Julie Andrews, where are you?
August 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment
While we might be a little slow today, La Neyliere is alive and humming. I wouldn’t like to has it a guess how many people are here, but there seem to be people dining inside, outside under the trees, and with all the main building dining rooms full two groups, including ourselves, have moved out of the main building to one of the smaller rooms in the smaller buildings. It’s no problem to the staff which manages the situation with distinction.
So who’s here? Well, I don’t really know because the notices on the board are written in French, but I do know is there’s little room left on the “who’s here” notice board just inside the front door.
There are sounds of talk, laughter, of children, the pulling of corks (no screw caps here,) the clanking of glasses and plates. No crying, no sadness. Then later in the afternoon the Petanque balls come out and every available place it used, as sounds of thud, and the occasional Petanque on Petanque klunk followed by sounds of applause, anguish or jubilation.
With due respect to soundtrack from “The Sound of Music,” these hills are also alive.
Technically Sunday is a kind of day off, that is, it’s a day free from formal input and gives us an opportunity to consolidate our thoughts from the past week. With all that’s happened in the past few days there’s a lot of processing to go on. Physically we are at home, however mentally we are sometimes a distance away.
One common statement that people have made is the old cliché, there’s no place like home and coming back to La Neyliere, our home, albeit a temporary one, has been something we’ve all enjoyed. The experience of the last three days provided an excellent opportunity to understand more of our heritage, and while each of us has slightly different high points, arriving back here, where for the last couple of weeks we have been made so welcome, and where the staff, despite the language barrier, are pleasant and still efficient, makes a world of difference.
Because it’s Sunday, the day ends with “Solemn Vespers.” Funny how much these vespers are enjoyed by all. We look forward to “singing again” next week.
Having said the day ended with Solemn Vespers is perhaps a little inaccurate as one of the most impressive thunder and lightening displays that I’ve ever seen really ended the day. It took out the power momentarily on two occasions, emergency lighting taking over, and then took down the Internet for about 30 minutes. Minor technical hitches aside, being so proximate to the action was very entertaining.
Bernard’s socks rock
August 30, 2008 | 5 Comments
The day threatened to be hot as we departed from home. We were warned that while not hopping on and off the bus as much as perhaps we had done, the journey was going to be a long one. The warning proved “spot on” and combined with increasing levels of stiffness from the previous days 6 km walk and the 35 degree Celsius temperature, the long journey was only broken by the interesting places we stopped at:
- the former monastery at Bourg
- Peter Channel’s parish church and museum
- the Church where Peter Channel said his first mass
- the Basilica at Ars.
Part of the day’s interest were the mixed messages. The Bourg monastery, is a magnificent structure but also a memorial to times long gone. The popular tourist spot is still unbelievably ornate, but now a shell, no altar, lectern and is even empty of pews. What were once monks rooms have now been taken over by artists selling their works. A massive building and a statue to the past.
By contrast, it was good to visit what seemed to be the live and vibrant parish church where St Peter Channel received his first communion and to be the first pilgrimage visitors of sisters who now have charge of the St Peter Channel museum. While their English was minimal, but they seemed buoyed by the new task ahead of them and we think they were pleased that we visited.
A Peter Channel story from the side. Unbeknown to some, Peter Channel left the seminary for a while, not long, because leaving the church one day he came across one of his former teachers, a sister, whom he opened up to. She asked him was he sure that his leaving was what Mary wanted and “told” him to get back in the church and pray. It was therefore a special moment to visit this Church and pray surrounded by the same statue of Mary and at the altar of his first Mass.
Our next stop, although perhaps not a Marist place, but in another sense a wonderful Marist place, was the visit to the Basilica at Ars. A wonderful church one with a “special” feel. Yet a place where the Cure was to hear so many confessions, had but one priest available for this ministry and for the time that we were in the Church, only one person approached him to go to confession, and he was one of our group. However as the priest couldn’t speak English, he was left writing his sermon, perhaps for tomorrow (Sunday).
I know we are showing our age, but the words of The Beatles song “Eleanor Rigby” and the figure of “Fr McKenzie, writing the words to a sermon that no one will hear,” came to mind of several of the Marist pilgrims.
That aside it was a privilege to visit this Basilica, the place of such a wonderful man, who ironically even in death is still drawing the crowds.
