Page 4 - BPW-UK - E-news - Edition 121 - May 2024

Being aware that it would be Jo’s very first visit to California, I had ordered the
sun, and it was there to welcome her—remarkable! This was our second encounter as we
had already met in London last October, together with Jackie.

What to do in San Jose when its citizens leave their homes at 6:00am to cover
miles going to work … and are in bed by 8:00 pm?
Answer … make the most of lunch time and enjoy the warm afternoons!

After having settled following her flight and shared our
very first meal at home in company of my eldest son Pascal, we
were off the following day to explore ‘Santana Row’ … a charm-
ing area reminiscent of Italy. It is also the area where the fa-
mous department stores such as Bloomingdale, Nordstrom and
Macy can be found—all very beautiful but rather empty, re-
flecting a struggling economy. …. YES, here too.

I believe the following day to have been a ‘very happy
day’ for Jo — Having myself a pressing engagement, Jo and Pas-
cal went to explore San Francisco and its unforgettable Golden
Gate Bridge …. International Orange and being continuously
painted. You may enjoy reading:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-15/the
-never-ending-job-of-painting-the-golden-gate-bridge

I had no worry for lack of conversation between them having already discovered their
passion for dogs of all breeds and automobiles of all brands! As a matter of fact, Jo re-
minded me of Mona Lisa Vito in ‘My Cousin Vinny’ when, later, being able to give a name
to all vehicles on our way to Sacramento. Quite astonishing!

To-morrow we shall leave for Sacramento and meet the BPW California girls, but
to-day, Thursday, I have arranged a lunch with my local friends. My local friends are al-
ready friends of 12 years since I moved here in 2012 and became very quickly, very pre-
cious to me as I lost my husband two months after our arrival.

We all belong to AAUW (American Association of Univer-
sity Women) … which happens to have its HQ … a superb man-
sion left to us by a wealthy spinster member, 5 minutes from
my home. Not unlike BPW, AAUW also funds scholarships and is
very attentive on Public Policies … as well as supporting a num-
ber of local charities such as ‘Neighbors helping Neighbors’,
Gifts for Teens’ etc… While BPW is more geared towards Busi-
ness, AAUW is more engaged towards education and academia.
I love them both as they are very complementary. I thought it would be ‘refreshing’ for
my three friends, Peg, Jan and Barbara to meet Jo, and for Jo to have the chance, in such
a short time, to meet well informed, down to earth, well educated and well travelled
women. As expected they were fascinated by all the good work you all do for BPW
Ukraine …. and ‘curse’ Putin in unison with you!
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