...lost in translation

Often in my travels around the city, I pretend that I am "practicing my French" by reading signs.  But what I am really looking out for is funny signs.  I think some shop owners think it's cool or hip to try and throw in a English word, however, sometimes it doesn't work....

There is also a restaurant I haven't been able to get
a picture of yet called "Eat Meat"

I

This is a really nice (and pricey) store

Sound it out.....

Sometimes using your 

"family name" is not a

good idea if it means 

something else in another language....

The "a louer" sign means that this place is for rent...
Guess no one wanted Swedish sushi

And sometimes things just really make no sense together..

Kinda like cheese puffs...only curry flavor
(yeah, not good....)

But then sometimes they do have a sense of humor!

This is for water park close to our apartment (this poster is on the back of a bus)
The title:  "Roast Your Peach"

It will be keeping my eyes open for more.......

....in between

It's that time of "in between".  The weather can't decide between Winter or Spring.  One day it will be gray and 40 degrees and the next, 60 and sunny.  Trees are starting to bud, but still are looking decidedly skeletal.  There are some daffodils right outside out building poking their heads out, taking the chance that Spring is on the way.  I hope they're right.

We have just passed the one year mark here.  So I guess you could say we are "in between" on our time here.  We have be "contracted" for 3 years so technically we are on the long side of in-between, but recently we went through a round of "do we stay or do we go?".  Seems trouble with the Euro is making companies re-evaluate their expats on assignment.  As of right now, we are here for the next two years, but there was some vacillating recently.

Now I know, I should be so grateful to have this experience and to allow my kids to have this experience, but recently with the in-between weather and the dangled idea of going home, it has been hard.  We also took a 3 day trip to London while the kids were on half-term break and being surrounded by English speakers and things we could READ and understand, made it hard to come back to the land of Franglish and charades!

Sam and the Queen
Madame Tussaud Wax Museum

Outside London Aquarium

Jammin' with Jimi!
Madame Tussaud Wax Museum

Look Harry Potter Fans!
The Night Bus in London!
"Get a move on, Ernie"

Max doing his best "no expression" look.

In the past few weeks we have also learned the hard truth of being expats.  Since the people you tend to meet are also expats, they LEAVE!  In the past few months we have learned that two of the people Patrick works with and chats with the most are leaving.  Ronan is going home to Ireland and Lorraine and her partner are going to Texas (which is a great reassignment for them as their family happens to be in Texas!)  This will considerably cut the number of folks in Patrick's immediate workspace that he used to lunch with but also people we would see outside of work for social evenings.  Lorraine was the one who "sponsored" Thanksgiving last year and Ronan was Patrick's "boys night out" buddy.

The kids are also having friends leaving.  Hawthorn and his family (His parents have been here 16 years!) will be leaving to return to England in the summer.  Hawthorn's family were the ones who took us to their club and where Max got to play cricket.  They were also the only other family I knew in Saint Cloud who went to the British School.  William, another buddy of Max's, will be leaving in the Spring.

Max and William
during Victorian Day Tea at school

Samantha's friends Kaia and Sophie will be moving this summer.  Her class already said "good-bye" to Lucy whose parents had a reassignment to Hong Kong.  Sophie's family has been here 5+ years and so unless they want to start paying into the French tax system, it was time for them to go.  Kaia and her parents will return to Spain, her father's county or origin.

Sophie, Sam and Lucy
Summer Fete at British School

We knew this would happen.  People come and go in the English speaking, expat community here.  New people will arrive to take their places so future friends are arriving....but damn, it's hard.  You are comfortable with these people.....  You share all the same inside jokes....  they know your coffee order.....  You are happy for them but there is a part of you that thinks "crap, I want to go home too"!

Please don't think we are unappreciative of this experience, we are.  Don't think that we are sitting around moping and wringing our hands either (Mom!).  I think that once the weather changes and we can get out and about, we will be revived.  But now, it is just the season of in-between......

...driving in Paris and related things

You never really know a place until you live there.  Everything looks pretty and fun while you are on vacation, but until you spend some time there, you don't get the feel of how things work.

We have just passed our one year mark here in Paris and I can tell you now that driving here SUCKS.  There are so many levels of sucking, I will be unable to cover them all here, so I will hit the highlights...

I think I have already touched on the fact that Parisians live in their own "bubble".  They don't acknowledge you unless they have to.  They don't move if they are in your way.  Unfortunately, this bubble applies to their car and they think that this bubble means that they can stop, swerve or generally change lanes as they wish with no consequences.

