Mother's Day is next weekend!
I saw lots of cards in the supermarket and panicked.
So mums out there - I retract the statement in my last post. But will shower you with love and affection....next weekend.
OR - I could follow Papa G's advice and claim that EVERY day should be Mother's Day! (Insert sucking-up noises here...)
Off on the hike now. Just having trouble getting up off the comfy, plush couch.....
Thursday, 30 April 2009
A leopard CAN change its spots....and assorted other cliches.
The blog will be quiet for the next 3 days as I am....wait for it... going on a 3-day Hike.
Yep. Hiking.
No I am not being blackmailed, tortured, held against my will or punished nor am I on crack.
The times they are a-changing.
We were invited by some friends, M immediately said yes and I decided to seize the opportunity.
We went packing for food as a group tonight (I'm hoping the camp-food philosophy kicks in so the couscous with lentils for dinner turns into the most amazing meal I've ever eaten...) and we are getting our stuff packed into our...er...packs in preparation for an early start.
Wish me luck! I'll let you know how it goes.....
And Happy Mothers Day for Sunday to all the mummies out there, especially mine. xx
Yep. Hiking.
No I am not being blackmailed, tortured, held against my will or punished nor am I on crack.
The times they are a-changing.
We were invited by some friends, M immediately said yes and I decided to seize the opportunity.
We went packing for food as a group tonight (I'm hoping the camp-food philosophy kicks in so the couscous with lentils for dinner turns into the most amazing meal I've ever eaten...) and we are getting our stuff packed into our...er...packs in preparation for an early start.
Wish me luck! I'll let you know how it goes.....
And Happy Mothers Day for Sunday to all the mummies out there, especially mine. xx
A mystery, a conundrum and an enigma. And a whole lotta WTF.
Received a call from the International School of Nice today.
Which was cool, as I only sent my CV off last night. Go me. A whoo and a hooo from the people up the back please.
The lovely lady said she is always interested in finding people who can substitute for permanent faculty members and may be interested if there are places that need filling for next year (which is Sept over here). So that all sounded good.
Then she asked if I had EU work papers – I explained that I don’t, that I have a Carte de Sejour – which is a residency card and that my understanding is, that if I get a job, it’s a matter of submitting forms to the Govt, getting a few stamps, a trip to the burning pit of hell that is the prefecture, et voila. Worker-shaped person.
However.
She said that I’d need to have my EU work papers sorted out before they could consider me.
I mentioned again that I would need to have some sort of work contract and that would enable the paperwork to begin.
She said that when they’ve hired Australian citizens, they always have to have their paperwork sorted before they leave (like M did).
I agreed with this but explained that our circumstances are slightly different as I have permission to live here.
She asked me to get it all sorted out and then let her know. ....
Soooo, if I’m following this correctly, I need to somehow get documents that allow me to work in France, documents I can’t GET, unless I have a work contract, and the people who might, hypothetically, theoretically, maybe like to employ me, won’t offer me a job unless I have the documents that allow me to work, documents I can’t GET...........
You see where this is going.
The whole thing is more cracked out than Lindsay Lohan.
It’s an enigma. And on top of my fear that my neighbours hate me, that the minestrone soup that’s been in the fridge for ages may be growing and that I may never rid this apartment of dust no matter how hard I try, this whole immigration/employment situation is doing my head in.
Righto, nothing to it. Going to watch The Little Mermaid on YouTube. Bless.
Bliss.
Which was cool, as I only sent my CV off last night. Go me. A whoo and a hooo from the people up the back please.
The lovely lady said she is always interested in finding people who can substitute for permanent faculty members and may be interested if there are places that need filling for next year (which is Sept over here). So that all sounded good.
Then she asked if I had EU work papers – I explained that I don’t, that I have a Carte de Sejour – which is a residency card and that my understanding is, that if I get a job, it’s a matter of submitting forms to the Govt, getting a few stamps, a trip to the burning pit of hell that is the prefecture, et voila. Worker-shaped person.
However.
She said that I’d need to have my EU work papers sorted out before they could consider me.
I mentioned again that I would need to have some sort of work contract and that would enable the paperwork to begin.
She said that when they’ve hired Australian citizens, they always have to have their paperwork sorted before they leave (like M did).
I agreed with this but explained that our circumstances are slightly different as I have permission to live here.
She asked me to get it all sorted out and then let her know. ....
