What We've Realised

We can survive without telly, but I’m afraid the children will not survive without dvds. French telly just doesn’t cut it and as we all know, some tv is imperative to any mother’s sanity and thus most children’s safety (remember, I don’t have a garden to shove them out to, and obviously sending them to the balcony to play is not an option).

Living in a flat is quite nice really, firstly there are no creepy crawlies or slugs in my kitchen to contend with, and the views are better than Esso. Being up high I also enjoy the voyeuristic aspect, looking into other peoples windows and watching lives go by. As I climb the 97 steps to our flat however (there is a lift, just working on those thighs shrinking), I realise that there are no fire escapes in French buildings which is slightly disconcerting and consider googling where to buy some parachutes.

There’s something so comforting when you live near a church; the bells, the singing, the weddings we can hear and see from our balcony are so lovely and calming, and can bring a sense of tranquillity after our crazy days. There seems to be more funerals than weddings, a sign of the times I suppose.

Attempting to get your hair cut for the first time in a foreign country is quite nerve racking. Tom finally went to a coiffure recently. He was unsure of what he asked for as he just saw old ladies around him getting a wash and blow dry, and was convinced he was going to get just that, a big tarzan coif! Luckily he managed to communicate that he wanted ‘un peu coupe’ and came home looking decent. It’s my turn next and I’m terrified as I require ‘balyage specifique’ and other scary sounding things which cost a lot of money – watch this space.

Sam has realised that the French are quite grumpy, especially in the morning (can’t blame only this nation for that though), so now attempts to make them smile with funny faces pressed up against the windows of the bus, it works rarely.

Sam has also realised the value of familiarity and practically forces us to make friends with any English speaking people he hears. Luckily one time it worked in our benefit, and we made some ‘bus friends’ at the bus stop one day – so nice to be socialising again! I’ve had to draw the line at befriending American tourists, I mean, what is the point if they’re leaving tomorrow? We need to make some friends with a bit of longevity.

Ruby’s brilliant observation tops the lot; first time she sees the Concorde she says, ‘My see big pencil Mommy’. Classic.