You can be driving down the road and then BLAM you see headlights coming your way.  Now don't panic, they will move, but at this moment in time their lane is either blocked by a delivery vehicle or bus or maybe they just like the look of yours better.  They will see you and move but you have to beware...because their lane may now be occupied by other drivers and they have to work their car back in to the appropriate lane.

Speaking of lanes..... they are narrow and most times do not have the painted lane markers so whose side is whose is up for debate.  Thank goodness we chose a narrow car.    There are also times when the road is so narrow that it is splint; meaning that if no one is coming your way, you quickly motor down the road and get back on your side as the road widens again. There is also the phenomena on residential roads where people park on one side of the road with no regard that two cars are supposed to fit.  So again, you look to see if anybody is coming and if not scoot down the road until it widens again and hope no else has the same idea coming the other direction!

And if the roads weren't narrow enough, the motorcycles have their own set of rules here.  It seems they are allowed to make their own lane by driving in the middle between two rows of cars.  They sometimes are so close to the cars on either side, they have to travel very slowly so they can "weave" their rearview mirrors in-between the cars they are passing rearview mirrors.  (Click on picture for larger view)

See the dog on the back?

See the motorcycle making his own lane?

Yep, that's my rearview mirror,  They are that close!

Because of all this "close" driving, you frequently see this...

Kinda hard to see what's behind you now

No more mirror

Nothing a little Duct tape won't fix!

People get their mirrors knocked off all the time and don't seem fazed by it.  I've seen it happen!  They get out of their car, look at the mirror, kinda nod and then drive away....... c'est la vie.

I could go on and on and I haven't even addressed parking yet.  When parallel parking, just picture bumper cars at a slower speed bumping the car in front and the car behind until their car successfully fits between two others......  we call it "French parking".  

We are also trying to get our official French drivers license except we have run into some hellish French version of the DMV who has requested we get documentation to prove our licenses from the U.S. are really real!?!?  Even though we already have certified, notified letters from the U.S. Embassy here, they would not process our paperwork.  So we are waiting for proof from the U.S. that yes, indeed our licenses are real and we didn't make 'em at home.

You never know 'til you live there........

Happy Chinese New Year

Welcome to the Year of the Dragon!

I decided I wanted to see the Chinese New Year's parade this year since it is  the Year of the Dragon and I was born in a Dragon Year (way back when!) and so were Max and Samantha.  Patrick, alas, is a Sheep..... but we will forgive him.  We went down to the 13th arrondissement on Sunday to watch one of the Chinese New Year's parades happening this month.  We originally tried to see the parade at the Hotel De Ville (town hall in the heart of Paris) but really couldn't figure out the parade route, so when we finally arrived....we had missed the beginning.....

But as it turns out, I think we were at the better parade/area on Sunday.  It seems there is heavy Asian population in the 13th arrondissement and therefore the shops and restaurants where putting on their best.

This was our first parade in the city.  I don't know why I was thinking that it would be like in the States.....  First, like all things French, I think the start time was subjective.  It seems the French don't like to be held accountable when it comes to time.  Second, while waiting for the parade, people don't wait patiently on the curb, staking out their spots....... they stand in the middle of the road and wander around.....

Wandering around parade route....la la la.....

I thought "surely they will move back on the curb once the parade starts"..... NOT!  They form a column only wide enough for the parade participates to pass..... literally ONLY as wide as the parade.

Parade in the middle......
Spectators lining the sides......

Oh well, c'est la vie in Paris!  We backed away from the press of the crowd and stood on the sidewalk up on a little curb formed by a planter.  Every once and while I would brave the press, approach the crowd, and stand with my camera above my head and snap away.  Fortunately, I was able to get some good pictures.

Yeah, I supposed I looked like this......

We also grabbed a quick bite while we were down there.  We stood in line for a take-away chinese/vietnamese place.  It was super crowded and really hard to figure out what the process of ordering was, but I am glad we waited.  The food was very tasty for being "buffet line" kind of food.  The nems (egg rolls) where hot and tasty, the lo mein (new pan put out the minute we stepped up to the counter!) was a big hit with the kids, and I got the plate de jour which was a chicken curry with rice and it was the bomb.  The best thing is the way they serve it up.  They take your selections, reheat them so they are nice and hot and then they have this machine which puts a sealed plastic film over the top, so you are good to go with no slopping or spilling.  We stood on the sidewalk enjoying our lunch and watching the parade. We were extremely chilly (it was about 30F), so the warm food made everything that much better!