Soooo, if I’m following this correctly, I need to somehow get documents that allow me to work in France, documents I can’t GET, unless I have a work contract, and the people who might, hypothetically, theoretically, maybe like to employ me, won’t offer me a job unless I have the documents that allow me to work, documents I can’t GET...........
You see where this is going.
The whole thing is more cracked out than Lindsay Lohan.
It’s an enigma. And on top of my fear that my neighbours hate me, that the minestrone soup that’s been in the fridge for ages may be growing and that I may never rid this apartment of dust no matter how hard I try, this whole immigration/employment situation is doing my head in.
Righto, nothing to it. Going to watch The Little Mermaid on YouTube. Bless.
Bliss.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
A weird thing happened today
So I was at home, minding my business, listening to Beyonce's "Diva" on the laptop (not loudly) when our doorbell rang. Odd.
There are two buzzers to get into our building - front gate and main door, so if the doorbell goes, it's someone already in the building. Or it's an idiot who has mistaken the doorbell switch for the hallway light switch which I ..uh..may have done a few times.
So I opened the door and a guy (our age-ish?) who I haven't seen before says 'bonjour' and then launched into reeeeeeally quick French. Now, my comprehension really is improving these days, but I had NO idea what he was saying. So I said "Je suis desolee, Je ne comprend pas, je parle francais un peu, plus lentemnt s'il vous plait" - which I say A LOT.
He didn't really slow down, just sighed with exasperation and looked at me like I was Stoooopid. - which also happens a lot.
So first I thought he was trying to tell me that the intercom was broken. Nope.
Then I thought he was saying that I was being too loud - which is weird, so I tried to show him the washing machine to ask if perhaps that's what was making the noise. Nope.
Then I think he said we are too noisy at night - with our walking around and music.
What le fuck?
It's just the two of us and, not that much music!!?! WTF??? The last all-night Rave where we all dropped E and had orgies in the bathroom was WEEKS ago. ...he he ..kidding!!...
Anyway, I was so flustered, and all my french had basically abandoned me, so I simply said sorry several times and "d'accord" - which means ok.
Now I'm paranoid that we might be walking around too loudly. So am wearing socks and kind of ice-skating around the apartment. And I still have really no idea what had his panties in a twist.
Weird.
In other news, in the last 24 hours I have sent out 4 CVs - three to International Schools in the area and one to the local Irish Bar - hee hee.
It makes my stomach all twisty and icky and gross but it must be done.
So yes dad - I will "get a job".
And try to get some sleep.
Am also thinking about writing a book - I have a cracker of a plot or two, but not sure how to start......
Loves youse all.
There are two buzzers to get into our building - front gate and main door, so if the doorbell goes, it's someone already in the building. Or it's an idiot who has mistaken the doorbell switch for the hallway light switch which I ..uh..may have done a few times.
So I opened the door and a guy (our age-ish?) who I haven't seen before says 'bonjour' and then launched into reeeeeeally quick French. Now, my comprehension really is improving these days, but I had NO idea what he was saying. So I said "Je suis desolee, Je ne comprend pas, je parle francais un peu, plus lentemnt s'il vous plait" - which I say A LOT.
He didn't really slow down, just sighed with exasperation and looked at me like I was Stoooopid. - which also happens a lot.
So first I thought he was trying to tell me that the intercom was broken. Nope.
Then I thought he was saying that I was being too loud - which is weird, so I tried to show him the washing machine to ask if perhaps that's what was making the noise. Nope.
Then I think he said we are too noisy at night - with our walking around and music.
What le fuck?
It's just the two of us and, not that much music!!?! WTF??? The last all-night Rave where we all dropped E and had orgies in the bathroom was WEEKS ago. ...he he ..kidding!!...
Anyway, I was so flustered, and all my french had basically abandoned me, so I simply said sorry several times and "d'accord" - which means ok.
Now I'm paranoid that we might be walking around too loudly. So am wearing socks and kind of ice-skating around the apartment. And I still have really no idea what had his panties in a twist.
Weird.
In other news, in the last 24 hours I have sent out 4 CVs - three to International Schools in the area and one to the local Irish Bar - hee hee.
It makes my stomach all twisty and icky and gross but it must be done.
So yes dad - I will "get a job".
And try to get some sleep.
Am also thinking about writing a book - I have a cracker of a plot or two, but not sure how to start......
