Q and A
French in the Islands
Q.  Do you know of any French-language schools in the Caribbean islands? -- L. M. B., Somerville, N.J.
A.  The French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, integral parts of France, now provide language and culture programs designed for foreign students, particularly those from the United States.
The Centre International de Recherches d'Echanges et de Cooperation de la Caraibes et des Ameriques, with facilities on both islands has begun a program called Le Francais aux Ameriques (French in the Americas).
Nine-week courses at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels give students 420 hours of instruction, while an intensive two-week course provides 60 hours.
There are also special classes for French teachers from the United States in the Easter break, lasting 68 hours, and during the summer (175 hours).
In Guadeloupe the cost of the courses for an individual student start at 4,500 francs (about $978, calculating 4.6 francs to the dollar) for the two-week course. Lodging is provided at an additional cost.
In Martinique arrangements are similar, but, in general, groups with a minimum of 10 students are preferred. The cost per person drops to 2,200 francs (about $478).
For detailed information about the programs in Guadeloupe contact Cirecca, Post Office Box 44, Petit Bourg 95179, Guadeloupe, French West Indies; telephone (590) 95.64.72, fax (590) 94.36.03.
For information on the Martinique programs contact Cirecca, Post Office Box 393, Fort-de-France 97258, Martinique, French West Indies; (596) 73.45.19, fax (596) 60.51.04. Expo in Portugal
Q.  My wife and I enjoy going to Expos and we understand that there will be an Expo coming up in Lisbon.  Can you give me any more information? -- Bernard S. Greenbaum, Kew Gardens, Queens
A.  Expo '98, the theme of which will be "The Oceans and the Seas," will open in eastern Lisbon on June 10, 1998, the year Portugal commemorates the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's historic voyage to India.
The Expo, the first to be held in Portugal and the last to be held this century, will be built on a 62-acre site on the banks of Tagus River in an economically depressed area that will be subject to a huge urban renewal project. The exhibition, which will continue for three months and cost an estimated $565 million, will leave a legacy of new parks and housing, road networks, shopping centers and cultural sites. It is expected to attract some nine million visitors.
The exhibition hopes to stress the interdependence of the oceans and the atmosphere and the effects of this on the climate; to build an awareness of the need to safeguard the world's marine heritage, and to provide a forum for the exchange of information and experience.
More information: Portuguese National Tourist Office, 590 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10036; (212) 354-4403; fax (212) 764-6137. To London and Paris
Q.  I know the Changing of the Guard in London has cut down its daily routine. How can I find out what days they march? And as I will be in Paris for Beaujolais Nouveau are there any special events planned for the occasion? -- Dennis F. Curran, Havertown, Pa.
A.  As of last Sunday and until Sept. 1, the Changing of the Guard takes place at 11:30 A.M. every other day on even-numbered days (before last Sunday it was held daily at the same time). Starting on Sept. 1 it will switch to every other day on odd-numbered days. Next May 1 it will again be held every day.
The ceremony lasts 40 minutes and takes place inside the railings of Buckingham Palace. The Guards, usually drawn from the Foot Guards of the Household Division, leave Wellington Barracks at 11:27 A.M. and march by way of Birdcage Walk to the palace.
The Old Guard forms up in the palace forecourt, going off duty and handing over to the New Guard. The guard, normally two men at each post, is reduced to a single guard at each post when Queen Elizabeth is not in residence at the palace. The Queen is there if her Royal Standard is flying from the flagpole on top of the palace. The ceremony is canceled in bad weather.
The nearest Underground stations to the palace are St. James's Park and Green Park.
Meanwhile, a separate ceremony is held at Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall. The Mounted Guard Changing Ceremony takes place daily, Monday to Saturday at 11 A.M. and Sunday at 10 A.M. The nearest Underground stations to Horse Guards Parade are Charing Cross and Westminster.
As for Paris, be prepared for a citywide celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday of November, this year the 16th.
The wine will be tasted and judged in just about every restaurant and bistro. One of the highlights is the awarding of "Les Meilleurs Pots" by the Rabelais Academy, a group of journalists and painters who are wine connoisseurs, to the bistros they consider warm and friendly and which serve good wine and food.
These are a few of the past winners:
Les Pipos, 2 Rue de l'Ecole Polytechnique, (1993 winner), 43.54.11.40; Metro, Maubert Mutualite.
La Tour de Pierre, 53 Rue Dauphine (1992), 43.26.08.93; Metro, Dauphine.
Le Vin des Rues, 21 Rue Boulard, (1989), 43.22.19.78; Metro, Denfert Rochereau. South African Weather
Q.  My husband and I will be traveling to South Africa in late October. What will the weather will be like in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town? And how formal is dress in these three cities? -- Suzanne L. Ethridge, Farmington Hills, Mich.
A.  October is springtime in South Africa, considered by some travelers the best time to visit.
Johannesburg and Pretoria are both in what is called Gauteng, or high veld region, most of it above 4,000 feet, where temperatures are rarely excessive and low humidity and many hours of sunshine make for a pleasant and healthy climate.
In October look for average highs of 77 degrees in Johannesburg and lows of 53, with precipitation at 2.2 inches.
In Pretoria highs average 80 degrees and lows 55, also with 2.2 inches of precipitation.
Cape Town, in the Cape Mediterranean region, is a little windier than the other two and you might need a sweater at night. In October average highs should be around 70 degrees and lows 52, with precipitation at 1.2 inches. In November the highs pick up to 73.
South Africa is not in general a formal country, but for dinner in a good restaurant men would look out of place if they were not wearing a jacket and tie. At night women generally favor a dress with perhaps a cardigan for the cooler evenings. TERENCE NEILAN