I know I’m returning to a theme already mentioned, namely that it was a long day, however as the day got hotter Bernard, not Bernd, decided to take off his socks and leave them in the bus while we spent an hour at the Basilica in Ars. Arriving back, we were greeted with a perfume, let’s say, other than the odor of sanctity. The Charity of Denis O’Brien said that once the bus gets going and the air circulates more, things will get better. A charitable perspective it might have been, but what we experienced was something way beyond what any air conditioning system could cope with, and as the waft of pungent sweaty sock repeatedly hit, sometimes with a small reprieve, we soon learned that we weren’t far away from the next “round.”
What could we do? Someone suggested finding a plastic bag to wrap them in, but not even a well experience traveller like Charlie could produce one from his bag of tricks. The question remained, and the answer? Nothing. We were caught, we knew it. The piety of the pilgrims shattered, our response was laughter, and we laughed and laughed, some even with tears on their cheeks.
They say that what goes on tour, stays on tour, and in one sense, we all say “Amen” to that.
Cheers – Where everybody knows your name
August 29, 2008 | 1 Comment
The second day in the Bugey involved a 6km walk from Lacroux to Charley. This was hilly country, even by those who come from hilly countries. The thought of such a walk was enough to put doubts in people’s minds, however when we learned it was all down hill everyone was a starter. The lead group of Christoph, John Murphy and Matt, shortly followed by Edwin and John Beckley set off. Secretly their thought was there the destination perhaps might be a place for a beer or even a decent cup of coffee. Think again chaps, this is a place where Fr Colin preached the first missions, a remote village. Nothing’s changed, there’s of course a Catholic church and a public w/c, which all were thankful for, not necessarily in that order.
After the picnic lunch it was back to Belley to prepare for a tour of Bon Repos, College Lamartine, La Capuciniere, the Bishop’s palace, the former cathedral, and a visit to the chapel where Jean-Marie Chavion is buried. Mass followed. It was a big afternoon and the heat was telling. Thankfully upon returning to Bon Repos, Sr Marie, our tour-guide, “shouted.” Beers, soft drink or fruit juice all round. Even Sister agreed she was parched.
With the heat of the day gone, but the stiffness from walking down hill for such a way beginning to tell on all except Charlie who walked half the Lacrous to Charley distance backwards, a few of us gathered down town in Belley for a quiet pint. It was Friday night after all.
Matt’s reputation preceded him because despite his smashing one of their glasses the previous night, we were were obviously known and greeted in English with “Hello”. Who knows what else they might have said amongst themselves, however when we simply asked for “beer” and they immediately knew which variety to pour, and unlike other tables gave us complementary peanuts.
While feeling very much at home and well looked after, it was our last night in town and the attraction of a blues singer in the Bar around the corner also had pulling power for our few Euros. The songs, good old favourites and in English, our singing along soon caught the ear of the artist. As well as the music, this was an excellent venue for those interested in sampling some good French red wine.
Not wanting to be home too late, we bade farewell to our new best friends, Matt getting the customary kiss on both cheeks from the attentive waitress. Five minutes and we were home again, no German Shepherd tonight and much to everyone’s delight the PIN number for the door now worked.
A Belley of laughs
August 28, 2008 | 2 Comments
The journey through the Bugey region, least the one that Fr Colin took to visit these small villages was very hilly, the roads windy and narrow in places. However the steep terrain did not deter French wine growers as for the first time in Cerdon (opposite) we were to see significant plantings of grapes. While I’ve no evidence to suggest saying this, and I’m sure it’s not the case, it would however seem on the evidence that we’ve seen to date that the French grow grapes on hills and Maize on the flat land.
The first stop on the journey to Belley and environs was Cerdon. The old Church still stands, and Mass was let by Marcel Ma’ah. Some described celebrating Mass here as a “heart-lifting”, as it was the place that gave cause for the founder of the Marists to say that this is when the Society of Mary began.
After lunch we toured through the old Cerdon presbytery. It’s really in pretty bad shape, and while the local bishop is intending to renovate the presbytery, with poor piling and much of the interior needing significant work, it will be interesting to see what how the new presbytery will look. Local politics I’m sure will come into play. It’s sad to see it in such a state of ruin and really hard to see what can be done to do it up, yet keep it authentic.