Loves youse all.
This is GOLD and will make you smile
Brilliant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k
I'm not skilled enough yet to put video clips up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k
I'm not skilled enough yet to put video clips up!
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Can I still be on Adelaide time??
Because if I can, then being awake right now makes sense - it's 10.49am. Perfectly normal.
However, in Cannes it is 3.20am. Which is only acceptable if you're reeeealy drunk. Which I'm not.
Insomnia is a bitch. I shall name her Morag after Alf's sister on H&A. Strewth.
And if anyone suggests counting sheep, I'll stab them in the kidney. With a spork. Or a splade.
Might read more of my uber confusing and challenging and lack of line/paragraph break why are my eyeballs bleeding book. Nothing sends me off to a nice night's sleep like reading about what the Nazis did in the Ukraine and Russia.
Sweet dreams
are made of these...do do do..who am I to disagree...I travel the world and the seventh seas....everybody's looking for something....
I love Annie Lennox.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Still not sleepy.
However, in Cannes it is 3.20am. Which is only acceptable if you're reeeealy drunk. Which I'm not.
Insomnia is a bitch. I shall name her Morag after Alf's sister on H&A. Strewth.
And if anyone suggests counting sheep, I'll stab them in the kidney. With a spork. Or a splade.
Might read more of my uber confusing and challenging and lack of line/paragraph break why are my eyeballs bleeding book. Nothing sends me off to a nice night's sleep like reading about what the Nazis did in the Ukraine and Russia.
Sweet dreams
are made of these...do do do..who am I to disagree...I travel the world and the seventh seas....everybody's looking for something....
I love Annie Lennox.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Still not sleepy.
Monday, 27 April 2009
Congratulations Talia!
I have been downloading So you think you can Dance - only the performances, not the results shows as that much Bassingthwaite makes me want to perform un-anesthetized rectal surgery on myself, and I am pleased as punch that Talia won. Yay!
I liked all the top 4 but felt that Talia was the best dancer - most of my favourite routines from the series include her: the Romeo + Juliet one with Loredo, the 'Dead and Gone' with BJ, the amazing very modern contemporary with Charlie. Although I did love Amy and BJ's dance to Beyonce's 'Halo' but that could just be because I love me some Beyonce.
I love dance shows. I wish I could dance like that. In my head, I can, but as many of you would attest, the real product is somewhat......different. Pity they don't have a category for interpretative dance, cause I would knock their socks off with my version of Men at Work's "Down Under" complete with miming of Vegemite sandwiches. Awesome.
I liked all the top 4 but felt that Talia was the best dancer - most of my favourite routines from the series include her: the Romeo + Juliet one with Loredo, the 'Dead and Gone' with BJ, the amazing very modern contemporary with Charlie. Although I did love Amy and BJ's dance to Beyonce's 'Halo' but that could just be because I love me some Beyonce.
I love dance shows. I wish I could dance like that. In my head, I can, but as many of you would attest, the real product is somewhat......different. Pity they don't have a category for interpretative dance, cause I would knock their socks off with my version of Men at Work's "Down Under" complete with miming of Vegemite sandwiches. Awesome.
I'm on FIRE!!
Like crack-book, the Twilight series and chocolate covered raspberries, Blogging seems to be slightly addictive.
Random bits of information for today: (I think these are called "thoughts")
At the moment, days often go past where the only intelligent one-on-one conversations I have here - other than with Mark, are with people who think I understand a lot more French than I do. Which makes for very unusual conversations. Today I finally drummed up the courage to ask for a "Carte de Fidelite" at the supermarket I frequent. I figure if I'm spending all M's hard-earned money we might as well get some loyalty bonus, yeah? So the very friendly checkout lady - they're all pretty nice here actually, I think there's a scientific correlation between allowing check-out chicks to sit in a comfy chair and their positive attitude - someone should do a study.
Where was I? Oh yes, so she explained to me all the benefits I would receive, gave me a whole lot of vouchers, pointed out a whole lot of information, gave instructions.
All in rapid fire French.
Me: "uh, d'accord.....oui.....d'accord.....merci" - No f-ing idea what she said. Great. "Smile".
