Laplandica

…called me this afternoon wanting to go on one of my nature tours. He was alone and only one day in Jokkmokk. It was beautiful weather and I took him to Ruotevare. I think he learned some things. He enjoyed the afternoon.

Nicolas from France, Paris

He spoke about Paris…and France. His pride with Paris was evident.

I said my wife had just been to Bordeaux. He asked if I had been to France…to Paris… if I knew French?

No, I never had been there, I explained. I had taken French in High School, long ago. I wasn’t very good with French. My French teacher tried very hard with me. She understood. She was supportive. She never lost faith in me. I never saw her again and I never got to thank her for not giving up on me…

I think I must go to Paris one day. I should like to honour her spirit… her efforts. I would walk along L’avenue des Champs-Èlysées and, climbing up the Tour Eiffel, quietly say…

“Madame Fowler…I made it. Thank-you!”