The highlights of teaching English abroad

When you are an English teacher, especially in France, there are often highlights to your lessons which are primarily caused by pronunciation errors. Before I begin recounting my stories I must tell you that in no way do I want to make fun of any of my students, god knows I make terrible mistakes with my own French pronunciation causing a waiter to think I was saying "Thank you have a nice arse" instead of "Merci beaucoup." We all make mistakes. These are just some of the comments that have put a smile on my face and continue to help us, as teachers, appreciate the difficulty of English pronunciation. 

1. In a conversation class last week about animals I showed a picture not too different to this one (okay maybe it wasn't so child-like but you get the idea). I asked the students if they knew what this animal was and one, very enthusiastic student called out 

"I know! It's an octopussy!!" 

Now I tried not to laugh I really did but the fact that none of the other students understood the reference did not help my state of mind. So I managed to compose myself and say "Well....almost but actually the word is Octopus." None the wiser the students all nodded happily and noted the word down in their books. 

This was not the only highlight of my week. The next came during a Waystage encounter. When we begin a lesson we normally ask if the students have any questions or queries, especially regarding vocabulary or grammar (normally the most difficult). So as normal I asked the class if they had any vocabulary to ask me or any other questions. This conversation thus followed....

Student: Yes I have a word I didn't understand

Me: Okay, which word didn't you understand

Student: Dickhead

Me: Err....Are you sure it was definitely in your workbook? That particular word?

Student: (now a little agitated) Yes! It's in the book...I saw it, the word dickhead

Me: Okay so...I'm not sure why that was in your book it's not something we would normally teach to you in the context of your book and it would be quite difficult to explain (at this point I was trying to buy as much time as possible)

Another student: (Begins to explain in French and I finally understand what the student was trying to say -  thank goodness I understand French) Alors...c'est comme une dizaine en français.

Teacher: Oh! You mean a DECADE. 

Student: (In a very strong French accent) Yes zat eez what I said deekhead

Me: Okay in this case you must be careful with your pronunciation.................

I almost tried to explain that "I've been working for a decade"is very different to"I've been working for a dickhead"  but I realised that it would not help the situation as the students definitely weren't ready for 'gros mots' (swear words) in English yet. However it did provide for serious giggles for the other teachers and I. 

My last one came in a Threshold conversation class. Now....Threshold at Wall Street is one of the highest levels you can be so the students are fully aware of how to make English jokes and particularly they know how to embarrass me to the fullest (in a good way....i'll go on to explain). Actually I feel like I'm almost friends with a lot of my Threshold students, we see each other outside Wall Street when possible and they are always so warm and open you don't feel stuck in a teacher-student relationship. If you're having a bad day you just say, if you're fed up you just say, if you're really happy about something you share it and most importantly we're always making each other laugh. 

Alors...last week I had a conversation class with what we call the 'dream team' at Wall Street. These are our highest and most constructive students. The subject was dreams so naturally my first question was what kind of dreams can you have? One student replied immediately with the word "EROTIC." Being the typical English prude that I am I tried desperately to continue without laughing and steer the students away from the topic of erotic dreams. Everyone laughed and I blushed as always. 

A little while later I asked the students if they talk in their sleep (I talk about oranges - not kidding and my sister talks about everything and anything so it's something I'm very aware of in my family). A few people had general answers such as "my children talk about school, they think they are talking to their friends" etc. One student explained that he sleeps alone so he doesn't know if he talks in his sleep. I asked if they had never stayed with a friend or someone else who might have noticed. A student that we will call C replied very nonchalantly with "Chloe....if there is someone else sleeping in my bed I am definitely not going to be sleeping." Everyone laughed and we all stayed in good, happy spirits for the rest of the evening. I was unable to not laugh and finally realised that I'd have to join in. As we say in English "if you can't beat them, join them." 

The Request

For the first time ever in my blog history I've actually been requested to write an entry. Apparently more of you read my random ramblings than I actually realised...so this one is for you.

As you probably know from my self-pitying facebook statuses I have been very sick the last few weeks. I am almost out of the red zone (I hope) but now have to face continuous headaches for the last three days non-stop which is just LOVELY. So let's keep our fingers crossed that I'm feeling better before my very, very busy weekend.

Last weekend was a bit of a failure...after wrapping up like an Eskimo with 5 t-shirts, tights, trousers, 2 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of gloves, one jumper, one hoody, one huge coat, a hat and ear muffs I felt just about prepared to face the bitter -5 degree weather outside. I'm not a crazy person going out in the condition I was in but...it was important. The rugby match between France and Ireland was planned for the 11th of February at 21h at the Stade de France. Apparently there had already been rumours that it was going to be cancelled due to the cold weather but I hadn't heard any and to be honest I'm sure the rugby teams (due to the sheer size of them) could manage a bit of ice. Anyway long story short the game was called off, people at home actually knew before us (the 80,000 fans standing freezing in the stadium) so I received some texts before it was actually confirmed. I can understand completely why they made the decision as some parts of the pitch were supposedly entirely frozen but I think the decision could have been made sooner. People had already requested that the match be moved to 3pm, a request that was promptly denied. I think deep down people knew it was too cold. I just feel sorry for all the people who flew over. I met an Irish couple in the Mazet on Sunday who had spent 800 euros on their flights, 800 euros on the hotel and god knows how much else on the simple eating out costs in Paris. It was such a shame too because the atmosphere was so fantastic on the trains, going up to the stadium and inside. It was freezing yes, but the fans were as loyal and supportive as ever and the French and Irish were even having a bit of banter (first time I ever saw that!!) If you want to read more about the rugby here's a good article http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/french-farce-as-six-nations-match-cancelled-at-last-minute-20120212-1sz38.html

I did manage to take a few quick pictures as the Irish team did a small warm up on the pitch (I guess just to partly satisfy all the people who came to see them). The match is now rescheduled for Sunday the 5th of March so I hope it will be warmer then!

So...disappointed by the match we left and headed to find a bar. I was so surprised when we found a little bar just off Rue Laplace. This might mean nothing to you but this is where I spent most of my time last year - between the Pomme d'Eve and the Violin Dingue in the fifth. I couldn't believe just a few steps away was this hidden gem...http://www.lepianovache.com/ The Piano Vache (literally the Piano Cow) is a small, quirky, cool bar just tucked away from the tourists. As well as several different size cow statues it is filled with photos and posters and writing is all over the walls - traces of people who have previously frequented the bar. The TV is always on, showing bizarre 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s rock stars (including some people cutting up a pig's head). Yes it's a bit strange but that's the bar, something different in a Parisian world where things start to merge into one sometimes. I love Paris but bars sometimes seem to be one of two things - either typically French like a brasserie or cocktail type bar or they are trying to be English, American, Australian or Irish. There's nothing wrong with this but sometimes it's nice to find a bar that's totally different. I felt like I could have been in London, Berlin or Paris....and I loved it. I hope to drag the girls there soon :-)

Lastly, two weeks ago I went to see the Arctic Monkeys with Ilana (thanks to some free tickets from a friend who couldn't make it). They were amazing live and the atmosphere at Le Zenith was really great...even the support act Miles Keen was excellent so all in all we had a great time. I felt 17 again and some of the songs brought back so many forgotten but happy memories.

