Some photos

http://uidaho.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2042383&l=fb0b4&id=40304086

a few new beach pics updated

I will see if I find an internet cafe; but the beach town is not very big and Virginie told me to basically plan on being secluded without internet, but maybe ill find something....

Novels and Topless Beaches

Hello for a quick blog...I am at the studio, in Bougival, which is officially mine now that Mary Clare has left. Im only here for last night and tonight...cousin Courtney came to visit Paris and we spent the day sightseeing. I head back to the beach tomorrow for an entire 5 week stretch, sans internet (without). I like the beach so far...a town called Pyla, and Arcachon...a bassin near Bordeaux. About 40 to 50 percent of women go topless. An interesting change to get used to; but its so normal here ppl dont think twice. Ive finished 2 novels already in a 5 day period...thats what night time has brought me and time on the train. Ive enjoyed rediscovering my love for fiction novels now that i dont have to be reading texts book like I was the last '4 years.

k...au revoir

beachin' it up

I'm off to Bordeaux (actually going to a little town near Arcachon) on the west coast of France. today is going to be busy...and we don't leave until 5 (the goal is to be driving late so the kids will sleep in the car). It's a 5 hour drive. I'll be back next Wednesday-Friday to hang out with my cousin....so I'll check my blog and email again next week. I have my cell phone with me....can't really use a calling card yet, as I don't think it works on a cell phone and there isn't a house phone to use (or at least I don't think there is...or I won't have access to it). I'll bring my calling card though anyway just in case.

Au revoir!!

pics of house

Per Dan's request.... this is all I've taken so far. I'll have more time at the end of August to truly document the life here...

pic of the outside of the house from the back yard...my studio is on the right, at the end...there's a long driveway, gated...everyone's house is private, some with walls separating backyards...this is actually 2 houses, one big one divided in two...down the middle..the other side is Virginie's sister's half..they live in Kenya so they are renting it out, it's vacant now and are looking at people interested in renting... I'll take more in a few weeks of the neighborhood and coffee shops, cars, etc....

quick story before bed

For those of you outside of Inland Cellular...I already told them.

The other day at le Sacre Coeur, a very gorgeous man, about 30, came up to me in his French accent asking to draw my portrait, I could not say NO. Even though I should have. He flirted and swooned me as I stood there laughing and he drew my picture! Then asked for 60E (euros! about $70). I was soooo irritated, I smiled, laughed, gave him a 20 and grabbed my picture and walked away. The French sure know how to smooth talk their way into some cash. If he had been uglier I would have had an easier time saying no but damn he was fine.

Mom and I both got them done, and laughed abotu it later...I kept both our portraits to keep in my apartment. I LOVED the little area around le Sacre Coeur (the Montmarte). Not only a beautiful church, but birds chirping on the gargoyles that peer down on the people, artists drawing, cafes and little shops, beautiful flowers, etc. It's def. a place I'll take my visitors!

A better day

Today was a lot better, no tears, and I had a good night. I also got a couple phone calls, the best one from my sister, Megs! We walked the kids to the park, then the parents made us crepes for dinner to say "bon voyage" to Mary Clare. I have a small headache though tonight, perhaps too much sugar among the crepes and wine. :)

Thanks to a great email from Dan, I'm finally going to start filling you guys in on the experiences and observations I'm having in France. I have so many random thoughts run through my head about life here, so as I think of them I'll jot them down here. For starters, life is kind of chaotic here, in MY point of view. such as driving, there is almost NO organization that I can tell. Sure, there are 'laws' and road signs, but people drive on the curb side if they have to, all the time, it's standard. One way streets in the U.S. are 2 way streets here. As soon as a car approaches, one car has to pull to the side of the road (or on the curb) depending on which side cars are parked. Yes, once a month the parking switches to the other side of the road. It's odd. Driving here will be a true experience, starting this weekend for me in Bordeaux, although I'm anxious to get behind the wheel again, as it's been over a week.

I LOVE the architecture here, and how 98% of the buildings, houses, businesses are all hundreds of years old. It's really cool seeing a McDonald's in an ancient and beautiful stone building. You can sight see just by walking down any street. I have loved the food so far. Haven't had anything too weird or out of the ordinary yet. I've had some great salmon, pasta, salad, bread, wine, cheese, tartin, etc. I have yet to taste the delicious chocolat. My eating patterns are already changing, as breakfast is small (and fast because we have to take the kids places), and lunch is the main course. Dinner is late, and "goute" (snack) for the kids is around 4. This change in the meals will be good for me, I need to have better eating habits anyway. Although sometimes I'm craving a snack and am hungry and feel like I can't eat. At least now, until I'm more comfortable and settled into my own life and schedule, I'm sure I'll find time for my "goute". There are 'rules' in the house that I'm not used to yet, at least regarding the children, and that'll come gradually---learning them.

