I called the most recent shop I had found on one of my walks, the one where I was told that the deposit would only be 350 euros, rather than 500. This time, I was told the deposit would be 1000 euros! What the?
Max and I got ready to go, and I said a prayer on the bus that the shopowner would be kindly disposed toward us and that my French communication skills would be up to par for this transaction.
Jean-Claude told me that because we are foreigners and don't have a French checking account, he would require the 1000 euro deposit. He said that he didn't have any way of reimbursing a foreign credit card, and so would need cash. He was none too pleased that I didn't have proof of our address, either. I explained that the occupants of our apartment change frequently, and thus an outside person pays the bills and receives all of that type of mail. I told him that I had 500 euros in cash for a deposit, but that I couldn't do 1000.
It took some doing, but my prayer was answered.
He took the 500 euro deposit. I paid for the minimum 3 months' rental (even though we will only have it for 2), bought a music stand and some rosin.
All I have is this dumb blurry picture of Max practicing, but I think it shows his excitement. If possible, I think I was even happier than he at the end of it all, as I was beginning to despair. It was a victory for sure.
p.s. I learned some new vocabulary as well: un pupitre is a music stand (also a pulpit); un arché is a bow. Cool.
8 comments:
HOw fantastic for max!
I love kids & music- such a great combination, especially if you can get them to practice :)
Wow, 500 euros still seems like a lot of money!! I'm so glad it worked out and that Max is back in the business of practicing.
I like that you have a tag for prayer answered. I'm with Jill - that is a lot of money!!!
His expression in this picture says it all...I'm glad that things worked out for your guys.
I would love to hear you speak French.
It seems to me that language classes should focus more on practical applications like negotiating contracts or working with shopkeepers, and less on ordering ham sandwiches and orange juice.
That is a lot of money for a deposit, but when you were staring down twice that much it kind of seems like a deal! Great picture -- that's a long time to be without a cello when it makes you that happy to play! So glad that worked out!
Hooray for Max having a cello and for your prayer being answered!
Love you!
hoooray for the prayer...hooray! that was awesome and amazing. I used pupitre all the time growing up...and arco sounds familiar tooo....how fun to discover new words...it is amazing! I am sooo happy for you, and for MAX le grand musico!
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