So...I think that's all for now. It's my day off today so i'll be heading to the supermarket, possibly the doctors and sorting out my mess of an apartment. Thrilling eh?!

Peace

Prix d'Amerique

Prix d'Amerique Marrionaud 2012 - Last weekend I found myself in possession of two free tickets to the Prix d'Amerique (thanks to a very kind student who circulates in the horse-racing world). So Sunday came around and Sarah and I set off to Bois de Vincennes to watch the race. The race is actually a 'trot' where the horses have the rider sat behind them, attached to a small, what I can only describe as a carriage behind....in this case a picture speaks a thousand words.

A Jockey

It is difficult to describe without seeing it as it is something truly unique. The race itself is very famous in France and pits the 18 top high-flyers against each other in a 2,700 metre race. The race was originally created in 1920 to honour the United States entry into the first World War and is now attended by over 40,000 spectators (me being one of them), every year. It's an elite race with a prize of 1 million euros.

The race itself was amazing and a real joy to watch. People were handing out free flags, hats and batons all around the racecourse so we really got into the spirit of things. There were cheerleaders, a marching band and even some Hell's Angels (whose bikes were on display in a marquee next to the course). The skill of the jockeys was just amazing and apparently they have to train for up to 2,500 hours a year to perfect their racing skills. It was just such a unique experience and the first time I had ever managed to go to a real race so I was really pleased. It was really well organised with a free navette (shuttle bus) from the station to the course which helped because the only downside of the day was that it was freezing!! By the end of the day I think I lost all feeling in my hands and feet. 

However it was really worth it and I can't wait for next year! 

Table for one please.

Now, the title of my blog might seem a little strange (what's new), but it has reasoning. France was a big move for me, something I've always wanted but not something I honestly thought I'd accomplish by the ripe old age of just 22. Let's be honest, I nearly fell flat on my face. I'm not going to lie to you. I almost had several melt downs, even once declaring that I hated France and wanted to shut up shop and go home. Don't misunderstand. I love my job, I love my friends and I love Paris but France has this wonderful way of making it almost impossible for you to do ANYTHING without paperwork. In a way it's a good system, people walk in and out of the UK and just pick up free health care as easily as they'd pick up a take away from your local Indian restaurant on the corner. In France, this is impossible. Everything requires paperwork and there is often a strange logic behind acquiring the paperwork which means you can't get your hands on that paperwork without doing something ridiculous. Anyway...this isn't supposed to be a rant about France because let's face it, I'm here and it's my home now and I have to respect their laws which is fine...most of the time. The important thing is I finally feel like I'm standing on my own two feet, (for honestly, the first time in my entire life). I'm a fairly dependent person and it wasn't the best quality I found out I possess. So to finally achieve things 'toute seule' has made me feel weirdly liberated. My internet finally works (as you can see) AND I managed to negotiate a 63 euro refund. My health card is taking it's time (of course paper work is involved) but it's coming together. My bank is done,  my apartment is functioning fine (meaning I haven't broken anything yet). Maybe I chipped a plate but who's counting that eh? I also have about a million things to look forward to in this next month so in general things are really great and my confidence in myself, life in general and the French language are all growing at a healthy, steady rate. Alors, on that subject c'est tout.

Anyway...my blog was actually supposed to be about idioms. Yes I'm an English teacher but no I'm not going to give you a lesson on idioms, I'm not that much of a closet geek don't fret. So...last week I did a class on idioms as part of my tea time, and really, it was such a laugh. Trying to explain some of the idioms just made me realise how complicated languages can really be. Some were (thankfully), exactly the same such as 'don't add fuel to the fire.' Whereas others varied just with one word...apparently in English when you say 'a leopard doesn't change its spots' the French say that a 'cheetah' doesn't. Where we say 'I could eat a horse' the French say that they have 'the appetite of a wolf' or that they could eat a 'vache' (a cow) which is funny because we don't actually eat horse meat and the French do. I started to realise that although these idioms have some logic and are really fun and interesting to learn they make a language so difficult. It made me think about all the idioms we use on a daily basis. These are just a few situations where I have used or heard idioms:

- When I was a child I would always pester my grandfather about where he was going if he tried to leave the house. He would always say "I'm going to see a man about a dog." Now...he lived on a farm (still does actually) where they often took in dogs from the shelter so this seemed like a normal response. It was only recently that I realised that a) he never did come back with a new dog and b) he was obviously using it because as all children are I was always curious and frankly a bit nosey. This response meant he didn't really have to tell me what he was doing or where he was going at all. An adult's right I suppose. Took me almost 15 years to realise this. Thank you gramps for always keeping me in line :-)

- "You can't have your cake and eat it too." Something that I've said to many girl-friends and that many of my friends have said to me and it's ALWAYS about men. It's almost used as a comfort, just to remind each other that you can't be greedy in life so whoever this man is who is trying to be greedy you should get rid of him asap.

- "A leopard doesn't change it's spots." My mother said this to me only last week, sometimes you need to remind each other that people don't normally change, however much you want them to. (This quote actually gave me the idea of doing idioms with my students which they all loved so thanks Mum!)

- "A chip on your shoulder." A favourite of my dad's, often used to describe old boyfriends of mine from university. Believing that someone is always resentful about things that have happened in their life instead of being positive and looking towards the future. This makes my dad sound like a severe man but he isn't, he just doesn't believe in blaming your circumstances and situation for the path your life takes. My dad is living proof that no matter what background you come from you can achieve anything.

- "A cock and bull story." One of my personal favourites. Basically when a person tells an unbelievable story which is clearly a lie. We call it a cock and bull story because we're English and we don't like to curse. So excuse my French while I translate, it means that what the person is saying is total and utter 'bullshit.'

- "Excuse my French" is actually an idiom which as you can see I just used...meaning excuse me for cursing (using a gros mot) No idea why we say this, honestly but it makes me laugh.

- "Are you pulling my leg???" Meaning simply, are you joking? I said this to my colleague only yesterday. It's almost when you can't believe something so to stress how much you can't believe it you ask if your leg is being pulled...makes perfect sense...right?