The parade route was inundated with balloon sellers....  There were 15 or so guys walking around with huge bundles of balloons and other crap (read:  silly string, confetti, horns) everywhere.  Some of the balloon bundles were so big, we almost expected the sellers to start hovering above us....

Nothing says Happy New Year like
Sponge Bob?!?!

T-Rex as big as you are?
Win!

The parade lasted awhile.  I would estimate about an hour and a half in length.  That was partly because of the stopping and starting of each group of participants to do demonstrations (or trying to get through the throngs of spectators!).  The people holding the dragon puppets would stop and preform a dance with the puppets weaving in and out.  We decided it was a "dragon battle" dance.

This dragon looks excited about some pizza!

Look out....here comes the White Dragon

Uh Oh!  Orange Dragon gets his ears tangled in the
White Dragon during their dance!

Other than being chilled to the bone by the end of the parade, we all enjoyed it.  If we attend next year... 2013 will be the Year of the Snake.... we will better prepared and know that here you just stand in the middle of the street and wait for the parade to move you out of the way!  How crazy to think spectators should line up orderly on the side and heed the road to the participates.  C'est la vie!

....bits and pieces

This post is just some random observations and thoughts.  We haven't really ventured out much since we've being back so no new pictures or adventures.  I've just been hanging out with the dogs and picking up the kids at school after their multiple activities. On the weekends, the kids seem to be still catching up on their sleep and sleeping until 10:00 or 10:30 a.m.  Or  I may be entering some kind of pre-teen/teen pattern of sleeping until noon.....I don't get it, as I have always been an early riser.


Any way, here goes.....


-- I follow a couple of blogs, but there is one that makes me laugh out loud 99% of the time. Parenting. Illustrated With Crappy Pictures
(<center><a href="http://crappypictures.typepad.com/crappy-pictures/"><img border="0"src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6286068685_b32e2c836a_m.jpg"/></a>) 


The author posted a quote on Facebook recently which I thought was so spot-on.  "Parenting without a sense of humor is like being an accountant who sucks at math".  


Don't I know it!  I would be tearing my hair out daily if I couldn't just laugh and enjoy the moment knowing deep inside my head they will only be this young once.  I know there are still a lot of "moments" to come, but I plan to just keep laughing....

-- Next, I know this is cliché but it really happens! This gentleman appears some mornings in the tunnel leading to the Metro station by our house.  This is the tunnel I go through after I walk the kids to their bus stop in the mornings.   

Granted some street musicians are better than others but we really don't like the guys who get in the cars on the Metro and play LOUDLY, regardless of their skill level.  Then they come around with the hat to collect money from a captured audience.  I mean really, we are forced to listen to you because we are enclosed in a metal capsule speeding down a track in cramped quarters and now you want money from me for listening to you play?!?   Like I had a choice!?!

-- I recently downloaded a compilation album of k.d. lang.  I had forgotten how hauntingly beautiful her voice is and how powerful her lyrics are.  Also it's nice to hear a little "county twang" after listening to accordions, cellos and violins in the Metro stations and streets of Paris!

k.d. lang - Constant Craving

-- A treasured friend emailed me the other day to ask how come I am never in any of the pictures on here.  When writing back, I had to say that I am usually the one behind the camera.  And it looks like that isn't going to change any time soon.


As part of my New Years resolution, I am going to try and get out and see more of Paris.  So, I signed up to take a course in photography.  Granted, it's with an English speaking continuing education program here in Paris, but I did say "see" Paris, not try to communicate with her.


The first course I've signed up for is learning how to get the most out of a SLR digital camera.  I tried to sign up twice in N.C. for a similar course and both times it was cancelled; the first time because of the instructor and then the next time, not enough people signed up, but I am hopeful for this course since I was one of the last two spots filled.  Of course, Patrick told me last night that the weather report calls for snow next Saturday.... 


There is also a course in the Spring that combines photography and walking tours and I plan to sign up for that as well.  Just really hoping to be able to take the basic course first....


Well, I think that is all the randomness for now....but be forewarned as my head is constantly filled with random things.....

....a repeating conversation

Store Clerk:  Would you like to be put on our mailing list?
Me:                No, we are just visiting for the Holidays.
Store Clerk:  Oh, we ship all over the U.S.
Me:               Well, we are living out of the country right now.
Store Clerk:  Really!  Where are you living?
Me:               Paris
Store Clerk:   Paris, FRANCE!  Wow, how exciting!  I bet it's beautiful (or fascinating or interesting...)
Me:                Yes, yes it is.

