June 28th 1958 Paris

June 28th, 1958
(First handwritten letter, cursive)

Dear Folks:

Sorry for the silence, but then, I have been in Paris...doesn’t that explain every-thing? It has rained ever since my arrival, but even that is enjoyable here. My legs are getting broken in and the long walks in the comfortable Kapp shoes have carried me slogging all over this town.

Of course there was the spastic taxi ride...I had to help him push the car to get started - then, in complete confusion we went careening down the street. One fellow blocked our path at a traffic light - the cabbie (since blowing a horn is illegal) stuck his neck out the window and yelled “all manner of evil...the fiery darts of the devil” at the blackguard. Within one block I barely missed death 3 times - but by “Divine grace” made it to my destination.

I don’t care what they say...in my language confusion and neophite troubles! The Frenchman have all been friendly and helpful. Of course they’re out for that extra buck  and as I enter a joint I can almost see the correlation of American & prices cause a sudden inflation. But what can you expect when ⅓ of Paris’ income is based on Tourists.

From Denmark I sent home several items which I want put aside. Please store the salad forks, “Norse men,” and “2 monkeys.” These are out of teakwood. (Information excluded here by tcc)

I leave Paris July 6 for Cameroon. Air Mail takes about 3 days from the States so there is plenty of time for you to write me here. Aunt Nell, Mom or Bonney what are good French perfumes/or colognes? Prices are about ⅓ odf those in the states & I thought I might make a little purchase for future (word illegible).

Say, Uncle Alvin, I surely would like to have a tape records driven by a hand generator to record jungle drums, animal noises, and native dances 0 assume it is impossible though.

Haven't learned any French yet but hope to pick up a few phrases by Africa time.

Keep the home fires burning.

Love
Bruce