I could go on for days....(I won't) but you see my point. There are HUNDREDS, I don't think I even know them all and I'm English born and bred. How are we supposed to learn them all in different languages, oh....................wow. I'll stick with my French without the idioms..........for now.

I also had a hilarious run in with a student who kept asking Jack and I on repeat what the word

"teeeeeeeeear shiiiiiiiit" meant

We came up with - toilet paper (Jack) and to tear a piece of paper (me). The word was in fact TIME SHEET. I love the French accent and how much entertainment simple things can provide. Even the student was laughing, he knew he was saying a swear word but he couldn't not say it, his accent was just superb.

Wow...long blog, in the words of the looney tunes - that's all folks!



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An old blog that can finally be posted - the longest blog i've ever blogged

(BEFORE you read - this blog is about a month old so the dates I'm talking about are a little confusing!) I now have internet and a land line at my apartment, hence the appearance of this blog.

Warning: Now…don’t say I didn’t warn you because the title says it all about this particular blog. I haven’t blogged for far too long, not through a lack of want but through lack of time (plus the ongoing lack of internet at my place…I finally got time to try and install it and failed). I think I need to buy a fixed phone for the apartment and eventually it might finally work…just another thing to add to the number of petit erreurs I have made in the past few weeks. I say petit with a hint of sarcasm because I have had several hilarious failures at life in the last few weeks.

Je suis tombee: First of all I fell over in the street, right in front of a packed bar that I often frequent after work. It was terribly embarrassing…helped less by the fact that the person I was with almost didn’t notice and only realised by the reaction of the people who filled the terrace. So…after eventually being helped up and having brushed myself off I entered the bar followed by numerous bad jokes about ‘faire attention’ and ‘quatre ou cinq cocktails mademoiselle??’ I was not impressed as I had only had two cocktails and also fell due to a ridiculously unsafe piece of pavement that is entirely unlevel (France has a lack of concern for health and safety sometimes…in England this pavement would not exist and I would therefore have still been standing). Now before I go any further I just want to explain that I do not normally rant about the French people or the French system of living. However this has been a special couple of weeks and I have had some clashes with both aforementioned things. Alors…viola, this week excuse my rant but sometimes it’s necessary.

Pure idiocy: Last week I also managed to block my phone whilst at Disneyland rendering me phoneless and seriously frustrated. It sounds ridiculous but when your phone is your only connection to your friends, your emails, your blog…..your social life entirely it is incredibly annoying when you manage to block it honestly just by not paying attention. I’m sure people are starting to expect me to do ridiculous things it’s becoming such a recurring thing. I arrived at work the other morning after a pretty poor night’s sleep and my boss must have recognised the look on my face because he asked me “Did you lose your phone again??” Oh yes…reminding me that when I first started at Wall Street I dropped my phone in the Seine whilst enjoying a subway sandwich. Phones in the river, stolen, drove over…whatever next. Anyway of course to fix my phone I had to go to the shop because if you don’t have a Bouygues phone or a landline (which I do but it’s still not working) you can’t call Bouygues to ask for help – ingenious, really. Luckily I had a two hour lunch and there is a shop on Rue Auber so I nipped across in my lunch for what I thought would be a 20 minute jobby. On arrival I was instructed by another customer who was already waiting to take a ticket…so I did. After twenty minutes of watching overweight phone consultants try to sell people phone deals my number finally got called and I got the manager so I thought ‘Great I’m in luck this should take two minutes!’ Unfortunately for me I had the consultant who decided to take a phone call during my ‘meeting’ and proceed to chat about something entirely different for another ten minutes. Now…I am not an impatient person but I can see where some of the French people get their lack of patience from, something that literally should have taken five minutes took almost 45 minutes. I found myself huffing and tutting at the man on the phone who eventually hung up and apologised. I have officially started to become Parisian…I have never tutted someone in my life before. Here in France however it seems it’s how you get things done. Finalement, my phone was unblocked.

Bruises: Owing to the fact that I am constantly falling over, walking into doors/windows/cupboard corners I am normally covered with a bruise or…4. I have four at the moment. My bruises also cause a hilarious amount of discussion between my colleagues and I and seem to provide constant amusement for both staff and students. I have already been asked “Did your boyfriend do that to you??” and have been forced to retell the story of my mauvais circulation (bad circulation) and general lack of balance in life more than ten times. A) I don’t have a boyfriend and B) if I so much as brush past a door I bruise. The best thing I did recently was open my bedroom door and walk into it at the same time…this has happened twice because until I shower in a morning I am not awake at all and my hand-eye co-ordination barely works under normal circumstances…add tiredness = an accident. It left me with a red mark in the middle of my face last time, classy. Funnily enough my clumsiness only really began being noticed when I went to university. I think it’s because (and sorry if you’re reading this Kate Thompson) but my best friend all through school and sixth form (and still wonderful friend back in England) was the clumsiest person I have ever known. Kate could fall over anywhere…we were playing hide and seek once and I hid in the cupboard under the stairs (Harry Potter style) when Kate came tumbling down the stairs in her attempt to locate me. Well she found me of course because I was laughing so hard I burst out the cupboard to find her crumpled at the bottom of the stairs, partially resembling a puppet that had been cut from its strings. So it never really came up until university, Kate was always the clumsy one not me…oh how things change. In conclusion; I bruise a lot (inherited from my mother who is at least 5 times worse with bruises), I used to be self conscious and from time to time I still am (especially if the bruise is on show) but I have started to accept it’s going to be something I’m just going to have to deal with…and the jokes/sarcastic comments that follow.

Je suis tombee…again: So I fell over again, this time with Callum and Lydia on the way home from dinner (not a drop of alcohol had passed my lips). Honestly it’s getting ridiculous. I fell down the stairs in the metro and even caused Callum to ask….”Why are you always falling over Clo??” God if only I knew. My only comfort is that it seems to cause a huge amount of amusement among my friends and family and at least through that it seems it has some purpose. Later in the week I went to a bar in Bastille with some guy friends, tried to cross my legs at the bar and banged my knee so hard on the bar top I almost fell off my stool...one friend who was present is actually a doctor and he explained that I really should ‘faire attention.’ Yes, must be more careful, duly noted.

A general update: Work is great as always, we had our work do recently which was just amazing. It was held in an old sort of museum where everything was a relic of the 50s. Carousels, ball games, balancers, champagne, foie gras, crepes and sushi, a bizarre mix that somehow worked well together. It was the best work party I’ve certainly ever been to, everyone looked great, there were some interesting characters on the dance floor and we danced to a selection of Barry White, the Jacksons, LMAO and other tunes all night. It is a night I will always remember.