Arriving at Maison St Anthelme, the one-time seminary but now a mixture of old peoples’ home and a backpackers (we’re the later), our room allocation went smoothly. Not all rooms had the same facilities, some had TV’s, phones and en-suites, or combinations of these. For those who had them, a talking point was the tiny size of the en-suite. It seems they were a kit-set and just fitted into the rooms. Quite novel.
It didn’t take long for our “invasion” to become public to the old people, well least one of them. While one might like to think that it was in the spirit of Fr Colin and the early Bugey missionaries, it’s pushing it somewhat. You see, Matt Morris was looking for Charlie Randle whom he thought was immediately opposite him. Matt however was a little disoriented, and so knocked on the wrong door. An elderly French gentleman answered. Matt, surprised not too see Charlie, apologised. Despite Matt’s apology, he old Frenchman had a little difficulty with Matt’s “cold calling” and as he turned to go back into his room, closing the door on Matt, he said in broken English, “Vot-iz-zee-matteir-wiz-you?” (What is the matter with you?) Profound question or not, those that know Matt I’m sure can imagine that he’s been “dining out” on it for a couple of days now. For those that don’t know Matt, it’s never just about the story, the humour is also in the re-telling.
As well as the natural progression of the renewal programme, with most of us travelling light, people had remote preparations for our three day journey. Everyone seemed to be going to travel even lighter and so it’s a case of taking the necessary clothes and hope that no disasters happen. There’s been lots of pressure on the laundry and drying facilities.
Arriving in Belley and after a long day on the bus, the opportunity for a beer down town, just 5 minutes walk away, seemed an answer to prayers. To the best of our knowledge, and unplanned, eight of us, including Christoph and Thilo seemed to congregate at this one particular pub. If our stories and consequent laughter didn’t make the locals wonder who we were, our arrival was soon announced, again by Matt Morris who knocked over his 50cl almost full glass of beer. The beer “fortunately” spilt mainly on Matt, the glass smashing on the ground. I say “fortunately” because Matt also brought with him a pair of shorts, which he’s wearing to visit the churches for the next couple of days, saying, “after all these years, God’s going to have to learn to like my knees.”
The dramas of the first day were far from over. Arriving home after 6pm, the main door to the backpackers/retirement home was locked. We left prepared with the combination numbers, however they didn’t work. With a German Shepherd guard dog barking our our heals, and uncertain whether the patrol man had given the dog its dinner yet, we were keen to get inside quickly. As you would. Several tried putting the number in, then at last, a moment’s respite and the man who appeared to be the owner came to our rescue. He proceeded to “tear strips” off of us, all in French and we think because we were supposed to use another door other than the main one. Who knows, however we quickly forgave him for buying his hospitality diploma on the Internet, just to get away from that angry German Shepherd.
The story doesn’t end. Later in evening, Charlie arrived home after a post-dinner walk. Arriving at the same door, he put the same numbers in and couldn’t get in. So he pushed the door bell. Immediate the window above opened and in French, so we can only presume, Charlie was told a thing or two. He tried again. No luck. So he pushed the door bell. Again the window opened and he was told a few more things, and while it was still in French, Charlie suggested that the message, it not the content, was just a little clearer. So, no German Shepherd in site but none the less taking his live in his hands, he ventured forth a third time! He still couldn’t get in, however this time pressing the door bell had an irate Frenchman open the door.
Next morning, after breakfast with the old folks, some of whom were in their dressing gowns for breakfast, Matt Morris and John Murphy were sitting in the foyer. The owner approached and started to talk to us once again in French. Gesticulating, it was clear that he wanted to once and for all settle how to use the front door, after-hours. Matt went with him to get a lesson on how to open the door. All of a sudden a quickly humbled owner apologised to Matt in perfectly acceptable English, saying that he couldn’t understand why the combination wasn’t working.
Charlie has friends
August 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The day began on a sad note with news of the sudden death of a Fijian Marist Toma Soso. Berenado knew Toma for many years and was his initial point of contact when Toma was thinking about becoming a Marist. It was a relationship that continued and Berenado had a good chat with him before joining the Marist Places Pilgrimage. Understandably he’s taking it pretty hard at the moment.
