Today I ventured out of my homely comfort zone to explore the nearby ville of Langy-Sur-Marne, literally Langy, under the Marne (a small river running Northwest through France, where it feeds into the Seine in Paris).
I hitched a ride with Margarite, Household Help #1, as she drove the kids to school at 8am. Margarite is a French woman in her late 60s, and is very stern, but with a kind heart. As we dropped the kids off at school, she handed me her map of the town, and informed me that this morning was a market morning, and it would be fun to see. She marked the bus stop, and told me I could buy a ticket home on board. She wished me luck, flashed me a kind smile, and drove off our parking spot on the sidewalk in her little, ancient brown Volkswagen.
I walked for a few minutes up the Rue Saint-Laurent, a busy street with the two schools of the region on either side. The road was paved, as were the sidewalks, and there were cars parked all over the place, especially on the walkways. When I start driving, I’ll make sure to remember that, when in doubt, park wherever the heck you want.
I reached Centre-Ville (the center of the city of Langy-Sur-Marne), in no time. Although one can never seem to find a street marker, there are plenty of signs pointing the way to different towns, Centre-Ville, ect. I was surprised to find numerous tents set up, and the town already bustling. It was a flea market of sorts, with individual vendors selling items for far below retail value. Fabrics, ribbons, used books, trendy clothing, dishes, shoes: whatever your greatest low quality bargain dream is, you could find it there. I even found a vendor for cheap gold Pokemon pendent necklaces. Don’t worry, I bought you one.
The tented vendors were not the only part of the market. The first floor of a large building nearby was a covered walkway, and the space occupied by food vendors. Fresh meats and seafood, some with the hair, heads, and eyes still on, frightened me slightly. More fruit, cheese, and pastries that I ever knew existed made my mouth water. An old French couple can set up a table to sell their crop of strawberries. Breads, homemade soaps, even a coffee shop. I don’t know how I managed to leave with out purchasing anything.
For the next 2 hours, I took to exploring. I walked and walked. I followed the quaint winding rues where they would take me. I walked down busy cobblestone streets (busy with walkers, that is. The streets were one way, and with the merchandise spilling onto the street in the market spirit, even the tiny euro cars had difficulty fitting through). I found stores for clothes, coiffures for that hair cut I’m going to need soon, a Pizza place for when I’m missing America, and a pharmacy. I found a very old stained Church. I walked along the beautiful Marne River, passing a few groups of old French men, fishing in the morning sun. I even found myself looking into a little store’s window, spotted the words “Karma Sutra,” and realized in embarrassment that I had been staring into the window of a very risqué sex shop. A real French faux pas.
I was very afraid to buy lunch, but I forced myself to buy café au lait. Certainly the only way to learn a language and a culture is to put your self out there against your better judgment. Given, I felt like a fool, but I did it. And I understood everything that was said to me! It’s speaking now that I need to work on. All in good time, however. I’m making great progress.
The coffee was great, but not as good as if I’d had the courage to ask for some educourant, or sugar substitute. Next time, my friends, I will conquer my fear.
When I returned home from the bus, a bright pink Mercedes Benz bus, which dropped me off right at my door for the small price of 1.50 euro, I called my mom. We had a nice talk, and then I made some lunch and watched the Lost season finale. Not of ABC.com, though, which, to my horror, does not allow people outside the US to view the shows. After the initial period of me having an anxiety attack about Lost, I found a very crappy, low definition copy of the episode. And, though it was a horrible viewing experience, I LOVED IT. Seriously, what IS that show?! I won’t give away the ending, but MAN, it was SO GOOD!
This weekend, the family is going to the “county” to the grandparents’ house. Apparently the have a pool. The parents have a wedding in Bordeaux, so the kids and I will be hanging out with the Grandparents. Unfortunately, they have to wireless, so you’ll have to wait until Monday to hear all about this adventure.
Another great day in Chanteloup-en-Brie.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
France, Finally!
The long awaited summer has finally started! Even after two days, I am having trouble writing this in English. I am completely and utterly immersed in all things French.
First, for those who do not have the patience to read this all the way though, France is amazing. It is absolutely nothing what I thought it would be, but wonderful nonetheless.