Lydia and Callum came to visit and I spent a nice day at Disney with them (minus blocking my phone) and a lovely evening with some other friends Kat, Rich and a face who recently reappeared, back from Boston – Cedric. Apparently he missed the English accent – I face constant debate about which is better, I personally love the enthusiasm behind the American accent but I guess it’s down to personal preference.

I’ve had what feels like several life-changing months, a lot has changed and although I’m still aware that I’m very young and have a lot to learn I’ve definitely grown up. My good friend Helena recently told me that the “sparkle” is back in my eye and I seem myself again. I think I lost myself for a little while along the way resulting in a crack under stress and pressure and the breakdown of a relationship but now in the words of someone I respect very much “Life is good.”

That’s all for now darlings.

Flaner - to walk around aimlessly

For the first time since August I really took a walk (last week). The french call this habit of walking around Paris without a real purpose 'flaner,' and I, for one, love to have a bit of a flan around. The dessert is good too. So last week I finally changed my bank to my address (only three months late) and I went to the old apartment to check the post box which was empty so...viola. I'm starting to feel that that part of my life is almost over and things are moving forward one step at a time. Just spoke to Bouygues and my internet will be fixed after the weekend and they are reimboursing me 63 euros so life is good! Anyway, back to my ambling aroud Paris.

Even though I spent so much time of time last year around Notre Dame I somehow missed the wonderful little road of Rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile. I guess it is named as such due to the fact that it rests between Ile de la cite and Ile saint louis, the only two remaining natural islands on the Seine. It's the centre of Paris and the location were the medieval city was refounded. It's not a large street and on a Friday morning it avoided the disturbance of tourists. Actually, even though it offers some slightly touristic shops (like pylones) it seems to successfully avoid most of the gangs of tourists that surround Notre Dame. It's probably why it's one of my favourite streets, undisturbed and unaffected by les etrangeres (literally the strangers from overseas - foreigners). There are lots of little chic stores, restaurants, brasseries, bakeries, butchers and most importantly fromageries - cheese shops. I have never seen a cheese shop quite like this one. The door is always open and when you walk past the strongest whiff of cheese sweeps through your nostrils. I'm desperate to go in but although I've mastered many things in French buying cheese in measurements is NOT one. I live in fear that I will order and leave with a year's supply of goat's cheese. One day cheese shop, one day.

I also stumbled upon butchers with so much meat in the window that my eyes nearly popped out. My eyes were immediately drawn to an entire pig's leg (including the foot and complete with trotter), a whole turkey and the insides of maybe 5 different animals. The shop was full of people with their hands in the air who looked like they were trying to win something at an auction. Again I failed to have the courage to go in.

Lastly I entered a petite boulangerie to savour the delights of my first Galette de Rois. Admittedly it was not my first ever galette but the first since last year. Galettte de Rois is a traditional French pastry eaten on the day of the epiphany. The cake or pastry normally has a sall trinket inside (last year it was Harry Potter characters) and the person who receives the piece of galette with the trinket can also wear the crown ad becomes King for the day. The pastry is light and fluffy with almonds, butter and a hint of marzipan. It is truly delicious but very sweet. I chase a simple galette individuelle but still only ate half! If you get the chance to try this delicious cake, try to buy a larger one (for 4 people for example) and warm it up a little when you get home. Just be careful not to swallow the trinket!

A new year, a fresh start

Wow...my dedication to my blog has been absolutely....dreadful. I did, in fact, write a huge blog in my appartment which I fully intended to bring to work and add to my collection. However, being me, I typed the entire thing to then realise I had no USB stick (and still no internet connection at my place) and therefore could not move it anywhere. Life 1 - Chloe 0.

So much has happened that I don't even know where to begin.

I had a great weekend with Danielle and Megan back in November, where I laughed so much my stomach hurt and which left me feeling grateful for the amazing people I have in my life. Only your best friends can tell you that "when you speak French it makes me want to have sex with you" or make you look like a transvestite with a scousebrow. It was eventful to say the least.

Work was pretty busy up until Christmas so it was nice to take a break and have some time at home. It was probably the best Christmas yet. Dad was a scrooge (as normal but we wouldn't have it any other way), mum made a gorgeous meal and then drank too much champagne (again normal but we wouldn't have it any other way) and Lydia and I just enjoyed some real quality time together, shopping, chatting, eating and drinking! I didn't see as many of my friends as i'd have liked to as the trip was very short but it was nice to be home, enjoying the fresh sea air and the small town of Teignmouth! A very big change to the world I live in now. I was shocked to find myself zooming through Exeter aiport, only to realise no one else was running and no one was even pushing to get past. I was officially back in Britain. I also laughed to myself when I arrived at the TINY passport control area...(two people and two mini stalls). I've never even realised how small it was before I lived in Paris (where even the smallest terminal is like a maze) but now it made me so happy to be home. The small things in life eh?

New year was spent with Jenny and was pretty good overall. The time with Jen was fantastic and we had so much fun together (involving the night before New year's eve getting so drunk, staying out dancing until half five and then throwing up all day Saturday. Never again....I felt so ill it was horrible but had a really great night. NYE was eventful...and I had a good time with Jenny and even a work colleague and his friends. Unfortunately New year just isn't my time of year, frankly, I hate it. I had a great weekend with Jen but NYE is just always a mixed night. Next year I will take my student's advice and stay in with friends, eating foie gras, drinking champagne and talking about what the new year will bring.

Now it's the new year and work is going smoothly and we are still laughing as always. My boss turned up with his jumper on inside out today, one of the many highlights of my working day. I finally paid my debt to Adam so now I feel free (except my bank hates me and I still can't withdraw any cash) but things are looking up. My personal life is censored and will remain so until I have something interesting and worthwhile to say.

The important thing is that I made a resolution for this year to take care of myself more and look for what I really want in my life rather than what I am supposed to want. Last year was a huge learning curve for me and I am still riding the end of that wave so...let's see what 2012 brings.

Bonne année

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, too early am

For some unknown reason I have woken up a full 40 minutes before my alarm today...so I have a little extra time to blog. I imagine I woke up because last night I was concerned about sleeping through my alarm and missing my appointment with my landlord...I think this is the main culprit. Anyway...today is my long day when I work until 21h but it's not so bad as tomorrow is my last day before a much needed 4 day weekend with Danielle and Megan.

When you live abroad you really start to realise which of your friends you truly appreciate, and which appreciate you in return. My university girls have shone through, always being there (even at 3am...sorry Dani), sending funny (and sometimes slightly crazy) messages that always get us laughing and having group chats on our phones that have become the closest we can get to pretending we're still at university....living carefree and irresponsibly. For these reasons and many more I'm very excited to see the girls this weekend. We all deserve a weekend off traipsing around Paris, mid-winter, drinking gluwein and just being totally British in every way. Oh la di da.

