Wednesday, 15 Nov 2023

Assalamualaikum. I'd like to share my ongoing conversation partner series, focusing on my communication with Martine, the oldest person with whom I've conversed. Last time, I talked about Alex, the one with whom I've had the most calls, totaling 89. Now, I want to delve into my interactions with the oldest individual I converse with regularly.

Martine is still an active part of my conversational journey. Residing, as far as I know, in Fontenay-le-Comte, she previously lived in Tours. Despite being on her own, her mother, approximately 90 years old, resides just across the street. She turned 68 last year, may now be 69, and I have known her for over a year. I distinctly recall our first conversation around the end of October last year, extending into mid-November 2023. Over this time, we've engaged in around 30 calls, although the frequency isn't precisely weekly due to her holiday break in July and August, typical in France.

Our connection began on Share Ami, a website connecting younger individuals with the elderly in France to combat loneliness. In exchange for companionship, I get the chance to practice my French. Martine, although not a formal teacher, imparts valuable insights from her experiences hosting individuals learning French from abroad.

I've learned a great deal from her, and she has generously offered to host me whenever I decide to visit. Her assurance that I need not worry about accommodation costs due to her extensive network of friends and family reflects her warmth. Previously, I mentioned something about the parking situation in France, and the person I talked about was her.

Other than that, I think that's pretty much it. I will continue to share more about my experiences sometime soon. So, bye-bye.

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