Now, for those who have a bit more time or interest to spare.
Unlike Chicago or Miami, Paris is a very enclosed city. The city area pretty much consists of Paris. The immediate surrounding area is countryside. Looking down from the plane, I saw only rolling hills and scattered houses. This is true for all of the “cities” in France. They are no bigger than a medium sized suburb of Chicago, it seems (besides Paris, of course). I am living right now in a “suburb” of the city of Langy, about 30 minutes east of Paris. Chanteloup en Brie, the “town” I live in, is actually more like a neighborhood, consisting of about 50 people at the most. I went running today, and after 10 minutes down one rue I was in another “town”. Funny, huh?
Chanteloup en Brie really is charming, though. It is situated dans un bois, that is, in the forest. The house of the De Cespedes family is big. 4 floors (one main floor, and the rest consist of bedrooms and baths, sometimes located between floors) reflect the traditional French architecture. The yard is literally walled in, with an automated gate at the front. It is a HUGE yard, at least an acre of forest. They have almost finished constructing a guesthouse in the back, where future au pairs will live. If I’m lucky, I’ll move in by the end of the summer!
The family is so nice! Geraldine, the mere, is so much more than the family picture I received can tell. She is gorgeous! In her mid thirties, she is very kind, caring, and very intelligent. She can speak conversational English, which has helped me out a little in the past few days. The pere, Arnaud, is also wonderful in all the same ways. They make good parents!
The 3 children, Antoine (12), Philippine (9), and Arthur (5), have the personalities for people twice their age. They are very active, and love to play. I think this will be a fun summer with them. Right now, they are in school until June, so I have the days to myself.
I have a small room (I think one of the kids’ old rooms, seeing as it is covered in cartoon cricket wallpaper, and decorated with Winnie the Pooh and Micky Mouse stuffed animals). I have plenty of space to store my things, and a bed that is, quite literally, just my size.
Today, first day post- flight, I woke up at 7am sharp, and went down stairs to have some coffee. I found OATMEAL, YES! The French call it ‘Quaker Oat’ (it sounds so much more sophisticated that way). Then, after the kids were off to school with Margarite (House hold helper #1: does cleaning and cooking and looks after kids, including driving them to school), exhaustion hit me. I slept for 2 hours, swimming in and out of bizarre dreams, exciting adventures which you can read about in my dream blog. Then, I got up and watched the Office on my computer. I ate, ( une sandwich avec un yogur apricot) ran, and showered, et voila! The kids were home. Did I mention that school goes from 9-5pm? Plus Homework? Household Help #2, the tutor, comes and helps them to do this. The parents get home from work around 7, the same time the kids eat dinner. The first thing they told me was, oh, you can eat later if you want! As if it was atrocious that the kids ate so early.
Other than that, I am learning a lot of French. Even in two short days, I can tell I have made a huge improvement. I think that because everything I see is in French, and the kids and house hold helpers only speak French, and the parents insist on only speaking French (they see it as an aide to my education), I have no choice but to BECOME French! I have taken to carrying around my dictionary and notebook and writing down new words. The kids are very helpful as well. I surprise myself sometimes; I can’t believe that, in just 6 months of little preparation, I am this fluent. Wow, go me.
A few funny moments to note:
The first day, I got so tired by the end that I couldn’t understand anything. However, due to the usage of some English words in the French language, you could understand what they were talking about, generally.
“Blu bah bu sha flu ra Chewing gum huje tau gouge oui newaux” + holding up a pack of chewing gum = Wanna piece?
“Jusqu et chu mange huh oui quell Delicious Pickle bluh blue blippy” + licking the lips = I like Delicious Pickles (a brand I found in their fridge). I thought it was hysterical… did that 5 year old just say Delicious Pickles?
I gave each of des enfants a game. By far the biggest hit is Slamwich. The 5 year old LOVES it! Given, he is not playing it right, and I just let him win, but it is so funny to watch. Whenever a card is put down, he slaps it and yells “SANDWICH!”. I tried to explain that it is “Slamwich,” because of the Slam, but he insists it is “Sandwich” Because in french, it is a Sandwich. No english Slamwich for Arthur.
