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Le Rendez-vous The Generous Welcome of Jean-Claude Berger |
   
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Le Rendez-vous The Generous Welcome of Jean-Claude Berger |
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Third time I'm returning to Tucson and always this spontaneous and genuine hospitality from Jean-Claude and his wife Martha.
Jean-Claude is originally from St Dizier in the Haute-Marne department in the east of France and Martha comes from Hermosillo in the province of Sonora, Mexico. Their Bed & Breakfast "Le Rendez-vous" is not very large but very pleasant and comfortable; large room, balcony overlooking Mount Lemmon in the Coronado National Forest, swimming pool, and large terrace with a view of Tucson.
With his beautiful Mercedes, here we go to Fort Lowell Ave where his French restaurant is located. With Jean-Claude everything is different, he takes you into his world, his space, and his energy. Mature in age and in full shape, always open to new opportunities, new investments, and new challenges. Being by his side is a good life lesson. Think big, seize your chances, and always stay positive and young at heart. An organized and mature non-conformism.
We all have "big brothers" and Jean-Claude is one for me. It seems that he has been able to enjoy the best of France and the USA. I've always thought that these two countries complement each other.
On Sunday morning at 8 am, at St Augustine's Catholic Church, the grand Mexican mass takes place. The Mariachis (musicians in full traditional outfits) accompany the sermons with their string instruments and singing. The church is packed and here I am, immersed in another country. The fervor of the faithful is as strong as their passion for the big, brand new 4x4s that wait for them in the parking lot. Martha is in her element here, she finds all the humanity and tenderness that the United States sometimes tends to leave in the background in favor of business and "connections."
Family, the cries of children, singing, talking, and then enjoying a good Mexican meal with good wine. Celebrating with simplicity and spontaneity is a specialty of Mexicans.
Half of Tucson's residents are of Mexican origin, and immigration continues to increase. Mexico is an hour's drive from Tucson. The border town is called Nogales, a prime marketplace for all possible exchanges.
Back at the B&B, Jean-Claude takes us to visit his friend Father Henry of the Benedictine monastery "Holy Trinity Monastery" in the small town of St David, an hour from Tucson. Father Henry is just coming out of the small church, all dressed in white and with a broad smile. "Come have coffee," he tells us in perfect French. A radiant 46-year-old man, he runs this small monastery where 7 monks live, with wisdom and a great will to fulfill his 6-year contract as prior. You can stay in the community as long as you want, full board, for a very modest sum ($40/day in 2003).
Do you know Tombstone? This famous wild west village where several western films have been shot. It's a meeting place for all traveling bikers, most of whom ride Harley-Davidsons. The main street hasn't changed much since 1852 except for the asphalt that replaced the dry, dusty dirt.
It was windy that day and, like in westerns, tumbleweeds rolled in front of me. Cowboys were also there on the rough wooden sidewalks, and the saloon was packed where beer flowed abundantly to the sound of country music.
Further along, there is the cemetery where Billy the Kid and the Mully brothers are buried. Like all the others, they did not die of natural causes. Hanged, killed, lynched, or simply died of thirst... They are now part of American history and even part of its heritage.
What to see in Tucson? Without hesitation, I suggest you have lunch at "Sweet Tomatoes"; for $7.30, you can fill yourself up with a wide variety of raw vegetables, delicious pasta, and amazing desserts like the small square chocolate cake still warm, accompanied by vanilla cream and melted chocolate... The place is clean and spacious, people are friendly, and the food is of high quality. If only this could exist in Europe... You can't go wrong, it's on Stone Ave across from Tucson Mall.
On Oracle Ave is the "Bum Steer," a large burgundy-painted barn that resembles Ohio farms. Inside, a huge saloon on three levels. A real flea market hanging from the ceiling; there is really everything, and in quantity. It has been open for 37 years and it is definitely the place not to miss.
The "clean" cowboys meet at "Maverick" on Wilmont Ave near Speedway Ave. Everyone there is dressed to the nines, the atmosphere is noticeably less relaxed than in Tombstone, where the friendly and "easy-going" side prevails.
I met in the region Cherokees in North Carolina who were cowboys of the "Bluegrass" style, and they made a strong impression on me. They are not young anymore but have a solid "pep" and something in their gut!
What I like in Tucson is the width of the roads, the parking lots, the bike lanes, the sidewalks, but also the general size of spaces like university campuses, the desert, the sky, and the openness of people here to new opportunities. The gold rush has always remained in the minds of Americans and is also an integral part of their system.
Jean-Claude Berger is a B&B owner I truly enjoyed meeting, he brought me the generosity of a warm welcome in the present moment. Exchanges between innkeepers allow us to question ourselves, learn, and renew ourselves. Hospitality is something alive and constantly evolving. It's up to us to discover its magic.
Le Rendez-vous Bed & Breakfast Restaurant, Tucson, Arizona - Map 
Former resort hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier, L'Étoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent, nestled between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cévennes in the mountains of Southern France. Positioned at the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Chemin Stevenson, GR®72, GR®700 Voie Régordane (Saint Gilles), GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cévenol, Montagne Ardéchoise, and Margeride. It offers numerous loop routes for hiking and day-long cycling excursions. Ideal for a relaxing stay.
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