My American colleagues do some fantatic impressions of my British-ness...I only wish I could imitate them too to make it even. Will have to work on my accents (if you know me at all you will understand how difficult this may be. Yesterday I tried to do chinese it came out italian...need I say more.

The next post will be more cultural/informative/insightful blah blah but for now this is about all you're getting from me at this ungodly hour. Hi ho hi ho it's off to work I go.

à Londres

Finding the time to blog is not easy when you don't have the internet in your apartment (that's right I STILL don't have the internet) but...I think it's starting to come together so I shouldn't have to wait too much longer.

I want to write about all my recent experiences but I just don't have the time unfortunately...however here is a quick update.

Last weekend I went to London. Yes, that's right, the Devon born and bred girl who has avoided London her entire life whilst driving a tractor (metaphorically speaking) finally made the trip to the capital of England. I didn't do all the traditional tourist sites as my main priority was spending time with the girls and seeing old faces but I did manage a small trip to Oxford Street which I thoroughly enjoyed. The house the girls now live in is amazing. With it's high ceilings, modern kitchen, tall windows and 42 stairs to the top (complete with a gorgeous wooden hand rail) it's a far cry from student living in Loughborough. Not that we didn't love our house in Loughborough but the fire doors constantly slamming or blocking you out of a room weren't the best idea ever...I am also happy to say that everyone seemed content and all doing well (we're all employed wahoo - two fingers up to the failing economy. I also laughed more than I have in a really really long time so I am very grateful to the girls for such a wonderful weekend.

I am happy at work as always and my personal life is not a complete mess which is always a plus. I will be in the UK again this weekend visiting my grandparents, sister, aunt, uncle and cousins (and little Thomas who is totally new to me!!) which I can't wait for. This week is pretty busy so I'm glad I found a short time to blog before my week is over before it begins (the time is flying by).

When I was at Clapham North station they have 'a thought of the day' on the wall. I had to write it down because it really meant something to me after everything i've experienced the last few months, so now I'll share it with you as your thought for the day (if you're reading this)...

"If you don't know where you're going you will probably end up somewhere else."

Oh and have a bit of Jason Mraz to cheer us all up in this miserable winter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=acvIVA9-FMQ

Moving forward

When I said times were changing I completely underestimated just how much things would change. My life is completely different now and I'm happy to say that I believe it's changed for the better.

I am célibataire now (however which way you put it, it means i'm single). Something which was unexpected to say the least and very painful at the time. Partly it still is and i'm not afraid to say that I suffered for a long time with a very broken heart. I don't know where this new wave of honesty has come from and apologies to all you readers and more importantly friends out there who have had to listen to this crap for the last few months. But there is a reason I write this now in my blog, for you all to see, because things have finally changed. I have turned a corner let's say. I have discovered a lot about myself, my friends (some I can trust, other's i've realised I cannot) and what I want for my future. I promise now this blog won't be all dreary seriousness about failed relationships but it's finally time to say something (after nearly a month of not blogging because I had no idea what to say...)

Now i'm happy. Things are a little complicated but i'm taking the steps to uncomplicate things and doing my best with the situation i'm faced with now. A very close friend of mine gave me the strength to finally do some necessary things and I am already feeling the weight easing from my shoulders. Thankyou to that person...you know who you are.

After ten years of following the band my dad and I finally got to see the RHCP's in concert and they were just...mindblowing. Well worth the wait and made us both stupidly happy. Poster now firmly attached to my wall in my room.

This weekend is sort of quiet so I hope i'll find time to blog again. I don't mind the quiet one because the next three are so busy for me. I have my mum and aunt here, then i'm in London with the girls for their housewarming (so excited!!!!) and then i'm visiting my grandparents, finally! So things are moving forward, really forward. No more going backwards!

As the French would say...c'est fini!

Times are changing

I pretty much have to grab anytime I can these days to blog. I have had a busy first 2 weeks, my training was great and really helped to prepare me for the job I am doing now. This is my second week of 'real work' I suppose and I can honestly say I am loving it (hope this doesn't jinx it). The first week I was here I was actually the biggest stress head ever and I am still trying to give out apologies to the person who suffered the effects of this bad mood the most (you know who you are). The problem was I have never not had a plan and I have been lucky enough that things have never really not gone my way...Must be the luck of the Irish (thanks Nan!) Unfortunately this meant that I have become accustomed to not screwing up and in a way things were always fairly easy for me. In France by the way, they are not. I didn't really understand how big the move was that I was making which in turn caused me to freak out big time and question if I had even made the right decision. Furthermore I had no appartment of my own, no bank account, no french phone, no navigo...basically I couldn't do anything. I mistakenly thought France would be the same as the UK but actually it's all paperwork, paperwork and you guessed it paperwork. Nothing is straightforward, even when you think it is, it isn't.

BUT on the plus side I began to realise that freaking out wasn't helping anyone, least of all myself. Things will get done but one step at a time and in France this means more slowly than you would like. However this week I managed to get my navigo (even if I basically had to convince the guy I would find an appartment the same day), have made progress with my bank; actually I screwed up and have to send more documents but progress is positive! I have a viewing of a petit petit studio on Friday but it's in a nice area and it would mean having a place to call my own (on verra) and I seem to have got a grip on my life in general. It almost ran away from me...literally it was moving so fast I thought I might fall off the wheel and never get back on. Luckily I have an amazing set of friends here in Paris who have supported my decision and repeatedly calmed me down when I thought my head might explode. I am also very lucky that a himself is so patient because sometimes I don't know how he doesn't throw things at me.

All in all things are going well, the girls are all starting to arrive, himself is back soon after a bit of a disaster holiday in NYC, my family are sunning themselves in Tenerife (a well deserved break) and I am happy. I couldn't ask for more at the moment so keep your fingers crossed for more news from the fish across the pond.

à bientôt

Je suis arrivée

Alors...I have arrived. Forgive me for any typos but i'm back on a French keyboard and still getting used to it. Anyway today is my first day back in Paris, unfortunately it's a bank holiday so there are simply too many people. Gui and I had a nice lunch together at the appartment though and then I went off looking for my new training office for tomorrow. I thought I had it all sorted, I had the address, I google mapped it, Gui pointed me in the right direction and off I went.

