SNUC

Keith and Gilles at the Rugby game.
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Today was my second time to the rugby stadium in Nantes (or anywhere). As I went to bed at 6 (having had lots of fun at Nobody’s Virgin at Olympic) and woke up at 12h15, I didn’t have a lot of time to fluff about before I had to shower and get a bite in before I headed out.

One of the gym teachers at school, Gilles, invited me to attend the match. I had gone once, but without him and with only an explanation during récré the previous day. This time it was a true régal, as I was picked up and brought to the stadium. I had a wonderful opportunity to see the game with a real fan; and someone who was more than patient enough to explain the rules and the déroulement du jeu.

Halftime was a beer and crêpes.

Melay
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After we parked, and after some good convo in the car about n’importe quoi, we entered and it was then and there that I realised that Gilles was more than just in his element. He knew many people, and the atmosphere around him was convivial. He was so gracious, explaining who I was so that others would either have pity on me, not expect me to have a clue about rugby, have an interest in the New Yorker, or even just since it is common to give a tidbit of info about someone you introduce. (I think it is wise to do this so that there is always a means of transitioning to what comes after an introduction. Yes, I am not always thrilled to be « L’Américain », mais alors, I am, and what else can be said. I am glad to not have negative labels. Most people are pleased to meet me, and at least some of that is my own personality (not the New York label). BTW everyone, most French people like Americans – not the politics. I think we can all understand that citizens are not their leaders and policies. Be a bit more intelligent and visit a real city before you leave the states and criticize the French because Paris is the first real city you have ever been to and as is typical they won’t be so cuddly as in ANY countryside town. Stop perpetuating the idea that the French are stinky, rude, hate Americans, and are always drunk on wine. Educate yourselves ! Okay, so Gilles introduced me to the president of the rugby club in Nantes, the publicist for the team, and his many, many friends. They were all so nice and welcomed me in the warmest of ways. No wonder why I don’t get along with most men in America. There is something wrong with a large number of them that I have met. There are so many great people in America, but the French men tend to be a bit more civilized in the manner they conduct themselves with others. I think American men think too much or not enough about their interactions. In the Bronx and at some sporting events I’ve been to, the men had made quite a number of immature sexual comments (their ideas about women demonstrated this). I have yet to be affronted by such ignorance.

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Gilles and I found our seats, and the junior league finished their match to allow the majors to do their thing. The game’s passes are based on advancing while transferring the ball backwards. There is a lot of strategy needed to get this done ! I think there is a bit more than in American football. Thanks to my man, I understood so much more of what was going on. He was so patient, and even drew pictures to help me out. I even got excited when the team (Les Blancs : the whites) was doing well. And yes, there is a team called the blacks : this wouldn’t fly in America ! Halftime was a beer and crêpes. That’s right, crêpes ; I am in France after all. The rest of the game was the best. The Reds were doing so well, and even scored in the last 15 minutes. I wasn’t sure there would be anyway to overcome the point difference, however Les Blancs scored twice with only 5 minutes left. Victory was secured.

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Afterwards, the socializing intensified. We were invited into the special tent for the sponsors, and we tasted some great Muscadet and Saumur. I had another crêpe, some mushrooms with garlic, salmon pâté, and quail eggs with baby quiche. I met some nice guys and we chatted for about an hour or so. One was an ex-player who lived in NY in ’73. We also chatted again with the president of the club, and with Stéphan – the one that reaches out to the sponsors and brings in new sponsors.

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The warmth of everyone and their willingness to step out of their lives to include me in theirs impressed me in such a way. I could never have expected that my life here could be so great. I thought I would be alone, and that contact with others would be a bonus. I was completely wrong. The French have, so far, gone out of their way to make me (a stranger/l’étranger) feel more than just welcomed. I love NY, I love the USA, but what is it that makes it so much easier to be appreciated here. It can’t be my status as the New Yorker – that only goes so far. I have found Nantes to be hospitable, considerate and open. Today was another shining example.