I couldn’t believe it. This was supposed to be an interview for an au pair positon to continue my studies in France this summer, but the first thing the husband did was remove his clothing and straddle a mini Venus de Milo. Is this part of the culture? I couldn’t help but wonder.

“Don’t be afraid my darling. I must see how you respond to love of the arts. We believe in freedom of expression. The beauty of releasing yourself upon a masterpiece is one of many hobbies my wife, children and I share. Would you care to join me?”

He pointed across the yard to a state of David he had sitting against a row of blooming cherry blossoms, anxiously awaiting my response.