40 minutes later, feet blistered from new shoes I arrived at 88 Boulevard St Michel. I was looking for 90 bvd st michel...which apparently doesn't exist. I walked all around the area and even back the other way to check I hadn't missed it but no luck. So I decided in the sunshine I would go have a lie down on the grass in Luxembourg Gardens where I had a half an hour nap before heading back. I have just checked online (on the actual work webpage) and it looks like there is another 90 bvd saint michel and it's right near Clunny La Sorbonne so I'm going to go for another walk in a minute (worry not I bought plasters)!!!

Also because of ther Ascension the Notre Dame bells are having a party. It was pretty annoying at 11pm last night but I walked past earlier and they had speakers outside so you could hear the choir. It was pretty amazing! I just sent off the last part of my assignment so now I best strap up my feet and head out again.

Biz

Pack up and go...

So this is it then...I am actually packing up my suitcase(s) and heading back to Paris. I can't say it will be for good because let's face it we have no idea what is going to happen...but it's certainly a new chapter and a new step for me. I won't lie my nerves have been getting to me today as the day get's closer and the move becomes real but I am trying to keep a cool head! I am grateful that I can at least reassure myself that this was the right decision, it's what I've always wanted (live abroad - big tick), work as a teacher (didn't quite plan on it just yet but TEFL just seems to combine everything I enjoy doing), speaking French (or trying) and call me weird but just hearing French. I'm one of those people who turns my headphones right down sometimes just to listen to a couple bickering on the metro in French. Even when arguing the French somehow make things sound more beautiful. In England I would probably both turn my headphones UP and get off the train before people started throwing punches. I love the UK and it will always be my home but I fell in love with a city and I guess now we'll see whether that city could become my home...I still have a million other places I want to go and live for a while so we'll see if my feet get itchy or not :-)

On the other hand, I have had a wonderful summer that has honestly not been long enough in the slightest! 4 weeks with my family and friends just doesn't seem to have filled the gap in my heart but unfortunately....welcome to the real world. No more 2 months of summer holiday's, working in bars and staying out every weekend...those days are over! Luckily I have a very close family and some incredibly supportive friends who are already planning on visiting me as soon as I am settled and have my own place. To name a few see below, honestly we never drink normally....

I should write all about the Summer as it's been a busy time for me but tonight after packing my entire life into one suitcase and a hand luggage bag I can honestly say I don't have the energy! However I will begin to blog again regularly as much as I can.

New job, new chapter. A bientot bloggers.

To new beginnings

Funnily enough I think this was the title of my first ever blog post, when I just found out I was coming to France and beginning a new journey. Now my journey begins again...a new chapter let's say. All in the space of nine months I have - improved my French (actually being able to speak it well which I never could have imagined), explored Paris and discovered things I couldn't have even created in my imagination, stumbled across a good guy I actually want to spend my time with, made friends for life that I will never forget and most recently GOT A JOB AS A TEACHER. I can't really believe it and I guess it hasn't sunk it yet. I got the call yesterday and I was overjoyed, excited and nervous all at the same time. So I start on the 5th September and I couldn't be happier! As I've already said thankyou to everyone who was so supportive, I couldn't have done it without you. Special thanks to Mum & Dad, Mrs D and Mr David Force who repeatedly gave me advice on interviews/my CV and any other questions I had.

This isn't who I'll be working for but I liked the photo anyway as according to my American friends I am sooo British. La di da.

I also just found out I have a summer job teaching too AND I get £13.33 an hour, not so bad eh. Only downside is it is with teenagers and I just know they are going to love me (not). Oh well bring on the challenge. Maybe I can bribe them with power rangers...or whatever teenagers actually enjoy now...maybe it's more likely to be something electronic and mind warping. I'll have a think. Anyway at least I will not be a poor poor pauper in the summer which is nice.

I should write about what I have been doing recently which is visiting the beautiful garden of the Musee Rodin and exploring Invalides, drinking by the Seine (a typical French summer thing), watching Kung Fu Panda 2 in French (it's still funny) and generally making the most of my last week. However what I have decided to start writing about is my 'top places to go in Paris.' I found a journal type book (yes i'm a pikey I took it don't judge) in the Musee Rodin toilets and I have been filling it in with all my recommended Paris hotspots. None of them are stupidly overpriced or impossible to find. They are for people who want to see the real Paris, nice idea no? Yes? Let me know. Well here goes today's topic of discussion will be.........................wait for it................SUGARPLUM.

Sugarplum cake shop in the fifth arrondissement is a wonderful American style bakery just a short walk away from Notre Dame. The tourists don't know about it (thank god) so it's always pretty peaceful and somewhere you can feel at home as everyone speaks English. This is the website, not that I am being lazy but if you wanted more details! http://www.sugarplumcakeshop.com/en/ They make wedding cakes and birthday cakes as well as a huge selection of cupcakes, cookies, flapjacks, scones, cinnamon rolls, ice cakes and well...the list goes on. They also make the best homemade lemonade I think I have ever tasted, it's pretty sugar filled but it's delicious especially on a hot day. They do every type of tea you could ever manage and filter coffee is available with free refills! I would recommend this to anyone with a taste for delicious baked goods and even if you want to study/chat/have a meeting the atmosphere is perfect! The address is 68 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine 75005 Paris and the nearest metro stop is Cardinal Lemoine line 10. Check it out!

Blogblogbloggidyblog

So here it is...the blog I promised, I may have to stop half way and recommence later as Rachel will be joining me in Maisons Laffitte soon. Helena is leaving this weekend so we are all having a lovely spinach lasagne together before she goes. I never seem to post pictures of the girls so here is one of all of us from Dass' birthday (left)...cute hey?

Later on we weren't so ladylike...haha

I don't know what it is that happens when you mix au pairs with alcohol (or maybe it's girls in general) but we seem to have the most hilarious night's and always have a story or ten to tell. I think this was the night of "Parlez-vous amour?" Luckily most of these girls are planning to come back so

the stories won't end here!

Anyway I promised to write about Giverny so here it is...I have to be a little more brief or my blog post will be longer than my arm but you'll get the idea - you HAVE to visit Giverny if you are in Paris for longer than a weekend. Giverny if you don't already know is the home of Monet's house and garden (and the famous Lily Pond). I expected it to be beautiful but what I actually saw was 'incroyable.' I have never seen so much GREEN, and i'm from Devon so that seriously says a lot about how much green there was. After a comfortable, quick (40 mins ish) and cheap (19 euros return) trip on the train we arrived. At first there was an issue with buses (you can catch a bus for 3 euros) as there seemed to be hundreds of people and very few buses. So being sensible we waited for a taxi which ended up costing us the same amount, even slightly less I think and chatted to an American couple from Boston. When in the taxi I was glued to the window trying to take photos and take everything in whilst rushing past. It really reminded me of the South of France.

