InFluent: Toulouse

I spent several days with Nathalie Bordas in an attempt to resurrect my long-ago French knowledge before visiting my daughter-in-law’s French family. The days typically started with a visit to a culturally interesting area or monument which I learned about from readings Nathalie gave me. We spoke on the way and on our return. Nathalie was knowledgeable and offered me choices. In the afternoon we did a more formal review of grammar. The combination was great. Some classroom leaning and some being out in the community was better than just one or the other.

Mostly I got to figure out where my skills are and where they need improvement. I’m at B1 and know quite a few words, can understand a lot, but have difficulty putting words together in phrases. Nathalie had me speaking more and working on conjugations and tenses. It made a huge difference when I met new family members the next week - I could actually be understood and express myself. I had numerous conversations with older family members who do not speak English which was my objective.I will return home knowing what I need to work on.

I loved staying in Nathalie’s old farmhouse which is in a farming region. The house is old and partially updated but not “finished.” The plumbing was rustic but made up by charm. I enjoyed the fresh local food Nathalie prepared. Her daughter and friend visited and I enjoyed meeting them, and also Nathalie’s outside dogs.