But oh how I will miss you U.S.A.

I guess it is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder.  Everything just seemed easier this trip back. Things were available and plentiful.  The drive from North Carolina to Florida on Christmas morning seemed somehow shorter.  It was as if the dreaded drive through South Carolina was now made pleasant because of the lack of traffic and the wide roads.

I was talking with my mother-in-law and we both agreed that it takes living in a foreign country (she's is from Berlin) to truly make you realize how easy living in the United States is.  I know I used to think places where "backward" or agonizingly slow.  Ha Ha!   There is a different pace of life in the United States.  It all now seems so fast...... right down to the laundry which only takes 25 minutes to wash in the U.S. vs. the 1 hour 20 minute cycle on my machine in France (which is the fastest cycle!).

So we are  now 10 months into the first year.  The kids are loving school.  Patrick's work is going well.  The dogs are now better leash walkers and actually learning some "new tricks".  We are all learning new things daily and learning to appreciate everything more.  So, things take a little longer to get done now.  The language is difficult.  The apartment is small.  The dogs have no yard.  But just think how much we will appreciate coming back when our time is up in Paris!?!?  And of all the things Paree will have taught us along the way about how to appreciate "takin' it slow".

...that's the way the old year passes

But man what a year it has been!  We have now been in Paris for 10 months!  The kids have successfully completed one grade level and started another at their fantastic British School of Paris!  The dogs can now walk on leashes (with their Haltis, of course) without dislocating our arms.  I no longer get lost on the infamous Bus 360 (bus 360 hates me) and can successfully navigate the grocery store without having a panic attack or angina.  Patrick is settled into a work routine and really liking the folks he is working with.  Lots of positive things.....

Being back in the States for the holidays has reminded us of what we love and miss so dearly.  First of all, family and friends.  Second, being able to communicate freely (no "Franglish" or charades!).  And third, just the EXCESS of everything....  I know I had taken for granted how easy it is to get your hands on whatever you want when you live here.  I think even if you grew up in Paris or Berlin or another country, you really don't have the access to the instant gratification factor so prevalent in America.  There are no Super Wal-Marts open 24/7 to supply your craving of Nacho chips and dip at 11:00 p.m.!

We have been enjoying one of things the U.S. has to offer in plenty....eating out often and not feeling like we are breaking the bank!  While I am trying to boycott Chick-Fil-A, the rest of the family just couldn't resist getting their fix!  Damn that tasty chicken.  We also have been mixing it up and eating Mexican food and Indian food (special request by Patrick~Paris does NOT know spicy!) and I had to hit the Taco Bell for old time's sake.   The kids are all for having some good ole American burgers and fries and so a visit to Cook Out in N.C. was in order and I am sure we will be dining at Five Guys before we leave Florida.  Also on the agenda is a visit to Joe's Crab Shack with Shanan and Ken for some Florida coast seafood!

I loved being back in N.C.  Seeing my family and dropping by work and seeing all my co-workers.  Even got to go out to dinner with a group of dear friends from the office.  Max got to spend TWO solid days with his best bud Charlie, go to a N.C. State basketball game with him and the Dads (the team won!  Bonus!) and we had a great dinner of Smithfields' Southern BBQ with the whole family at the Beck's.  Mmmmm, hush puppies!  Sweet tea!  Cole slaw!  Samantha got to see one of her best buddies from school and Taekwondo, Lexi.  We met for lunch at Panera Bread and then stopped by Allen's Taekwondo later to see more friends and her instructor, Ms. Weggman.  Unfortunately, Patrick's good friend and Godfather to the kids couldn't make it to N.C. for Christmas (damn that retail job!) but Patrick did get to play a practical joke on him visiting the store where Kevin used to work and they have talked (Skyped) while we are State side and it doesn't cost a fortune and are in the same time zone!

We have a few more days in Florida, but it has been awesome so far.  The kids are playing with their cousins every day and loving it!  We even have an added benefit this year as Peter (a long time family friend) is here from Berlin!  We plan on seeing Shanan soon and hope she can join us for a little while on New Year's to blow stuff up in the street in front of Tara's.  Another tradition!  Thanks Uncle Shawn!  You rock!

So all in all the year is ending on a super positive note (aside from a pinched nerve in my neck!) I will try to post again before we leave the U.S. because I am sure I have forgotten some awesomeness......and hopefully I will have pictures.