Once arriving at Giverny and it being the bank holiday weekend we realised we were going to have to join the back of the pretty-damn-long-queue. Eventually we only

waited for around an hour which in about 30 degree weather wasn't too bad! I think I applied suncream three times over just in the queue, we were getting pretty"bronzed" as my American friends would say. I think we paid about 3 euros to get in on a student tariff and then we were let free into the most beautiful garden I think I've ever seen. The just sheer amount of flowers was overwhelming. Every kind and colour you can imagine were in this garden. The paths were made of cream stone pebbles and wound their way through the shrubbery like the yellow brick road. From the centre of the garden you could see Monet's house through a set of green archways which was inside equally as beautiful as the garden. Monet clearly had an eclectic taste though..! You weren't allowed to take pictures within the house but let's just say this...it was colourful to say the least, every room was a different shade of yellow, blue, green etc. It really should have been an eye sore but it was just so...strangely appealing!

After a walk around the gardens we followed the signs to the "water feature." It's a strange little walk because you actually have to go underground (down some steps and underneath the earth) to reach the lily pond itself. I am no huge art fan I won't lie but as soon as I saw the lily pond I saw Monet's painting. No wonder he found so much inspiration from this particular place. It was breathtaking. The only downside was that there were a lot of people there, I couldn't even get a full picture of the lily pond and the bridge without a bunch of tourists in the background. I say the word tourists with such negativity when in actual fact I should remember that I am technically still a tourist myself. It's funny though...when you live abroad you start to watch tourists and hear tourists and as a result try your bloody hardest not to act like a tourist. I have to admit that sometimes I even speak French around particularly awful English and American tourists so they don't suss out that I speak English, shameful I know but honestly sometimes it's just...painful haha. Anyway, after a long day out we were absolutely exhausted, we danced in the rain (literally), had a terribly uncomfortable train ride home (all the tourists didn't buy tickets...you see my issues with them) but eventually made pizza and got into bed to fall asleep to a thunderstorm. What a day, would recommend Giverny to you all, happy travelling!

Trois semaines

I really have to start blogging again now as....it's all coming to an end. Well, sort of. I am actually coming back to France after a month at home in the summer (fingers crossed anyway). I have two current job offers but am really holding out for the final one which I have a third interview for next week. It would be perfect, I'd love the job and it's the right money just have to get into the final stage now so everyone PLEASE/s'il vous plait keep your fingers and toes crossed for your expat overseas.

I am actually beyond exhausted as I am still sick (6 weeks and counting) so here is a little bullet point update and I promise to present a full blog by the end of the week!

- I am still ill but refuse to go to a French doctor, himself made me realise that being ill was realistically all my fault because of my stubborn attitude towards French doctors or doctors in general. I am still trying to figure out where this new fear came from...will keep you posted

- Charlotte just visited for four days so I got to explore the Louvre more, see inside Notre Dame, climb the hill at Montmartre to Sacre Coeur, go on a BatoBus and consequently see one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower ever, tear and share uncut French pizza, discover the difficulties of finding vegitarian food in France and generally having a grand old time

- Previously I made it to Buttes Chaumont and picnicked with the girls and went to Giverny to Monet's house & garden's. It was so beautiful I will probably take up an entire blog just talking about it, just need to make sure that the other half doesn't see as I'd like to take him there eventually as a late birthday sort-a-thing

- I have three weeks left with the kids, I'm tired and emotional but know this experience will stay with me forever and I am going to need maybe one to ten boxes of tissues the day I leave. Translation = I love these kids (and this family). I am also going to miss all of the girls so much, blondie, red and brunette insanely they brighten up all my days. Luckily we are all coming back even if for some it's only an extra month but these girls have made it into my lifetime favourites and I will never forget them.

Update soon, over and out, bisous from me & smiles from baby Rafa

Jardin des Plantes

Reading my previous blog post has made me realise how LONG it's been since i've written something and how much has happened since I last updated my blog. Sometimes the problem with exploring Paris is that you spend all of your time doing the exploring and less of it actually writing about what it is you're doing. Anyway, let's fill you in as much as possible on the latest news from this beautiful city.

Thanks to my French boyfriend (yes I know I have crossed over to the dark side), I have been fortunate enough to discover the Jardin des Plantes. Based in the fifth arrondissement (Metro Line 7, stop Jussieu, the metro will tell you to get off at Place Monge but actually it's much easier and quicker to just walk from Jussieu). The garden is filled to the brim with flowers, plants, several different types of museums, a huge greenhouse and even a decent sized Zoo .A month or so ago I received an annual pass as a gift from himself and I can honestly say we have definitely been getting our money's worth (only 35 euros for the whole year!) It's not expensive to visit the gardens anyway (actually it's free) but to visit the museums and the zoo you do have to pay. The zoo is around 10 euros, whereas the

museums are a little less (plus don't forget if you are under 26 and a member of the

European Union most of the museums are free anyway). The zoo might seem a little overpriced, although I think it's around the same price in England but from experience I can say it's worth a visit. It remains a small zoo but the animals are surprisingly exotic and the area itself is arranged exceptionally well. You can walk around peacefully in a wide, open space, forgetting almost completely that you are even in Paris. Why would you want to forget you were in Paris you might ask? Let me know how you feel after a few months in this busy city...you might find you are craving peace and quiet more than you ever thought you would. It's a place to escape the intensity and demands of a city like Paris.

The Jardin d'Alpin is my favourite place within the park. It is a specialised garden next to the zoo where you can sit and eat, read, study...the list goes on. The plants are incredibly beautiful and it is insanely peaceful when you consider it's only a short walk away from the busy area that is the fourth (Le Marais). It's hard to explain why it is so important to visit the Jardin des Plantes but I have to recommend it to you. If you are interested in gardening, palaeontology or even just enjoying a stunning garden pretending you are Elizabeth Bennett parading around Pembury with your own version of Mr Darcy...sorry was I day dreaming again...Just believe me, each person has their own reason for frequenting this beautiful place.

I have a huge number of pictures i'm not sure how I will really choose which to include in this blog so you might have to be confronted with less text, more images. After all they say a picture speaks a thousand words.

Soon I am hoping to go to Buttes Chaumont, a gorgeous park that is very famous for the architectural designs of its buildings.The only problem is it's quite far out so you probably need a full day to go there (without interruptions of work/study/plans) alors...as of yet I haven't made it there. This weekend however, a bit closer to home, there is finally a horse race on at the Hippodrome in Maisons-Laffite, called La Fete de Courses. I am hoping to pop over and take a closer look because somehow entry is free (not like a day at the races in the UK where you have to shell out for ticket, dress and a bottle of champagne to drink with your rara mates...champagne you end up later resenting when you realise it cost you most of your wage packet for that month). But actually...here in France it seems they don't charge for this sort of thing, maybe it isn't a real competition but i'm happy just seeing some form of horse race before I leave for the summer.

