A Day in the Life of La Grande Borne — 22/24

A Day in the Life of La Grande Borne 22 / 24

FRANCE · JULY 2002

Joseph accompanied by his dog Noisette: If you happen to be looking for Joseph at the Grande Borne, you only need to ask, "We just saw him at the Herbes Square, " He was having a conversation a minute ago with the postman". This neighbourhood character arrived at the Grande Borne on the 15th of September 1981. Fists misfortune, the cold. He settled in a two bedroom flat, which belonged to a policeman at the Carpe Square. His wife and his children later came from the Islands of Réunion. People helped him when he arrived, and he returned their favours. He regularly invites his neighbours to offer them a glass of Rum and donates cloths to the Red Cross and Secours Catholique. He refuses to leave his apartment unless he decides to move back to Réunion. "Perhaps I won't be as alienated as that". Building complexes such as this one are multiplying back home nowadays. The difference is that the weather is warmer there than it is here.

Joseph accompagné de sa chienne Noisette (de beurre) : " Si vous cherchez Joseph à la Grande Borne, il suffit de demander : " On vient de le voir place aux Herbes ", " Il discutait tout à l'heure avec le facteur... " Cette figure du quartier est arrivée à la Grande Borne le 15 septembre 1981. Premier dépaysement : le froid. Il s'installe dans un F3 de la place de la Carpe qui appartenait à un policier. Sa femme et ses enfants le rejoignent depuis l'île de la Réunion. Les gens l'ont aidé à son arrivée et il le leur a bien rendu. Il reçoit régulièrement ses voisins pour partager un coup de rhum et donne des habits à la Croix rouge et au Secours catholique. Il n'a accepté de quitter son appartement que pour rentrer définitivement à la Réunion. " Peut-être que je ne serais pas si dépaysé que ça, les cités il y en plein là-bas maintenant. Mais c'est malheureusement encore plus " chaud " qu'ici. "

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