Okay, I have tons more to discuss OF COURSE but I need to start packing for the beach...and get to bed at a decent hour. Tomorrow we have a full day, and leave for the beach in the evening. I will be back next Wed-Friday to see my cousin...we'll stay here at the studio in my house, and tour Paris. So this next week my internet-ing will be minimal, and after that I won't be online for about 5 weeks (I think... :( weird adjustment, it's "summer holiday", most Parisians don't work much during the summer. I'll be back in town August 25th for good and will keep updating my blog!

Love you all, keep in touch, phone calls are much appreciated and of course emails too

Hmmm

tonight I'm stressed...crying too in my room a little. I am lonely, in the sense that I can't truly vent or talk to anyone in ENGLISH. I haven't heard from any of my friends back home, and I can't seem to dial and connect to my mom (who is in the same time zone as me right now). I feel like I don't have a lot of freedom as of yet. For example, I can't just go to the grocery store because I need a few things...my schedule revolves around the kids, I don't have my car yet and only get a couple hours for me during the day. Literally. No joke. I like the family a lot and can't complain much. It's just a culture shock and "job shock". I think once Mary Clare (the current au pair) is gone next week, and the summer beach has started, it'll change, but right now I'm just frustrated because I feel like a little kid. I can' tell my if cell phone is working completely, as I have not had any phone calls. Or texts. No biggie, but it IS a biggie when you're alone across the world and just want someone to call you so you can truly talk to someone you know in your native language. I miss everyone. I like it here, don't get me wrong, I just am lonely right now and trying to get adjusted. I mis seeing the people that made me laugh every day.

http://uidaho.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2041180&l=d8ed9&id=40304086

a link with some pics

oh la la

I have internet on my laptop for the next 2 days....today I'm going to apply for my "carte du sejour" (which replaces my VISA). Then we're going to a little amusement park that shows all of France in 'little bits'. I hear the kids and Virginie getting ready to go so I must leave....will write more tonight!

Im at the Vatins house. All is well and I have tons id like to write about but im not in my studio yet with own internet/comp access..as Mary Clare is still here and I will be leaving for the beach on Friday. I will write when I can but bear with me for awhile, i want to tell everyone about all my adventures, lots to share; plz call me

+44 773 899 9412 UK #

, even for a minute; as phone will be the best way to contact while im at the beach for 5-6 weeks: I will get online whenever i get the chance. cant wait to get settled and more at home here. so far i like the family and the house and the au pair Mary Clare that im replacing is very nice.

send me snail mail too, itd be fun to read

driving is crazy here; tons of smoking; great wine and food; lots of walking; crappy traffic and road signs need improvement: sites are AMAZING

Living in Paris!

We made it here! I am at a cafe across the street from our hotel. The flight was long but sooo worth it. It's everything I imagined, plus more! The weather is much cooler than the states, 60s and 70s, but they say it's unusually cool for Paris. We walked 8-10 miles today trekking through Paris to see all the big sites..."the death march" as Harry called it. We met up with Carly and Jason, which was so great and fun. I will write more with lots of fun details soon (when I'm not at a cafe eating dinner). Yesterday we DID meet Virginie and the 3 kids at the airport. They are soo adorable and it was a good icebreaker. We are having lunch w/them tomorrow at the house and the park in Versailles. Moving into the house in 2 days! I'll write more soon, plus pics!!!

nervous

I'm getting nervous...36 hours left and then I'm on the plane. It eases my nerves that my mom and Harry are flying with me. But still....leaving the U.S.A. for a year. I've been great these last 6 days, but now the nervous stomach and some tears are kicking back in. I'm just going to miss people....and the comfort zone I'm used to. Anyways...just venting. Getting excited! Just scared! haha

Les enfants

The children called today from France! I was in the shower, so they left me a message. It was soo adorable hearing them say "Hello Laura, Hi Laura...how are you?" in their cute little French accents. It definitely put a smile on my face and just got me more excited!

Now in Sacramento

I'm in Sacramento today...I had a great time in San Diego with Megan, Dan, Chris, Aaron and Mom and Harry. I saw Taryn and Courtney from UCR too so that was tons of fun. The wine bar was fantastic...I can definitely see myself living in SD when/if I return from Europe. The beach was great...we went 2 days in a row, then went out for Sushi in La Jolla Friday night. We went on a champagne breakfast cruise around the bay in SD to celebrate mom's birthday. It was AMAZING! It's been fun, and today was a lil sad saying bye to the siblings in SoCal, but I'm happy to be one step closer to France! Now I'm just chilling in NorCal for the next 3 days....doing some organizing and last minite prep before we leave. I got an international cell phone today, so I'll let everyone know that # soon! It's already active, but I won't use it until I get to Europe (and usage will be minimal on that cell, bc it's expensive). Well, I'm off to dinner and relaxing in the California sun!!!