What else to tell you...honestly I need to stop frequenting the Jardin des Plantes because I just don't go anywhere else. The problem is when you really love somewhere in Paris it's hard to want to go anywhere else. As soon as somewhere becomes personal to you, that's it for a while. Un rapport avec un endroit (the French is totally wrong but you get the idea), a relationship with a place. I will try and visit the Grand Palais this week too as they have a new exhibition at the moment which looks interesting. It really is just a HUGE pebble that some abstract artist probably sees as so much more but to me, it's just a big, strange, cool pebble that you can go inside. If you're interested check out http://www.grandpalais.fr/visite/en/

La vie

I keep reading other people's blogs and I have come to a conclusion - I shouldn't. I really started this blog with the honest intention of writing about touristy things and la vie Parisienne. Instead it has turned into ways my friends and I have embarrassed ourselves and random ramblings. Apologies for this. From now on I will try to write about things in Paris, things I love and have seen so far and what I plan to see in the future. This is my first attempt at a more informative blog so forgive me if i'm a bit rusty...

So this weekend didn't include many tourist style visits as I had only just recovered from having 'la grippe' and decided to take it easy. On Friday night Nora, Ilana and I went tol'Avenue for some drinks and the general relax we needed at the end of a stressful week taking care of children! There was a very good looking waiter who served us too which was a nice plus point, although the girls insisted he was only 18 so needless to say nothing else happened ha. L'Avenue is one of my favourite brasseries to go to and with limited choice in Maisons Laffite it's nice that we have found one we like. They also do one of the best CroqueMonsieur/Madames that I have ever tasted.

Saturday I worked all day as I offered to babysit for another family, two families in fact - one French and one American. It was a good day all in all and easy babysitting but the best aspect by far was being able to speak French with Melanie. She is only eight but she is such a bright kid and she doesn't speak any English besides hello/goodbye/thank you alors we spoke only in French. Ideal practice for me. Saturday evening was spent with the girls, watching movies, drinking wine and eating bread, cheese and pizza. We also dyed my hair...well Rachel helped me to dye the blonde out. It finally looks natural I am very pleased!

Sunday we tried to go to one of the famous American diner's in Paris Breakfast in America but the queue was huge and the people at the front of the queue had been waiting for half an hour. So sadly we settled with a Starbucks brekkie (not so bad) and promised ourselves we will eventually get brunch from the American diner. If anyone is interested in getting a real American breakfast then visit...

4, rue Malher
75004 Paris, France (map)

Métro: St Paul

After we headed to one of my favourite places in Paris...The Long Hop. Yes, that's right. Not the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe but an English pub hidden quietly down a side street to the right of Notre Dame. The pub has a great atmosphere, friendly staff and really reminds me of home. We have watched every England six nations there now and have somehow be-friended the bar staff. This led to far too many drinks being consumed on Sunday and the lying down game making it's break on Paris. Hilarious times, looking forward to the final this weekend at one of my favourite places in Paris.

I also just remembered I went to Parc Monceau with the girls a few weekends ago so I will update on that soon but for now i'm exhausted and all this serious tourist talk has made me tired.

Ciao

To do list

Firstly have to say a quick shout out to Tokyo - after experiencing a powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake that rocked the capital a 33ft tsunami has devastated northern coastal areas. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone there. These natural disasters are becoming far too frequent.

Anyway aside from less depressing topics this blog is a to do list, a list of all the things I have left to do in Paris before Summer. Here goes...

1. Unrelated to Paris but related to the process of how life altering this experience has been. Read Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.

2. Go and visit the Vel d'Hiv memorial and all the plaques around Paris which commemorate what happened on that awful day in July 1942.

3. Visit the Pantheon. DONE

4. Find someone to put a padlock on the Pont des Arts bridge with, even if it's a friend. Romantic stuff peeps got to be done. DONE, WITH STACEY, APRIL'11

5. Go to Musee d'Orsay again.

6. Finish the Louvre (over several days)

7. Climb the Eiffel Tower (night & day) DAY - DONE

8. Take my parents to have falafel on Rue de Rosiers

9. Visit all the Paris parks

10. Buy a Longchamp bag and become truly Parisien DONE

11. Go the the Sex museum and Moulin Rouge

12. Learn how to make croissants from a French baker

13. Visit the Chateau de Versailles

14. Learn how to skateboard from Noah TRIED, FAILED

15. Go to a real French market for bread/wine/cheese

16. Go to a flea market

17. Take a river cruise down the Seine

There are many more but right now I am off into Paris as I am FINALLY feeling human again so I will update it when I can think of more.

The minutes, the hours, the days.

It's been a little while since I last blogged and a lot has changed in that time. Firstly, something that I thought was increasing my happiness actually happened to alter it greatly. I won't go into so much detail, mainly because I don't want to relive the painful experience but let's just say: lesson learnt - people are not always as genuine as they may first appear. A wise friend told me an incredible quote today (she really understands my literary side) that

"Most loves are like that ... You heart starts to feel like an overcrowded lifeboat. You throw your pride out to keep it afloat, and your self-respect and independence. After a while, you start throwing people out - your friends, everyone you used to know. And it's still not enough. The lifeboat is still sinking, and you know it's going to take you down with it. I've seen that happen to a lot of girls here. That's why I'm sick of love."

After that I am determined to read the book - Shantaram, recommended to me by my lovely friend Charlotte.

I am also reading a new book, given to me by the lovely American family that I sometimes sit for. It's called 'Sarah's Key' and it's based on the story of young Sarah Starzynski - a young French, Jewish child living in Paris during the occupation. It jumps between Sarah's story in 1942 to that of Julia Jarmond in 2002 and how their past, present and future have become inextricably linked. So far it's been incredibly moving and emotional and I would recommend it to anyone. It has also opened my eyes to how few people are aware of the Vel d'hiv Roundup of 1942 and how responsible the French really were. I've been angry and sad whilst reading this novel but it has reminded me how important it is not to forget the past and how important it is to learn from our mistakes. A really good read.

Lastly I have flu, big bad old horrible flu. La grippe as the French call it, like it literally grips you. Bloody nightmare. Been in bed most of the week, missed my exam today and its still not shifting. Hope it's gone for the rugby and my babysitting on the weekend :-/ already feel like a social hermit. Also stressing about next year, all I know so far is that i'm leaving Paris to go home for the summer and I have no idea after that. If you know me well you should know I plan, EVERYTHING. So for me not to have a plan is...different. Brave? Or just plain foolish? Who knows yet.