Quick run down:
Mia was feeling better! She was able to join us for a Sunday morning excursion walking through the Latin Quarter, visiting Notre Dame and Shakespeare and Co. (Speaking of Shakespeare, I am reading a biography on him right now. The thing I keep coming back to is how LITTLE we know about him! Mysterious...). We went and got lunch at l'as du falafel where the young money-taker-guys were more frisky than usual. Apparently they knew me from somewhere and kept saying "you are Natalie, yes?" and then proceeded to tell me about how I am from Chicago and was at Steve's party and how I drank too much. Clearly this is me.
Anyway, falafel was taken to the nearby starbucks and BEFORE you start tisk-tisking let me defend myself by saying it is one of the few places with ample indoor seating and wifi.
Mia left to go home and sleep, and James and I headed to Pere Lachaise. Unfortunately we didn't have much time left as the (GIANT) cemetery closed not even an hour after we arrived. Luckily they rang audible bells this time, so we had plenty of warning about closing gates. Luckily James was able to go back the next morning and explore some more. We then navigated across the city to Monmartre where I dropped James off near Scare Coeur, and then sped to St Lazar where I (almost) missed my train. But I didn't.
So fun weekend!
Here are a few observations I have made:
-I have found many kind, nice French people. However, I would never call the French a warm people. I kind of miss that little extra warmth.
-French people order you to do something, whereas Americans would ask with implied consent. For example, I find myself being a little put out by how the father of the family talks to me. Always ordering me about. Then I notice how the girls don't respond to the "Could you please set the table" and only start reaching for the dishes after a couple times of asking and finally a "SET the table" - no question mark. It is a cultural difference that matters in ever day interactions, so I need to learn not to take that kind of attitude personally!
Also I have an end date! I have bought my ticket and am FINALLY coming home on July 25. Yay! less than 5 months left, and I think I can make it. Especially with side trips with other people like Mia, James, or my high school friend Jenny who is visiting later this month.
I will have to write another blog entry about my wonderful week-long vacation to Vienna and Budapest. It was great.
I also came back to discover that Mrs. S had broke her leg. Uh-oh! We will see how this week plays out, while the kids are still out of school.
Until next time
Natalie
No comments:
Post a Comment