And that's my outside contact for the day, unless I decide we need more bread and head to my favourite boulangerie, where the lady always asks how I am, and I always say I'm good. She's pretty much my bestest friend, I'm considering making us friendship bracelets. *le sigh*
Second thought - I miss working. I try not to, as when I AM working, all I do is wish for more time to read, relax, rediscover the brilliance that is Buffy Series 2 and 3, hang out in trackies all day, etc. And while it is all well and good, and I am enjoying my free time, I miss school. I miss the students, the frantic pace, the intelligent conversations with my colleagues, the less intelligent conversations with my colleagues, the sense of purpose and the joy I get from teaching. I almost, maybe, sorta, miss marking!! Arghhhh!
*le sigh number 2*
Third thought. Ham (jambon) tastes different here, and I still can't put my finger on why. I've tried many, many forms of pre-packaged, fresh sliced from the deli counter, fresh sliced at 2 different markets, fresh from butcher. Still tastes weird. Not bad, just weird. And so does mince. It's sweeter, and inexplicably comes marketed as either 5% MG or 15% MG, we still have no idea what MG stands for.
But the bread here IS. THE. SHIT. It's sooo good. And on that note, I'm going to have some more baguette avec buerre et confiture.
Au Revoir
Thanks for stopping by!
B
Random bits of information for today: (I think these are called "thoughts")
At the moment, days often go past where the only intelligent one-on-one conversations I have here - other than with Mark, are with people who think I understand a lot more French than I do. Which makes for very unusual conversations. Today I finally drummed up the courage to ask for a "Carte de Fidelite" at the supermarket I frequent. I figure if I'm spending all M's hard-earned money we might as well get some loyalty bonus, yeah? So the very friendly checkout lady - they're all pretty nice here actually, I think there's a scientific correlation between allowing check-out chicks to sit in a comfy chair and their positive attitude - someone should do a study.
Where was I? Oh yes, so she explained to me all the benefits I would receive, gave me a whole lot of vouchers, pointed out a whole lot of information, gave instructions.
All in rapid fire French.
Me: "uh, d'accord.....oui.....d'accord.....merci" - No f-ing idea what she said. Great. "Smile".
And that's my outside contact for the day, unless I decide we need more bread and head to my favourite boulangerie, where the lady always asks how I am, and I always say I'm good. She's pretty much my bestest friend, I'm considering making us friendship bracelets. *le sigh*
Second thought - I miss working. I try not to, as when I AM working, all I do is wish for more time to read, relax, rediscover the brilliance that is Buffy Series 2 and 3, hang out in trackies all day, etc. And while it is all well and good, and I am enjoying my free time, I miss school. I miss the students, the frantic pace, the intelligent conversations with my colleagues, the less intelligent conversations with my colleagues, the sense of purpose and the joy I get from teaching. I almost, maybe, sorta, miss marking!! Arghhhh!
*le sigh number 2*
Third thought. Ham (jambon) tastes different here, and I still can't put my finger on why. I've tried many, many forms of pre-packaged, fresh sliced from the deli counter, fresh sliced at 2 different markets, fresh from butcher. Still tastes weird. Not bad, just weird. And so does mince. It's sweeter, and inexplicably comes marketed as either 5% MG or 15% MG, we still have no idea what MG stands for.
But the bread here IS. THE. SHIT. It's sooo good. And on that note, I'm going to have some more baguette avec buerre et confiture.
Au Revoir
Thanks for stopping by!
B
Sunday, 26 April 2009
San Remo and photos from when Tors and Anthony were here
Hello all.
Well, a few people have read this little bad boy now and most of the feedback has been good, despite the heckling about my atrocious spelling.
I would like to point your attention towards a little link at the bottom of posts that says comments, which is where you, faithful reader can leave a comment, if you wish, to make the writer..er..blogger feel loved. LOVE ME!! Please.
So on Saturday, when M was off in Antibes learning to speak French good, I went to San Remo in Italy with the lovely Heather who was in my class at the College.
We caught a train over from our local station and once we’d negotiated the train changeover in Ventimiglia, we were in Italy in under 2 hours. A very surreal experience. Europe is wicked. The night before, M chucked my passport at me, and I was all like “what do I need this for??” and he pointed out “you’re going to another country”. Oh yeah. Dumb.
Anyway, it was a cracker of a day and Heather and I both enjoyed just wandering around. San Remo doesn’t have a whole lot to see or do but it was very pretty and we had fun walking around the markets where there was lots of leather goods, scarves, flowers, shoes, clothing and men selling fake designer goods who seemed to scamper whenever there were policemen about. Heather bought a Louis Vuitton bag and some sunnies and I bought some herbs (including a very robust and divine smelling basil plant) and pot plants.
