Tag: The Alliance Francaise

Crossing the Vista Bridge

Dear Liza,

While Auntie Bridgett was busy with her table at the Alliance Française Christmas Open House, I took the opportunity to explore the neighborhood. The day was very cold but strikingly clear.

Just behind the Kamm Mansion’s tiny parking lot is a stairway that goes straight up the hill! I counted the steps, and it’s at least three stories high. I wish I had thought to take a picture, but I was anxious to see what was at the top.

And what I found were amazing views! Downtown was laid out in sparkling detail. I stopped every twenty feet or so and took another picture. Here is the Fremont Bridge (on the left) with Mt. Saint Helens, 70 miles away, beyond.

A few more steps, and I realized where I was: directly above Goose Hollow! That meant I must be getting close to…

The Vista Bridge! I have gone under this bridge dozens of times, on the train to the Zoo and Washington Park. It was built in 1925 and links two sections of the West Hills.

It also, as the name implies, offers some amazing views. Here is Mt Hood, shining brightly behind Downtown Portland.

Here is one that includes a hint of the chain link fence the city has installed. It sort of frames the view. Perspective is good.

Once I was across the Vista Bridge, I made my chilly way through the neighborhood and back to the Alliance Française. A few cookies and a glass of champagne, and I was toasty warm.

Always something to do around here!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Joyeux Noël avec l’Alliance Française!

Dear Liza,

The Alliance Française is an international organization dedicated to teaching the French language around the world. Here in the States, it also serves as a social meeting place for French-speakers and Francophiles, like us.

On Saturday, the Portland branch of the Alliance had its Christmas Open House, and they invited Bridgett to come sell her artsy goodies! We packed up the boxes and drove across the river to The Kamm Mansion, a glorious Victorian house in the west hills.

As usual, you meet the nicest folks early at these sorts of events; the people helping set things up, work out problems, and help everyone be successful. We met MariePierre, who is a native French speaker and teacher at the Alliance, setting up a table she shared with friends. MariePierre was camera shy, I guess, because I can’t find any pictures of her.

We met Betsy, a retired high school French teacher. She fell in love with all of Bridgett’s things and made a fine set of purchases before the Open Hiuse even opened! She spend the rest of the time running the children’s art room next door.

A fellow named Gavin came in, frazzled from his dash from Bend, and got set up in record time.

The next three hours flew by with crowds of happy people, lively music by an accordion and clarinet duet, champagne, sweets and snacks.

We were just at the ends of our respective ropes when 6:00 came and we headed for home. A nice out-of-the-fridge dinner and all was well.

Love,

Grandma Judy