July 10th, 1958 still in Paris

July 10, 1958

Dear Folks:

Times flying and so is the money but felt it only right to make a few additional purchases in Paris. Am sending home some perfume (1/3 to ¼ of price in U.S.) and my slides. I got these developed here but it was terribly difficult nd expensive, & they did a poor job in the Ecktachrome.

The reason I got the film developed here was that I wanted to identify everything before I forgot- the places, etc. Now then, would you do me a favor? Please send to me immediately in the Camerouns 5 (five) 36 (thirty six)exposure KODAK - “KODACHROME” developing bags. Airmail there takes about 7 days so you can see the urgency. (Regular mail, months) All I want are the yellow bags with a tab for addresses on both sides. Also, if he will, have Uncle Alvin try to get the bags wholesale (the mark up is about 20%) and if he can, to send me 15 more at Johannesburg. All of the Kodachrome you buy over here has processing included whereas it doesn’t at home, so I’m over a barrel in getting it developed without bags (they don’t sell them here). Besides, all photographic supplies are terribly expensive (it costs me almost $3 just to get one 36-exposure roll developed). When I know how much these “developing bags”cost I’ll send you a check on my Malad bank to cover it.

Incidentally, you can look at these slides if you want. Generally I am quite disappointed for the only place I had good picture weather was in Denmark (it rained everywhere else); then I don’t trust the camera; I wasted 3 rolls before I discovered the shutter stuck & that cost $10 to repair and the last roll shows a light leak (i.e. pictures of “Eiffel Tower” & “Arc de Triumph”). Wish I had the money to buy a new camera from the Germans (not sure if this is right, tcc) but don’t.

Say, would you please write and tell me how much money I have left in Malad - the last statement, probably June 30th. Will no doubt have to use it to exist this fall. Brussels and Paris are so expensive that they money just evaporates. “I was a stranger, and they took me....”

Have been going to school at the Alliance Francais for 10 days trying to learn the French language. Have utterly failed, the only difference between now and when I began is that I’m completely confused, whereas then I was only bleary-eyed and innocent.

Have been accepted at the American School of Oriental research in Jerusalem, Trans Jordon, from Sept. 10th to Oct. 10th. Will probably go out on some archeological expositions.

Today I fly to Africa (edited by tcc) I fly via “Air Chance” (France) but ought to enjoy the trip since they serve champagne.

Au revoir,

Love Bruce