I also got totally sucked in by this guy doing a very entertaining presentation with a “minislicer” – kind of a peeler/knife thing, he was doing all this clever stuff with vegetables, and he heard me say “that’s cooool” in English, so he started playing up to us so....... i bought one. It came with a free “Riccioli” which as far as I can tell is a gadget to make kinda vegie swirly things.
I used it tonight to peel potatoes.
Not great.
I feel used.
M also pointed out that if it wasn’t for his presence in my life, I would have drawers and cupboards FULL of similarly useless gadgets. I am such a sucker for infomercials. I have often found myself, at about 2.00am thinking quite seriously about the benefits of Proactive, or mineral makeup, and those knife sets, woo-wee. I could use some new knives..... I’m f-ing hopeless.
Back to San Remo. We had a great, and inexpensive pizza lunch and some deliciouso gelati and walked around the old town and through some pretty gardens. We also found this shop on the way in to town that sold the most amazing Italian produce, so we wanted to head back there on the way to the train, but due to the European lunch “hour” – which actually means that shops close from 12.00 – 3.30 or sometimes 4.00!!! We were sitting outside the shop when the guy reopened it and I think he thought we were a little crazy. I bought pesto, sea salt, tomatoes and bruschetta topping. I could have bought a whole lot more, but refrained, I think it was guilt over the bloody minislicer thing. Boo.
A great day though, beautiful and sunny, I even got a little bit pink on the old bingo wings.
Today was another story – rainy and grey and blerk. But we spoke to lots of people and did lots of organisational stuff for the grand Loveday/Ramsey holiday adventure. Can’t wait!!
Below are photos from San Remo and also a few older ones from when Tor and Anthony were here.
Yummy Italian goodies.
Pretty gardens. Less pretty lady.
Old Town - and Heather!
Me and Tors in Nice
Out to dinner in Cannes
Lunch at St Paul de Vence
Tori and Anthony at St Paul de Vence
Well, a few people have read this little bad boy now and most of the feedback has been good, despite the heckling about my atrocious spelling.
I would like to point your attention towards a little link at the bottom of posts that says comments, which is where you, faithful reader can leave a comment, if you wish, to make the writer..er..blogger feel loved. LOVE ME!! Please.
So on Saturday, when M was off in Antibes learning to speak French good, I went to San Remo in Italy with the lovely Heather who was in my class at the College.
We caught a train over from our local station and once we’d negotiated the train changeover in Ventimiglia, we were in Italy in under 2 hours. A very surreal experience. Europe is wicked. The night before, M chucked my passport at me, and I was all like “what do I need this for??” and he pointed out “you’re going to another country”. Oh yeah. Dumb.
Anyway, it was a cracker of a day and Heather and I both enjoyed just wandering around. San Remo doesn’t have a whole lot to see or do but it was very pretty and we had fun walking around the markets where there was lots of leather goods, scarves, flowers, shoes, clothing and men selling fake designer goods who seemed to scamper whenever there were policemen about. Heather bought a Louis Vuitton bag and some sunnies and I bought some herbs (including a very robust and divine smelling basil plant) and pot plants.
I also got totally sucked in by this guy doing a very entertaining presentation with a “minislicer” – kind of a peeler/knife thing, he was doing all this clever stuff with vegetables, and he heard me say “that’s cooool” in English, so he started playing up to us so....... i bought one. It came with a free “Riccioli” which as far as I can tell is a gadget to make kinda vegie swirly things.
I used it tonight to peel potatoes.
Not great.
I feel used.
M also pointed out that if it wasn’t for his presence in my life, I would have drawers and cupboards FULL of similarly useless gadgets. I am such a sucker for infomercials. I have often found myself, at about 2.00am thinking quite seriously about the benefits of Proactive, or mineral makeup, and those knife sets, woo-wee. I could use some new knives..... I’m f-ing hopeless.
Back to San Remo. We had a great, and inexpensive pizza lunch and some deliciouso gelati and walked around the old town and through some pretty gardens. We also found this shop on the way in to town that sold the most amazing Italian produce, so we wanted to head back there on the way to the train, but due to the European lunch “hour” – which actually means that shops close from 12.00 – 3.30 or sometimes 4.00!!! We were sitting outside the shop when the guy reopened it and I think he thought we were a little crazy. I bought pesto, sea salt, tomatoes and bruschetta topping. I could have bought a whole lot more, but refrained, I think it was guilt over the bloody minislicer thing. Boo.