At the same time, John Beckley also received news of his friend and Marist priest, Pat Primo. Pat was a talented and highly regarded Marist, and at the last election was in the final two that the province considered for Provincial of the Atlanta. Pat had been unwell for some time and at John’s prompting, the renewal group had been praying for Pat, indeed as a symbol of our fraternal bond, John placed his name on the tomb stone of Fr Colin.
Being so far away at these times is difficult and we suspended our normal programme and spent time in prayer for Toma and Pat, around the grave of Fr Colin.
There was also cause for jubilation today as Charlie got a new credit card from Australia. He knew it wasn’t far away because he’d received the PIN number yesterday. Along with his credit card, Charlie left a number of his other personal effects in his carry on luggage on the plane. While it’s been worrying him, and he only had little cash, he’s received many offers of help. Charlie however has been very frugal and still managed to buy a generous selection of sweets for the bus trips. What he has however been unable to replace are the photos that he would have taken as his camera was also in his bag.
It was a stay at home day today with the opportunity to reflect on the journey to Fourviere and do some more reading in preparation for our three day trip to Cerdon and its environs. Domestically it’s also been an important day and the laundry was in constant use.
The timing of our pilgrimage to Cerdon couldn’t have come at a better time as a local chapter of the Piano Accordion players arrived late this afternoon and will be making full use of the La Neyliere.
A significant church
August 26, 2008 | 2 Comments
Chapel at Fourviere
We went on the first of several significant trips away from La Neyliere today. This journey was to Fourviere. We’re uncertain as to the reason but Yeves the bus driver turned up with a slightly larger bus today. Perhaps it was the addition of Christof, Thilo and Alois to our pilgrimage numbers, but whatever the reason the ride was just that bit more stable and there was no suggestion of vehicle sickness today. There’s seems little point in coming all this way and for one or two to have the experience dulled by sickness.
Fourviere was our first stop, the exterior of the side chapel is being renovated at the moment which meant the large statue of Mary was glassed in and placed on display outside the Basilica. It proved to be a popular focal point for many of the visitors and gave people an opportunity to get up front and personal with the impressive image.
Part of the history of the side chapel is the placement of plaques around the walls that remind pilgrims and visitors of notable moments in the chapel’s history. Among those plaques on the wall included one each of the Society of Mary and the Marist Brothers, but also the RNDM’s, Blessed Sacrament Fathers and the congregation founded by St Claudine Thevenet, who we learnt was the aunt of Mayet.
The Basilica itself is one of the most ornate churches that most of us have seen. Some felt it was over done and perhaps if taken as a whole it’s a view that most had some sympathy with. However if ever a sermon got prolonged or someone was attending Mass in a language unknown to them, there is a wealth of material to focus on. I think everyone was pretty much agreed that the commitment, vision and skill of those involved all those years ago, can only but be admired.
Calendar at the Cathedral, keeps record of the Church year over a 2000 year span.
The visit to the Basilica complete, it was a early lunch before heading down the hill to the Cathedral. The Cathedral closed at midday, probably opening again after siesta, however we as pilgrims must move on. There are some 600 steps to the bottom and while on arrival there by cable car, some gave consideration to climbing back up, having already visited would have detracted from the meaning of climbing to the top. Least that’s our story and we’re sticking to it.
A trip to Fourviere was of course a trip to Lyon, and with our work almost done, there was a visit to Sanite Foy later in the afternoon, the small break gave people the opportunity to attend to a few chores, like Berenado was keen to get a couple of DVD’s to store some of the nearly 700 photos he’s taken and Matt and Denis were keen to track down an elusive phone card which will enable them to call back in New Zealand at a much cheaper rate. They’d done some research on the Internet and knew the card that they wanted, however they couldn’t find a place to buy it, so instead of paying 2c per minute, they settled on 15c a minute. Much cheaper than they’re currently paying.
Thilo, Alois and Christoph enjoying a little extra free time.
Much to our surprise, Fr Pat Rafter arrived here this afternoon. Pat is a New Zealander who is on a pilgrimage which also takes in Lourdes. Pat, a friend of Fr Pat Brophy, who arranged for Pat Rafter’s visit and stay.
