Funny Yet Depressing

Usually, I don't eavesdrop, but when you are constantly surrounded by a language you don't completely understand sometimes it is hard not to pay attention to people speaking your native language. Today was one of those days. I was in the computer lab, working on lesson, when another teacher from the American Northeast came in with two students. They were interviewing the teacher and wanted a quiet place to record the conversation. The interview was in English and as we were the only people in the lab I couldn't help but overhear. I think I remember this correctly, but let me just enter this disclaimer: An almost verbatim converation.

Interviewer: Does your family visit you often?

Teacher: No, not really. I go home for about 5 weeks every summer, but my family doesn't visit me here.

Interviewer: Do you have any family here? Did any of your family move to France with you?

Teacher: Well, my girlfriend of five years moved here with me, but she is not my family, just my girlfriend. No, I have no family here. I am just here by myself.

WHAT? Excuse me; your girlfriend moved from her home to another country, half way around the world, and she is not your family? You have been together for 5 years and she is not your family? WHAT? I wonder if this lady knows how lucky she is to have such a considerate partner? Ahhh, if only all women were so fortunate.

FYI, the pictures are from a real, open air French market. These markets are great, a little smelly, but great. You can find everything there. The people who work the market travel around from town to town and usually visit each town at least twice a week.