En France les Trains Sont Toujours à l’Heure

/ letroisiemeage

One of Renie’s favorite French slogans is “In France, the trains are always on time.” The railway system is indeed a marvelous thing and everyone in France relies on it at least some of the time.

From our little town Villefranche-sur-Mer, the journey to Monaco is twenty minutes and costs less than 2€. Monaco is mountainous and glitzy, crammed with skyscrapers squeezed in among the few remaining villas in the commercial area. The first rounds of the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament were playing out with thousands of spectators in the stands. We passed numerous blocked streets and construction sites on our walk down to the port where preparations for the Monaco Grand Prix (May 26-29) are underway. We couldn’t help gawking at the Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Mazarrattis, etc. that were valet parked around the famous casino.

On other days, we managed to find our way to and from Menton, Beaulieu, Eze-sur-Mer, and Antibes, while struggling with train tables using the 24-hour clock and disruptions caused by the Easter holidays.

“what time is it and where the hell are we?,”—Renie Bressinck, April 16, 2022


An amazing thing happened to us on Easter. We were the first to arrive for 10:00 Mass at St-Michel, an 18th century Catholic church built on the site of one from the 14th century. Renie chose seats a little more than half-way up toward the front, on the aisle. By the time Mass started, the nave was almost completely full. Two couples sat two rows in front of us and for some reason, I noticed that the man on the end was bald. We followed the liturgy in our French missal and were surprised to hear the choir sing Amazing Grace in their language. As soon as we returned to our pew after receiving communion, Renie whispered “that man on the end two rows in front of us has a melanoma in situ on top of his head. I have to tell him.”


We both knew that was the right thing to do and Renie spent the rest of Mass formulating a way to say the necessary words in French. After the service, as the couple left the church and started down the steps in the direction of the port, Renie stopped them, identified himself as a dermatologist, and began to explain his observation and diagnosis. The cancerous lesion is about three inches in diameter and, at this time, is limited to the top layer of the skin. It is curable if removed soon but could be deadly if not treated. The man and his wife were surprised and had no idea that the large spot was a serious problem. They were grateful and thanked Renie profusely. Coincidence? Or as Renie likes to say, God-incidence.


We have only two more days of school and we have worked hard to improve. We will leave feeling grateful but a little sad. Our teachers and classmates, each one with their unique life story, are tremendous people. We wish we could take them all home with us.

Celebrating #78—WOW

Sent from Villefranche-sur-Mer, April 20, 2022

Renie & Diane






Sent from my iPad

24 thoughts on “En France les Trains Sont Toujours à l’Heure”

  1. I’m thrilled to see the great photos and read your colorful commentary. Please communicate as often as time allows. Happy belated b’day Renie and happy trails & train rides to you both.

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  2. We love that area. Stayed in St.-Paul-de-Vence and took our children unknowingly to a plage nudist.

    Your experience at church gave me chills. We call that a God thing.

    Love your stories!!!

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  3. Bob and I love your wonderful updates. What incredible experiences you are having and we’re so happy you are sharing them with us.
    And the man in church. Right time, right place and, yes, a God thing.
    Have fun and keep those stories coming!

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  4. Wow, good observation skills Renie! Where is your next port of call? Or do you return home to the US for May and then back to France?

    Xxx, Julie

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  5. Loved reading the blog. When can i see you again? It’s wonderful that Renie was able to diagnose the cancer for the gentleman at church.

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  6. What a beautiful thing you did for that man in the church! Whenever I think about it I get teary. Thanks very much for telling us about it.

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  7. Happy Birthday youngster!! What a great way to celebrate! Sending you love and wishes for many more! Quite a story in your blog. God works in mysterious ways. Love! Vicki, Bill & Brian

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  10. Des expériences merveilleuses et à quel point l’homme sur le banc devant vous est béni que vous ayez été là 🙌🏽
    Joyeux anniversaire Dr B ⭕️

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  12. La plupart des trains étaient à l’heure! selon le photo. L’histoire de remarquer la tête du monsieur avec le cancer! . C’est tellement bizarre et chanceuse pour lui. Trop tard ici pour répondre à ton mail. Je l’adore. A bientôt. Bev

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  13. Renie, your latest post gave me chills when you spoke about your diagnosis of a melanoma on the man’s head. You are a hero! You time in Monte Carlo sounds like ours as we were amazed at how many buildings there were that we drove under through tunnels. Sort of creepy. Sounds like you both are living and loving your new life. Happy Birthday to you and soon to Diane 🎂🍷

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  15. Dear Ones, Your “report” of time in France makes me happy! Thank you for sending it. What an Easter! A miracle…Renie being at that Chruch at that time and the man being there at that time sitting where Renie could see him. I call that divine order….and on Easter. Everything sounds like such a fun adventure. Again thank you for sending. Looking forward to the next one. XOXOX 💖💖💖❣️

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