The last few days

THURSDAY

7.00 leave for airport! I was feeling quite sad to be leaving my family but I know this is going to be an experience that will help me develop many skills. I have been managing myself well, coping with change, being organized and trying my very best to communicate with others.

After traveling for over 30 hours we were all very tired. Day 1,

Day 2, We decided after falling asleep at dinner last night to go exploring Paris early to avoid the crowds.

When we got to the Tower de Eiffel…there were queues…lots of them, so being the adventurous Kiwi’s that we are, and the shortest queue was on the stair entrance, we walked…up and up and up 640 stairs…yes I did it! I can tell you, it was quite a journey on jetlag, heat of Paris and the whole overwhelming feeling I was having.

After looking about for a bit, we (Fran from Auckland, Nigel from Whangarei) we almost ran down the stairs, easy peasy. There are many beggers in Paris, sitting in train stations, with their hands out for money. Apparently this is quite normal and we shouldn’t give them anything or there will be more to come. An interesting experience on the Metro on our first trip…a beggar with a dog, apparently they have dogs to protect themselves at night, got on the Metro and started shouting for money to feed his dog. Interesting. Dogs are allowed everywhere in Paris, even on a plane. We had one just in a bag next to us on the plane from Frankfurt! Odd.

After seeing the tower and being struck for words, we ambled off to Champs el lesse to Arc de triompe. Seeing this for the first time was somewhat over whelming really. Seeing things that I had only read about was almost a spiritual experience. In real life (lol) things are tres, tres bon! Taking the underground tunnel was far better than even attempting crossing the road. If you really wanted to be injured, then sure, but non, non, non…in Paris, ALWAYS cross with the little green man!

There are police everywhere, carrying very large guns! Somewhat off putting for this kiwi chick although with the amount of beggers everywhere, it is nice to know there is help if you need it. Lots and lots of hawkers at the tower…they never leave you alone!

So, Saturday we left Paris for Bavay at 4.30 on the Metro. Was not so much fun dragging my bag all the way up and down the stairs in the Metro, but ces’t la vie. I can walk up the stairs at the Eiffel tower, I can drag around my suitcase. After a two hour train ride through some interesting scenery, we arrived at Maubege. Therese and Danielle were waiting at the station for us with a cheery smile, lots of kissing the French way etc. Although totally stuffed by this stage we went of a drink at a bar and a wee chat. Although at the moment, my confidence in my ability to communicate is ZERO I just sat, smiling for quite some time, while a different track, of “What the heck have I gotten myself into” flew through my jetlagged head! Mon dieu.

I am staying in a 200 year old farm house, sans dairy to the side sil vous plait. Danielle, husband and Naomi live here with ….yes this is a cool thing, a bouche fiche called Dora who has now decided that I am her mon aime. The family are very welcoming and I am happy to be placed with such welcoming people. We were then off to dinner which was to be fish and chips, in, can you believe this, Belgium! So surreal! A normal dinner out is just popping over to Belgium darling!

Still waking up at 4 in the morning, not so good! Body clock is adjusting slowly. Breakfast this morning was Baugette, black coffee and chocolate spread. Ou est la vogels! I then went for a stroll through Bavay, lovely little town, honestly the houses are awesome, very old, very French! The streets are very narrow and I have to remember to look the other way first when crossing. Oops. Of course I took Dora walking with me, although who was walking who! Hmmm.

The extended family came for lunch today. Apparently a French tradition. It would seem that wine is a big part of life en France, so I am having to develop a bit of a drinking habit to fit in. not so good for this kiwi who only has the very occasional vino! The six year old Emma loved the puppet book I brought over.