And now, for your daily dose of cultural enhancement:
Allo? – How the French answer the phone
21:00 – The average hour in which the French avez le diner
1 – the number of exercisers I saw on my run, who was smoking and running at the same time.
Bonne Nuit- Good night, when the kids kiss everyone in the house good night.
First, for those who do not have the patience to read this all the way though, France is amazing. It is absolutely nothing what I thought it would be, but wonderful nonetheless.
Now, for those who have a bit more time or interest to spare.
Unlike Chicago or Miami, Paris is a very enclosed city. The city area pretty much consists of Paris. The immediate surrounding area is countryside. Looking down from the plane, I saw only rolling hills and scattered houses. This is true for all of the “cities” in France. They are no bigger than a medium sized suburb of Chicago, it seems (besides Paris, of course). I am living right now in a “suburb” of the city of Langy, about 30 minutes east of Paris. Chanteloup en Brie, the “town” I live in, is actually more like a neighborhood, consisting of about 50 people at the most. I went running today, and after 10 minutes down one rue I was in another “town”. Funny, huh?
Chanteloup en Brie really is charming, though. It is situated dans un bois, that is, in the forest. The house of the De Cespedes family is big. 4 floors (one main floor, and the rest consist of bedrooms and baths, sometimes located between floors) reflect the traditional French architecture. The yard is literally walled in, with an automated gate at the front. It is a HUGE yard, at least an acre of forest. They have almost finished constructing a guesthouse in the back, where future au pairs will live. If I’m lucky, I’ll move in by the end of the summer!
The family is so nice! Geraldine, the mere, is so much more than the family picture I received can tell. She is gorgeous! In her mid thirties, she is very kind, caring, and very intelligent. She can speak conversational English, which has helped me out a little in the past few days. The pere, Arnaud, is also wonderful in all the same ways. They make good parents!
The 3 children, Antoine (12), Philippine (9), and Arthur (5), have the personalities for people twice their age. They are very active, and love to play. I think this will be a fun summer with them. Right now, they are in school until June, so I have the days to myself.
I have a small room (I think one of the kids’ old rooms, seeing as it is covered in cartoon cricket wallpaper, and decorated with Winnie the Pooh and Micky Mouse stuffed animals). I have plenty of space to store my things, and a bed that is, quite literally, just my size.
Today, first day post- flight, I woke up at 7am sharp, and went down stairs to have some coffee. I found OATMEAL, YES! The French call it ‘Quaker Oat’ (it sounds so much more sophisticated that way). Then, after the kids were off to school with Margarite (House hold helper #1: does cleaning and cooking and looks after kids, including driving them to school), exhaustion hit me. I slept for 2 hours, swimming in and out of bizarre dreams, exciting adventures which you can read about in my dream blog. Then, I got up and watched the Office on my computer. I ate, ( une sandwich avec un yogur apricot) ran, and showered, et voila! The kids were home. Did I mention that school goes from 9-5pm? Plus Homework? Household Help #2, the tutor, comes and helps them to do this. The parents get home from work around 7, the same time the kids eat dinner. The first thing they told me was, oh, you can eat later if you want! As if it was atrocious that the kids ate so early.
Other than that, I am learning a lot of French. Even in two short days, I can tell I have made a huge improvement. I think that because everything I see is in French, and the kids and house hold helpers only speak French, and the parents insist on only speaking French (they see it as an aide to my education), I have no choice but to BECOME French! I have taken to carrying around my dictionary and notebook and writing down new words. The kids are very helpful as well. I surprise myself sometimes; I can’t believe that, in just 6 months of little preparation, I am this fluent. Wow, go me.
A few funny moments to note:
The first day, I got so tired by the end that I couldn’t understand anything. However, due to the usage of some English words in the French language, you could understand what they were talking about, generally.
“Blu bah bu sha flu ra Chewing gum huje tau gouge oui newaux” + holding up a pack of chewing gum = Wanna piece?
