"french family's" vacation in South Dakota : a report of 15 days of quasi-perfection.
#24
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,304
Thank you for a great report. I loved hearing it from someone who does not live here. I also thought your response to Mary Fran's question was well stated and very true. I hope you have a wonderful time in Montana and look forward to your report.
#25
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 34,527
That was just a wonderful report, and a really good answer to Mary Fran's question. I think too often people look at "today's picture" only and can't see it in the context of prior history, if the even know the history. So glad you enjoyed your vacation and Montana is beautiful. I'm heading for Paris in about four weeks, third trip, love it there, and just can't wait!!!!
#26
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 941
I certainly hope that your welcome here in the US was as warm as the welcome given to me by the French.
My husband & I have spent 3 weeks in France every year for the past 6 years. We usually spend a week to 10 days following Letour and the rest of our time is spent visiting quiet villages. Though we have never been to your part of the country, my husband prefers to ride his bicycle in the mountains, so we spend a lot of our time in the Alps.
Wherever we have stayed we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and warmth of the people we have met.
We have fallen in love with France and will continue to visit as often as we can.
My French gets better every year but I still have trouble spelling things correctly, so please forgive that this message in in English.
My husband & I have spent 3 weeks in France every year for the past 6 years. We usually spend a week to 10 days following Letour and the rest of our time is spent visiting quiet villages. Though we have never been to your part of the country, my husband prefers to ride his bicycle in the mountains, so we spend a lot of our time in the Alps.
Wherever we have stayed we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and warmth of the people we have met.
We have fallen in love with France and will continue to visit as often as we can.
My French gets better every year but I still have trouble spelling things correctly, so please forgive that this message in in English.
#27
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 556
Very nice trip report, monpetit. I enjoyed reading every bit of it.
I also wanted to add to a couple of things you mentioned about the status of Indian women (you noticed less elaborate graves) and the influence of European settlers. At one time, at least here in Wisconsin (not too far from SD), women were on a fairly equal level with men and had an important part in tribal governance and decisions. This changed once the Europeans started moving into this area and influencing the Indian culture since women had not had this level of stature in Europe.
I also wanted to add to a couple of things you mentioned about the status of Indian women (you noticed less elaborate graves) and the influence of European settlers. At one time, at least here in Wisconsin (not too far from SD), women were on a fairly equal level with men and had an important part in tribal governance and decisions. This changed once the Europeans started moving into this area and influencing the Indian culture since women had not had this level of stature in Europe.
#31
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 9,230
starrs, thanks for digging out this awesome report. I find it amaising how someone on vacation, from another part of the world, can look at a prarie and rocks and with a new attitude turn it into a great adventure. I often can't see the forest because of the trees. Thanks to Eric for taking the time write this deailed report. merci
#32
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 720
Yes, starrs, thanks.
We're going to the Badlands/Custer State Park/ Mt. Rushmore, et al area the end of August/beginning of September on our way to Glacier and Yellowstone. Have now added Erik's entire trip report to my travel folder. And, by clicking on his name, I found his Glacier/Yellowstone/Tetons trip report which I've also copied to my folder.
zippypop, you said it.
Fran
We're going to the Badlands/Custer State Park/ Mt. Rushmore, et al area the end of August/beginning of September on our way to Glacier and Yellowstone. Have now added Erik's entire trip report to my travel folder. And, by clicking on his name, I found his Glacier/Yellowstone/Tetons trip report which I've also copied to my folder.
zippypop, you said it.
Fran
#33
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 22,590
Trés bien, monpetit! I think you should ask for a refund from the riding. You did pay for 4 days!
It is indeed fun to read reactions to the U.S. by others.
As you say, the truth about us is in the middle-thank goodness modern travel and sites like Fodors make it easy to close all gaps!
It is indeed fun to read reactions to the U.S. by others.
As you say, the truth about us is in the middle-thank goodness modern travel and sites like Fodors make it easy to close all gaps!
#34
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 117
Great report(s) monpetit,
If you liked South Dakota prepare to fall in love at Glacier National Park; just phenomenal!!!!
Your choice of Many Glacier is just perfect, the best part of the park. Make SURE you get a balcony room or two in the hotel and be aware that there ARE Grizzly Bears close by. We saw one no more than one kilometre from the hotel, not far by Grizzly standards.
You will love Montana. Are you aware that road signs saying "Open Range" - mean "large black cattle but no fences"? NOT a place to drive at night! Enjoy!
If you liked South Dakota prepare to fall in love at Glacier National Park; just phenomenal!!!!
Your choice of Many Glacier is just perfect, the best part of the park. Make SURE you get a balcony room or two in the hotel and be aware that there ARE Grizzly Bears close by. We saw one no more than one kilometre from the hotel, not far by Grizzly standards.
You will love Montana. Are you aware that road signs saying "Open Range" - mean "large black cattle but no fences"? NOT a place to drive at night! Enjoy!
#35
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,468
(tops ancient thread just to say: )
Oh, man, Faustine must be age 31 by now.
Where does life go...?
(I was just perusing the site, and it flashed into my head to enter "Faustine" into the search field)
(the only upside to all of this is that people love this long-ago trip report)
All hail Faustine !!
Oh, man, Faustine must be age 31 by now.
Where does life go...?
(I was just perusing the site, and it flashed into my head to enter "Faustine" into the search field)
(the only upside to all of this is that people love this long-ago trip report)
All hail Faustine !!
#36
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,760
Thanks for topping this thread, NorthwestMale. I was a new member when it was written and missed it. Really enjoyable to hear his views.
Initially I thought it was a current report. It's funny but often when this happens to me I have a sense of loss. How did I miss this? Did the poster stay?
Initially I thought it was a current report. It's funny but often when this happens to me I have a sense of loss. How did I miss this? Did the poster stay?
Last edited by 5alive; Aug 20th, 2018 at 01:12 PM.
#38
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,789
Originally Posted by NorthwestMale
(tops ancient thread just to say: )
Oh, man, Faustine must be age 31 by now.
Where does life go...?
(I was just perusing the site, and it flashed into my head to enter "Faustine" into the search field)
(the only upside to all of this is that people love this long-ago trip report)
All hail Faustine !!
Oh, man, Faustine must be age 31 by now.
Where does life go...?
(I was just perusing the site, and it flashed into my head to enter "Faustine" into the search field)
(the only upside to all of this is that people love this long-ago trip report)
All hail Faustine !!
I love it that you are still thinking about Faustine twelve years later.
#40
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,468
Originally Posted by starrs
One of my favorite trip reports EVER
... yeah, because... Faustine!
(I had to search for this thread upon having just read someone write: "I hate it when people top old threads" )
(the Fodors internet misses Faustine)