A great day though, beautiful and sunny, I even got a little bit pink on the old bingo wings.
Today was another story – rainy and grey and blerk. But we spoke to lots of people and did lots of organisational stuff for the grand Loveday/Ramsey holiday adventure. Can’t wait!!
Below are photos from San Remo and also a few older ones from when Tor and Anthony were here.
Yummy Italian goodies. Pretty gardens. Less pretty lady.
Old Town - and Heather!
Me and Tors in Nice Out to dinner in CannesWe loved having you guys!
Thanks for stopping by. x B
Friday, 24 April 2009
Stupido x 2
I've realised it's sightseeeing NOT site seeing as I've written several times in previous posts. Quelle idiot!
But I can't be bothered to edit out my mistakes - honestly if I edited out all my spelling errors nothing whould ever get done. THIS is what hapens when you stop working!
Also - hilariously, M just received a veeeeeery drunken mobile phone call from Kate who is, I believe, camping this weekend with Holly, Lovers, Katie, Stevie et al.
She needed to go over the rules to Kings.
So she calls Mark.
In France.
From her mobile.
Ouch. That is going to hurt on so may levels tomorrow. LOVE YOU KATE, you crazy drunk bastard.
But I can't be bothered to edit out my mistakes - honestly if I edited out all my spelling errors nothing whould ever get done. THIS is what hapens when you stop working!
Also - hilariously, M just received a veeeeeery drunken mobile phone call from Kate who is, I believe, camping this weekend with Holly, Lovers, Katie, Stevie et al.
She needed to go over the rules to Kings.
So she calls Mark.
In France.
From her mobile.
Ouch. That is going to hurt on so may levels tomorrow. LOVE YOU KATE, you crazy drunk bastard.
It's a good place to be a monk!
On the Easter long weekend M and I went to visit the second of the two islands (called the Îles de Lérins) which are just off Cannes.
We visited the first one, Ile Ste Maguerite, when Kate was here which has a Fort, a prison where the infamous "Man in the Iron Mask" was kept and....lots of gum trees. We thought it kinda sucked, but we were there in the middle of winter so perhaps it comes alive in warmer weather (it's alllliiive, it's aliiiive) sorry.
So anyway, we headed of to the second one, Ile St Honorat on a truly gorgeous and sunny Easter Monday. The ferry over is quite a lot of fun in itself and offers great views of the bay of Cannes and all the yachts - and they were out in force this day. I'm still in desperate need of a friend/sister to, for want of a better word, whore themselves out to a rich Tycoon so I can ride on one of these yachts. Any offers? Maybe "whore" is to strong a word..........nope. Whore it is! Anyone??? Please??
So anyway, we headed of to the second one, Ile St Honorat on a truly gorgeous and sunny Easter Monday. The ferry over is quite a lot of fun in itself and offers great views of the bay of Cannes and all the yachts - and they were out in force this day. I'm still in desperate need of a friend/sister to, for want of a better word, whore themselves out to a rich Tycoon so I can ride on one of these yachts. Any offers? Maybe "whore" is to strong a word..........nope. Whore it is! Anyone??? Please??
Now an awkward segue to religion! This island has had a monastery almost continually since it was founded in 410AD and there is a groovy 11th Century fortress on the sea-side of the island and a church and cloisters. A shop sells wine, liquors, honey, chocolate, beer and other products produced by the monks. The island itself is beautiful, full of vineyards and shady spots. We had a great time walking around and will certainly head back there with guests. We were lucky enough to slip into the church when the monks were singing plainchant....spine tingly stuff. I think if I was going to be a monk, I'd wanna do it here. Land of milk and honey indeed.
On that note - not long now till Holly, Lovers and COCONUT arrive, and then straight after that, Kym and Rachael. We can't wait, it will be so much fun!
Photos of Ile St Honorat:
Thanks for stopping by!
Paris holds the key to your heart
The title of this post is a little shout-out to a certain film. A wheel of cheese and a Gold star to the first person who gets it!
So, easily one of the best, if not THE best things about living in Europe is your proximity to, well, Europe. Handy that.