“Jusqu et chu mange huh oui quell Delicious Pickle bluh blue blippy” + licking the lips = I like Delicious Pickles (a brand I found in their fridge). I thought it was hysterical… did that 5 year old just say Delicious Pickles?
I gave each of des enfants a game. By far the biggest hit is Slamwich. The 5 year old LOVES it! Given, he is not playing it right, and I just let him win, but it is so funny to watch. Whenever a card is put down, he slaps it and yells “SANDWICH!”. I tried to explain that it is “Slamwich,” because of the Slam, but he insists it is “Sandwich” Because in french, it is a Sandwich. No english Slamwich for Arthur.
And now, for your daily dose of cultural enhancement:
Allo? – How the French answer the phone
21:00 – The average hour in which the French avez le diner
1 – the number of exercisers I saw on my run, who was smoking and running at the same time.
Bonne Nuit- Good night, when the kids kiss everyone in the house good night.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Moment of Truth
So, the title is a little over dramatic. But it sums up my feeling adequately.
I leave for Paris in about 5 hours. I've been packing/ shopping for the past few days, and trying to learn some more french. I've been hanging out with my family, saying some phone goodbyes to my close friends. It still hasn't hit me yet, but I'm sure once I land in Paris I'll feel it.
Yesterday, I decided to upgrade my internet browser on my computer. After downloading the new version, the browser, and all internet applications, failed to open. My mom (computer genius) spent around 8 hours trying to figure it out/fix what ever happened. Though I now have a rudimentary browser thanks to her craftsmanship, I have so Skype or anything. Note to self: don't do that again.
Also, I think I'm going to try to squeeze 6 months in China (in the small town of XingPing) after Peru. Looks really great. We'll see if I can get the job there, and get the visa in time!
Anyway, I am currently battling a nasty pack of butterflies (who have apparently evolved an grown fangs and rather sharp nails overnight) in my stomach. Maybe I'm slightly excited as well. I'm sure my family and their children will be quite lovely.
I leave for Paris in about 5 hours. I've been packing/ shopping for the past few days, and trying to learn some more french. I've been hanging out with my family, saying some phone goodbyes to my close friends. It still hasn't hit me yet, but I'm sure once I land in Paris I'll feel it.
Yesterday, I decided to upgrade my internet browser on my computer. After downloading the new version, the browser, and all internet applications, failed to open. My mom (computer genius) spent around 8 hours trying to figure it out/fix what ever happened. Though I now have a rudimentary browser thanks to her craftsmanship, I have so Skype or anything. Note to self: don't do that again.
Also, I think I'm going to try to squeeze 6 months in China (in the small town of XingPing) after Peru. Looks really great. We'll see if I can get the job there, and get the visa in time!
Anyway, I am currently battling a nasty pack of butterflies (who have apparently evolved an grown fangs and rather sharp nails overnight) in my stomach. Maybe I'm slightly excited as well. I'm sure my family and their children will be quite lovely.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
All Smoothed Out
Finally, it's all settled. My host family is going to pick me up from the airport right when I arrive, and after a few days settling there, The parents will drop me and the kids off at thier grandparents house, while the parents go to the wedding. It must be a cultural thing, that they were going to leave thier kids alone with someone they don't even know. I don't think I could ever do it! However, I know that I am awesome, so maybe they sensed that awesomeness through out emails. Maybe?
Miami is really nice. I'm enjoying every moment of hanging out with my family. It seems like we haven't been together in a very long time! The weather is SO HOT that I almost can't take laying by the pool. I've read 3 huge novels already, and am struggling with starting the next. You know how wonderful it is to be in the middle of a great book? But when you are done, finding another book that you will love just as much is so hard. I always feel empty after a good book finishs.
Anyway, it's time to scrapbook a little before seeing Iron Man with the Baker Men... and me.
Quote from yesterday:
"It's cool because we [the baker children] all have our own thing... Kayla is the athletic one, Amy is the smart one. No, Chris is the smart one. Amy is the... oldest one."
Miami is really nice. I'm enjoying every moment of hanging out with my family. It seems like we haven't been together in a very long time! The weather is SO HOT that I almost can't take laying by the pool. I've read 3 huge novels already, and am struggling with starting the next. You know how wonderful it is to be in the middle of a great book? But when you are done, finding another book that you will love just as much is so hard. I always feel empty after a good book finishs.
