Crazy May

May is a crazy month in Paris. With over 5 bank holidays scattered throughout, not much is accomplished at school or work. With the crowning of the new president of France, Nicholas Sarkozy, Paris has been buzzing with political fever and excitement mixed with a little bit of unrest. Admittedly, I was very naive of the politics in France, but it’s hard to escape living in Paris as everyone seems to be talking about it. A few weeks ago as I was sipping my usual café crème on Rue Cler, an older gentleman walked by and stopped to say ‘Bonjour Madame’ and shake my hand. Very friendly, I thought. Then another gentleman walks by a few minutes later, again shakes my hand and charmingly says, ‘Bonjour Madame’. No idea who these men were I thought I must be prime prey for older gents seeking mistresses that day. Then I noticed many photographers and press people about and asked the ladies next to me who he was,. ‘Bayrou, third in line for presidency!!’ they replied. Oh la la, even old politicians are sexy and tres charming in France, let’s hope Sarkozy is also, though there remains to be many undecided about him.

The Cannes Film Festival is currently on and there is a fab exhibit in Le Bon Marche of black and white photographs from the previous years. Set in a mock up theatre, there is a large photo of the winner from each year atop a red velvet cinema chair. It is the 60th anniversary of Cannes this year so I’m sure it’s a cracker. Sadly, we are unable to join the celebs down south as we are not heading there until mid-July. Prochaine annee peut-etre?

We are also preparing for Sam’s first school trip away from home. The first week of June Sam will be at Pony Camp for 5 days (4 nights!!) The French encourage independence from a very young age, and we were very wary of it at first. But after a school meeting and numerous chats with other parents, we’ve given Sam the choice and he wants to go. He has to look after his own special pony for a week, water, walk, brush and feed it, plus numerous other activities in what looks like a fantastic camp. My greatest fear is my little boy coming back all grown up, or wanting a pony as a pet instead of a dog. It’s time to loosen the apron strings and let him go, his little sister will be in mourning for his absence.

Alors, our French adventures continue and we are definitely enjoying it more. The French live and breathe the Pleasure Principle more than any other nation, and we are getting a bit too used to it!

Gnomes at the Louvre

Taking a midnight stroll through the Louvre is truly spectacular. Everything in Paris should be seen during the day and at night, both perspectives offer so much in different ways, and there is something even more romantic about the city at night (if that’s possible). However, it’s not just romantic for us dreamy eyed married lovers walking amongst the maze of hedges leading on to the Tuilieries, it’s also the playground for gay garden gnomes apparently, who seemed to be popping out of the bushes at every turn as we walked by, no doubt excited about the loud British male voices they were hearing. UK’s version of Hampstead Heath, the gardens facing the pyramid at night are full of ‘cottagers’ looking for ‘lurve’ at the Louvre. We dared our male companions to go in but they only provided a wee bit of mincing for their Louvre lovers who obviously missed out on a quality bit of English Roast beef (with a condom to avoid mad cow disease bien sur).

Lovin' The Loire

The pleasant chirps of birds singing, soft wind blowing through the leaves, the gentle whirr of the pool’s motor with the odd, distant grunt of a tractor nearby…….We have traded the constant din of car horns honking, blaring ambulance sirens, and foreign French chatter for the blissful quiet of the Loire countryside. How much more you appreciate the simple things in life when you’re surrounded by chaos most of the time. Staying in a freshly decorated small farmhouse near Descartes (where the famous philosopher lived), we have adopted the local Labrador Tiggy, are picking fresh strawberries every morning from the garden, and are poolside every glimpse of sunshine we get (which sadly, is not often). A much needed escape from city life, we are visiting chateaux and drinking copious amounts of local wine to get us through the week, such a trial! Although the children are more excited about the dog than the castles, they are also enjoying having a house with a garden and a pool, even if they don’t get to swim in it.

Another castle visit to Chateau Chenonceau, the most famous of the Loire Valley. A ‘floating castle’, it is built as a bridge over the water, with beautiful gardens on either side. One can only imagine the types of parties that went on here. Built in the 16th century much of its original décor remains, and it is decadence beyond extravagant. The French King Henri II owned the chateau and gave it to his mistress. When he was killed his widow ordered the mistress to give it back to her, though she very graciously offered her another chateau down the road, how very diplomatic of her! Could you ever imagine Posh offering Madame Loos Beckinghim Palace following Becks demise after doing too many lines in LA.???