A few weeks ago Mark and I went to Paris. It was, unsurprisingly, GREATNESS. We hadn't visited the city of love since the 1998 Pembroke Choir and Orchestra Tour, so we were very excited to be back, over 10 years later.
Being money conscious as we are (*cough-have to be-**) we found the cheapest way to get there was actually to catch an overnight sleeper train that left around 9.45pm and got in to Paris around 7.00am. It was ok, the "couchettes" are comfy enough and the train rocking motion is oddly soothing, but it's still not a way I'd like to travel all the time. Yeah yeah, harden up princess, but anyways.
We made our way to our hotel via...a slight detour. I'd looked at the maps and went for easiest path....which meant we walked for about 50min when we could have either gone one metro station or walked about 15min. Doh. Stupido. While walking M pointed out ever-so-gently that it was a good thing I'd mucked up, as if he'd made the mistake that had me unnecessarily traipsing around, he'd be dead meat.
Touche.
We dumped our stuff and raced of to meet Tori and Anthony who had been staying with us in Cannes - we had a great time with them! We met them at Notre Dame and started on our bike tour. I would thoroughly recommend http://www.bikeabouttours.com/ our guide, Christian, was so lovely and they really showed us "their" Paris - not just all the big monuments that you can easily see on your own. We had a brilliant time, it was such a gold way to site-see. Hang on.. sight-see or site-see? Your are seeing sites but....... ah, fook it. Anyway, I loathe bus tours, personally, much prefer walking and now - riding!
Our bike tour group and Christian
However, they told us their bikes had extra comfy gel seats. My arse they were comfy! And my arse should know, it was killing by the end of the tour! I can't remember the last time I rode a bike - and I now the cliche is that "it's just like riding a bike" - i.e, you don't forget, but someone needed to tell that to, well, my va-ja-jay and butt region. OUCH.
The rest of the long weekend was jam packed with lots of site seeing, plenty of walking and a butt-load of stair climbing - especially around Monmartre and Sacre Coeur. We had a wonderful time and as we caught the TGV 'home' to Cannes, we were very thankful fo the opportunity to live in France.
Highlights?
- Seeing the Eiffel Tour at night, it really is something special.
- The hot chocolate at Angelinas and M's hilarious reaction to the price.
- Musee d'Orsay. I love me some impressionist art.
- Shakespeare & Co Bookshop. I wanna have its babies. LOVED IT.
- Ile St Louis, so cute and the famous Berthillon icecream - deliciouso.
- Stumbling along a man practicing his opera singing in one of the acoustically domed entryways to the Louvre. He was amazing!
- Just walking around Paris and soaking it all up.
Some photos for your viewing pleasure! Lots more on M's fbook.
The fabulous Musee d'Orsay
Some big monument
Sacre Coeur
Louvre Pyramids at night
Thanks for stopping by!
Back again!
So I pretty much quit after one blog. Quitter. Blog quitter.
I don't know, it just felt weird, and slightly narcissistic to be typing away my random thoughts - who is ever going to want to read this? But then I thought about the pleasure one can gain from Facebook stalking (come on, we all do it! baby photos, wedding photos, where people are, getting frustrated by the new twitter-like arrangements, having to "hide" people who insist on sharing ALL their f-ing Quiz results..) and the fact that I, personally, really enjoy reading other peoples' blogs.....so yeah.
I'm back.
With very little to say. Perhaps I'll use this instead of group emails - would certainly save time and means I'm not haranguing people with busy working lives by filling up their inbox. Ahh, busy working life, I remember those days....
So yes, will try to post some recent photos and make the page look a bit moreinteresting. I will also try to update regularly-ish!
I don't know, it just felt weird, and slightly narcissistic to be typing away my random thoughts - who is ever going to want to read this? But then I thought about the pleasure one can gain from Facebook stalking (come on, we all do it! baby photos, wedding photos, where people are, getting frustrated by the new twitter-like arrangements, having to "hide" people who insist on sharing ALL their f-ing Quiz results..) and the fact that I, personally, really enjoy reading other peoples' blogs.....so yeah.
I'm back.
With very little to say. Perhaps I'll use this instead of group emails - would certainly save time and means I'm not haranguing people with busy working lives by filling up their inbox. Ahh, busy working life, I remember those days....
So yes, will try to post some recent photos and make the page look a bit moreinteresting. I will also try to update regularly-ish!
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