Wow, as of February 5, we have been here for six months! That is crazy. Time has just flown by us. As I look back I am amazed at how well the girls and I have adjusted. They can navigate the Metro almost as well as a native and they don't hesitate to go to the market or boulangerie on their own - to buy either something I forgot or to get more pain chocolats! Their French is coming along marvelously and although they are a little reticent to speak, they understand almost everything that is said to them. I am not so gifted - but my lessons are bringing back my college French!
I have managed to utilize the healthcare system, the real estate market and even got legal advice. All in a foreign country! Of course I had some help - thanks to the parents' association and the American Embassy and Google. All of these new experiences can be daunting but once I got started I realized that things really aren't that different here.
Although I am amazed and baffled about some things - the reliance on paper (forms and receipts) and the usage of fountain pens is rather quaint. Things definitely are not streamlined here - bureaucracy reigns supreme and to get anything done usually takes most of the day and loads of patience! Each arrondissement is it's own little town with a "mairie" (town hall) and activity center. Even purchasing something from Darty (kind of like a Best Buy) requires flagging down a salesperson, requesting the item, getting a ticket, going to the cashier, paying for the item, then going to the merchandise counter with your paid receipt in hand. Then you can get your coffee maker, printer, etc.! Not exactly self serve around here. And I can't quite figure out why the washing machines and dryers take so long to complete a laundry cycle.
I love the open air markets and the produce stands - the sales people are so funny and charming, cajoling you to come try the clementines or the mangos. The fruits and veggies are so delicious here - just walking by the fruit stands you can smell them! And wine, so good and so inexpensive - however, the French still need to learn about aged, marbled beef. I do miss a good steak and Tex-Mex. We can find tortillas and all of the fixings but I do miss my Tex-Mex restaurants and decent margaritas!
I have managed to utilize the healthcare system, the real estate market and even got legal advice. All in a foreign country! Of course I had some help - thanks to the parents' association and the American Embassy and Google. All of these new experiences can be daunting but once I got started I realized that things really aren't that different here.
Although I am amazed and baffled about some things - the reliance on paper (forms and receipts) and the usage of fountain pens is rather quaint. Things definitely are not streamlined here - bureaucracy reigns supreme and to get anything done usually takes most of the day and loads of patience! Each arrondissement is it's own little town with a "mairie" (town hall) and activity center. Even purchasing something from Darty (kind of like a Best Buy) requires flagging down a salesperson, requesting the item, getting a ticket, going to the cashier, paying for the item, then going to the merchandise counter with your paid receipt in hand. Then you can get your coffee maker, printer, etc.! Not exactly self serve around here. And I can't quite figure out why the washing machines and dryers take so long to complete a laundry cycle.
I love the open air markets and the produce stands - the sales people are so funny and charming, cajoling you to come try the clementines or the mangos. The fruits and veggies are so delicious here - just walking by the fruit stands you can smell them! And wine, so good and so inexpensive - however, the French still need to learn about aged, marbled beef. I do miss a good steak and Tex-Mex. We can find tortillas and all of the fixings but I do miss my Tex-Mex restaurants and decent margaritas!
I love the people watching - the women of an indeterminate age rocking their leather pants and mink coats, the kids racing by on their scooters and the men in their formal overcoats with jeans and scarves. And seeing the Eiffel Tower never gets old. I have to pinch myself to see if I am dreaming. Every day brings something new to see or do or experience - I look forward to every day just to see what new adventures we will have!
We have met some wonderful people and formed great friendships. Again the parents' association is awesome because it has provided us with an instant support group. And it helps that the parents of the other Adaptation kids are super fun and interesting. Hardly a month goes by without someone throwing an impromptu dinner party or cocktail party. Even the kids field trips often result in a gathering at a local cafe. The girls have made friends with kids from all over the world - this really has broadened their horizons and made the transition easier. And it helps that everyone in the Adaptation program is new here and "fresh off the boat", so to speak.
We have been really fortunate that the weather has been so mild - this winter hasn't had any snow or sleet. Keep your fingers crossed! There have actually been days here in January and February where the sun has made an appearance!
We have met some wonderful people and formed great friendships. Again the parents' association is awesome because it has provided us with an instant support group. And it helps that the parents of the other Adaptation kids are super fun and interesting. Hardly a month goes by without someone throwing an impromptu dinner party or cocktail party. Even the kids field trips often result in a gathering at a local cafe. The girls have made friends with kids from all over the world - this really has broadened their horizons and made the transition easier. And it helps that everyone in the Adaptation program is new here and "fresh off the boat", so to speak.
We have been really fortunate that the weather has been so mild - this winter hasn't had any snow or sleet. Keep your fingers crossed! There have actually been days here in January and February where the sun has made an appearance!
This move has been great for us - I cannot wait to see what happens in the next six months!