Just that morning, Sophie, our French teacher, hinted that learning the pronunciation of the French alphabet would have a lasting benefit. She had us practice spelling out our names phonetically: enn-an-enn-se-ee grec. pe-err-oh-se-te-euh-err. If you don't believe me, click on the photo to enlarge and practice your own name. Sophie said she would make a photocopy for our next class.We needed un ecran de baignoire (bathtub door enclosure) before I can finish tiling. This is an item that will not be in stock, so I decide to try ordering it over the phone. I have all my information in front of me: "Bon jour, je voudrais commander un ecran de baignoire le Largo, la dimension grande, S.V.P.". Then I hear the fatal two words: non disponible. Not available. OK, when? NEVER! I now assume that model is discontinued. I try to ask if there is something like it, meme. The gentleman asks if I have l'ordinateur, a computer. Oui! Then the plot thickens.
He refers me to another ecran (screen). It sounds like he says "Odessa". I can't remember how to say "can you spell that", but he starts calling out foreign objects, some of which I recognize. I repeat "Odessa" and he repeats what sounds like "Odessa". I say I'll go to the computer website and call back. The website reveals the Odessa line of bathroom furniture (meubles), not bath enclosures. I must call back, but I'm too embarrassed.
I decide to call another branch of the same LaPeyre stores, the one in Carcassonne. I ask about the Odessa ecran to replace the Largo. Do you mean "oh-de-ee grec-ess-ess-euh-euh"? I couldn't grasp all that she said, but when I heard the "ee grec", or Y, I knew I was on to something else: the Odyssee. We now have an Odyssee on order, due to arrive cinq aout (August 5th). Thanks, Sophie, you were right.