A few of us who helped Paul Loubaresse with lifting and storing some “provisions” in the cellar, received and unexpected bonus trip around the basement. The basement is a large area, almost half the size of the main house and while most basements are just basements, this one has an element of difference in that it is also where Fr Colin is buried. Not everyone has someone buried under their house, and what makes this even more interesting is in the 1970’s the large chapel was modified to make provision for a smaller oratory-style chapel, and a large concrete wall was built over the burial spot of the Founder. It seems that while there is a best guess as to where he is exactly buried, it is fairly certain that some of his casket will be in the oratory, most of it under this concrete wall and another part will be in the large chapel. What is also certain is that the memorial stone now in the oratory does not mark the exact spot where Fr Colin is buried.
Alois leaves us tomorrow after a very short visit. It was a pleasure to have him with us and to learn from the wealth of his knowledge. His departure provided the opportunity for us to join him in a small drink and a few nibbles. We of course look forward to seeing him again later when we are in Rome.
Marist Studies
August 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
We have been fortunate enough to have Alois Greiler travel from Rome to spend a two days with us. As well as joining us tomorrow on our visit to Fourviere, Alois has presented five lectures / seminars in the past twenty four hours or so. As well as being amazed at the wealth of his scholarship, his enthusiastic presentation and choice of topic made it all go so fast. Interest was high and there were really more questions than time would allow. Perhaps having an extra day with him tomorrow may present the opportunity for people to ask him more questions in an informal setting.
Topics Alois spoke on were:
- How to understand Marist origins
- The House of Mary: key image for the life and spirit of Jean-Claude Colin
- Outline on Understanding Colin, his Personality and Way of Acting
- Transforming Grace: Essay on Marist Spirituality
- Colin and Oceania: Suva Colloquium 2007
Sung Vespers
August 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Sunday after the second day of pilgrimage was a day at home. La Neyliere continued to be a hive of activity with well over 100 here. was a hive of activity, so much so that room in the main building where we eat has been taken over by a new group, the Apostles of Peace. They are an international semi-charismatic community with some members coming from as far away as Africa for their annual gathering at La Neyliere. The charism of the community is essentially peace and they express it through singing “internally” and in liturgical settings. Periods of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reflective recitation of the Rosary are key components of their spirituality. As well as singing and prayer, community members are strongly encouraged to be involved in some form of peace-themed social outreach.
With so many here today there was a choice of Mass times, a 9am with the Disciples of Peace or the usual 11am with the local people. There is a church at Pomeys about 1km up the road, however it’s holiday time and the regularity, spirituality and convenience of the La Neyliere Mass means a good number of the local community come to Mass here. Whereas the Apostles of Peace Mass was all in French and some “broke into tongues” after communion, Bernd Kordes was sensitive to the international flavour of the regular community mass and used a diagram to help express the concept he conveyed in homily.
Before they go home, it is customary for the local people to join with the Marist community for an aperitif after the 11am Mass, normally around midday and today was no exception. Thankfully some among the visiting congregation spoke English which made it a little easier.
Dinner followed and the vine-ordinaire was replaced by a Cotes du Rhone, a nice touch to accompany the spicy sausage main meat dish.
After lunch, Alois Grollier, (Rome) Christof Kochmann (German Marist seminarian) and Thilo Saft (soon to be German Novice in the Philippines) arrived. Actually they arrived late last night, but left again early in the morning for Chartreuse, so after lunch was the first time we saw them. Alois is here to provide some Marist history input and will deliver 5 lectures in 1 1/2 days. He, Christof and Thilo will also accompany us as we travel this week to Fourviere, Belley and Cerdon.
Edwin McCallion, Charlie Randle, Bernado Petero, Marcel Ma'ah and Matt Morris at "Sung Vespers".
Some may have embarked on a Sunday afternoon walk, however looking at us as we arrived Alois’ Sunday afternoon lecture, suggests most perhaps didn’t.
In the area where Bernd Kordes comes from “Vespers” means a cup of tea. On Sunday night it is the tradition of the La Neyliere community to have “sung” vespers, something that all the renewal group participated in with enthusiasm. The end of a somewhat quiet but pleasant day.
P.S. With that written the locals down at St Symphorien decided to have the last say with an impressive fireworks display. Not sure why, perhaps it might have been to mark the feat of St which took place during the week, on August 22.
Colin country
August 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Another early start and a fairly big day ahead of us, visiting the four places or origin, Les Barbery, St Bonnet-le-Troncy, Coutouvre and Jarnosse, but also dropping into the Chateau de la Roche for a brief look at this magnificent castle on the lake, and a brief visit to the Grey Brothers and Sisters.
