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
1 comment:
Now you're going to make me cry! It was great to hear your voice even for a few minutes and thought it was rather funny to hear the cute little French kids cry and scream in French! Watch out Nanny 911 is in town...did I tell you I love that show! Now I will think of you when I am watching the show. I went to Second City in Chicago (the comdedy club where some of the great SNL cast members came from). I can't wait to tell you the sketch comdey they did, I still have one of the songs stuck in my head! When you get back to the states we need to plan a trip to Chicago - what a GREAT city! I play in my 3 on 3 softball in the sand tournament this weekend - wish me luck. I think of you often and KNOW that you are going to be just fine and soooo proud of you for taking this adventure on.
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