Anyway, it's time to scrapbook a little before seeing Iron Man with the Baker Men... and me.
Quote from yesterday:
"It's cool because we [the baker children] all have our own thing... Kayla is the athletic one, Amy is the smart one. No, Chris is the smart one. Amy is the... oldest one."
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Bordeaux? No?
This Au Pair thing just keeps getting messier! After the squabble over the visas, the starting dates, and the french courses, I thought it was done. With just 3 weeks to go, you would assume that everything is smoothed out and ready to go.
Nope!
I had been communicating with the agency in France, and they said that June 1st would be the start date. Good, that's what we settled on. However, apparently they didnt' tell that to the family, who emailed me informing me that we will, in fact, be at a wedding in Bordeaux the 31st of May through the 6th of June. That's why they wanted me to start earlier.
Since I'm flying in the 28th, I said that it was fine that I start right away, even though I wanted a few extra days in Paris to get used to the language and time change. Also, to just BE in Paris.
I haven't heard back from either the family or the agency regarding this. I really just want to know if I get to go to Bordeaux for a week or not. To be thrown into a huge social situation like a wedding after only a few days there, a few days of french under my belt... well, it'll be an adventure!
Nope!
I had been communicating with the agency in France, and they said that June 1st would be the start date. Good, that's what we settled on. However, apparently they didnt' tell that to the family, who emailed me informing me that we will, in fact, be at a wedding in Bordeaux the 31st of May through the 6th of June. That's why they wanted me to start earlier.
Since I'm flying in the 28th, I said that it was fine that I start right away, even though I wanted a few extra days in Paris to get used to the language and time change. Also, to just BE in Paris.
I haven't heard back from either the family or the agency regarding this. I really just want to know if I get to go to Bordeaux for a week or not. To be thrown into a huge social situation like a wedding after only a few days there, a few days of french under my belt... well, it'll be an adventure!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Spring Cleaning
How did I accumulate so much stuff?! Living just 6 months in this tiny apartment, I have amassed an impressive amount of useless things. And now, with my dad driving up from Florida to move me down to the parents house, it is quickly catching up with me.
It's not like I can just throw all of it away, either. What if I NEED that bicycle pump, that 8th three ring binder, or the $2 sparkle martini lotion? True, I don't own a bicycle, am done with school, and have way too much lotion to begin with, but you never know. And so I become a pack rat.
This is no good for someone who will be traveling for the next few years of her life. I have got to learn to live on the edge, embarking on adventures sans the comfort of $2 sparkle martini lotion.
On another note, my flight to Cuzco is booked! Looks like I'll have 7 hours in Lima on my return flight, so I'll go out, see a few sights, have lunch by the ocean, and then go back to the airport. The TEFL program has a house in Cuzco, with a Peruvian chef, house mother, and a few young people that live there. I'll be living there with other people in my program as well. Should be exciting.
Also exciting is the gorgeous sunshine flooding my room right now! I'm going for a run. It's a terrible day to waste thinking about the things that must be done. That's what tomorrow is for;-)
It's not like I can just throw all of it away, either. What if I NEED that bicycle pump, that 8th three ring binder, or the $2 sparkle martini lotion? True, I don't own a bicycle, am done with school, and have way too much lotion to begin with, but you never know. And so I become a pack rat.
This is no good for someone who will be traveling for the next few years of her life. I have got to learn to live on the edge, embarking on adventures sans the comfort of $2 sparkle martini lotion.
On another note, my flight to Cuzco is booked! Looks like I'll have 7 hours in Lima on my return flight, so I'll go out, see a few sights, have lunch by the ocean, and then go back to the airport. The TEFL program has a house in Cuzco, with a Peruvian chef, house mother, and a few young people that live there. I'll be living there with other people in my program as well. Should be exciting.
Also exciting is the gorgeous sunshine flooding my room right now! I'm going for a run. It's a terrible day to waste thinking about the things that must be done. That's what tomorrow is for;-)
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