the counter in the US Air lounge and asked her - in French- where the ladies' room was. I fully expected her to see through my accent and give me the answer in English. She didn't! She answered me in French! I was so excited. I had to have her repeat it in English because I already forgot.

It was a shining moment in my brief, conversational French journey.