Paul Pidcock, Denis O'Brien, Charlie Randle, Edwin McCallion, Mikaele Cilicewa (sitting), John Murphy, Berenado Patero (partly obsecured), Bernd Kordes, Matt Morris, Marcel Ma'ah, Deogratias Bararishize and John Beckley at the memorial marking the birthplace of Jean-Claude Colin
The journey was once again into beautiful rural France, and while making good time, the twisting, winding roads quickly took their toll on Marcel. A brief stop and some fresh air, plus his moving more towards the front of the bus seemed to make things a little bit more easy for him. Having arrived in from Africa yesterday, he’s certainly “hit the ground running”.
The day began by visiting Jean-Claude’s birthplace. The rural setting is hard to miss and the outlook over the lush green pasture in the valley, with hardly a house in site, this is very rural. Jean-Claude’s family home no longer exists, however a cross and memorial plaque marks the spot.
A short while later we arrived at St Bonnet-le-Troncy, the village where the parish church is. Going to church would have been a big day out for the Colin family. Once again we joined the local people for their usual 11am Mass, this time however we were responsible for the liturgy which John Murphy led, helped in translation by Bernd Kordes. Not knowing exactly what Bernd said in translation, it must have been good as the local people gave smile at the right place.
After Mass there was a little time before we were expected at the Colin Museum, just to the right of the Church. Taking the opportunity to “scout out” the small village and looking for an expresso coffee, Matt Morris and John Murphy seemed to be greeted with familiarity when they responded
affirmatively to the question, “Marist?”
A highlight of the afternoon visit to both Coutouvre and Jarnosse was probably the opportunity to visit the house where Jeanne-Marie Chavoin was born. The house is owned privately, however the owner welcomed us and showed us the room under the house where the Chavoin family hid a priest during the period of the French Revolution. A very challenging thing for the family to do, but also challenging for the priest who lived in such musty, dusty cramped under-ground…. I hesitate to use the word, “facilities.”
People have openly expressed their interest in actually visiting the places of Colin and Chavoin’s birthplace and early influences. It is one thing to read about the early influences on Colin’s life, but to visit and experience the place of his birth and his local parish Church, makes them come that much more alive. It helps make Marist Spirituality a little more alive too.
The brothers and sisters are a semi-contemplative order, and are expanding. There are some 120 sisters in the convent, however none of the brothers were present as they were away at festival for young people. We weren’t able to visit the sisters’ chapel because Mass was on, however we were fortunate to be able to visit and see the re-development of the brothers’ chapel, particularly the stained-glass windows. Their chapel is being done up due to recent fire damage.
Welcoming Marcel Ma’ah
August 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Today is another preparation day for our visit to Les Barbery, St Bonnet-le-Troncy, Coutouvre and Jarnosse. The style was more of tutorial style, use the various sources, read and come back and share what we discovered. This proved to be “refreshing”, both senses of the word, in that it was another change in presentation style, and also it provided an opportunity to “brush up” once again, however this time the difference is that we knew we were going to visit these places.
A fact that seemed to skip our attention was that Jean-Claude’s mother Marie was only 13 when she married Jacques, who incidentally was 24.
The group was delighted to welcome Marcel Ma’ah this afternoon. Marcel was travelling from Africa and his Visa was only approved on Monday. Somewhat jet-lagged, without all the formal introduction process and with English somewhat unfamiliar to him the first afternoon proved some what challenging for him, however it is good that we are now complete in number.
This evening a new group is arriving, a large group, so much so that our dining room, which is much bigger than we need, has been taken over by the Apostles of Peace. From dinner this evening until they go, we’ve moved into one of the adjacent buildings.
While on the subject of dinner, the main course for supper this evening was very Lyonaise, a style of boiled salami sausage and potatoes in their jacket. Normally there is butter for the French loaf only in the morning, and so it was a surprise to see it on the table tonight. Those of us with Irish influence in our heritage immediately put it on our spuds, however the locals actually use it on the boiled salami sausage. Another little cultural learning point.
We also discovered TV tonight, along with CNN and BBC channels in English. Now with the Internet and these two international media giants the world all of a sudden seems a little closer.