Minnesota meet Paris

Paris on foot.

Today we had beautiful weather.  It was around 60 degrees and partly cloudy.  Kristina and I had most of the day off and walked all over Paris. By the end of the day my feet and legs hurt something fierce.

We attempted to order a crepe at the park near the Eiffel Tower.  Unfortunately, the man kept ignoring us and I’m pretty sure he was mocking us because we didn’t know anything in French.  We finally left the line.

The darling little watch I bought yesterday broke after a few hours of use.  When it had been 7:30 for four consecutive hours, I finally realized something was wrong.  I took it back and they switched out the battery.  Not bad for such a cheap item.

We had the pleasure of walking all around taking pictures and browsing the little tourist shops.

We stopped in a little market to buy groceries and struggled the whole way through trying to read the French labels.  We wanted ingredients to make soup.  I found what I thought was a can of peas.  Upon opening it I realized it was giant balls of brussel sprouts.  Absolutely disgusting.

The little man spoke English and gave us two free gummies in the shape of Chili Peppers.  We were delighted, until we took a bite and realized they were SPICY gummies.

We ate dinner at a Pizzeria. The portion sizes did not seem smaller to me.  The man next to us ordered a raw hamburger topped with an egg.  I can’t be sure…but I’m almost certain the egg was raw too.  There was something green on top and he mashed it all up into one disgusting hotdish.  It was served with a side of fries.  They looked relatively normal.

I have not seen a lot of attractive French men, although they aren’t short, they aren’t tall either.  Here I was lucky enough to capture a photo of the tallest man I’ve seen here.

Everyone has dogs.  I know they’re French if they are walking around a small dog.

Everyone walks and eats bread or sandwiches or lounges in the park eating them.

We went to the largest Haagen Dazs I’ve ever seen for the past two nights. It has three levels, self service, dine-in, and an icebar along with outdoor seating.  Even with all my walking; I’m not sure I can justify these desserts.  The portions are definitely not small.  However, service in restaurants is designed to make you stay and enjoy your meal.

When it comes to Romance, the French do know best.  I notice the French men are very affectionate. They kiss the women on the streets and in lines and hold the women’s hands while in the parks and at dinner.  Ahhh….I’m sure the city inspires a little romance no matter the culture/couple.

Oh Paris, Je t’adore!

Easter in Paris

After our long flight it felt good to sleep in.  We are seven hours ahead of Minnesota and nine ahead of California.  We went to Lunch at Cafe de l’alma. It ended up being quite a costly meal.

My menu was in English but being extremely picky, nothing sounded terribly appetizing, except the desserts.  I ended up ordered a steamed chicken with lettuce hearts.  I didn’t realize that meant a whole chicken.  It wasn’t that flavorful, despite the price and I only ate a little of it.

Dessert on the other hand was delicious.  Fresh raspberries, strawberries, and tiny wild strawberries which are in season in France.  It was topped with a dollop of ice cream, the quality of which far surpasses your average vanilla.

At lunch I learned the following:

• Many Parisians own dogs and dogs are allowed in the restaurants and cafes.
• The ground floor is called zero. The second floor is called one.
• The waiters have handheld credit card machines to run your card
• Our lunch (for 7 people) probably cost close to $500 (because it was fine dining).
• We were served water from a bottle (as was custom) which I found to be inferior to fresh MN tap
• Many of the older women dye their hair. I noticed many older women with dyed hair to cover the grey/white. They dress well, are thin, and sophisticated.

The grandmother lives right next to the Eiffel tower in an enormous apartment in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Paris. It seems custom to have fresh flowers in the home. She has several vases full of fresh cut flowers she orders from a shop down the block. She says they order them in weekly. We have an assortment of fresh roses which are beautiful.

After lunch, we take the children to the park. It is rainy and cold, but the park is full of people. Shortly after arriving it begins to hail. The sun is not long to follow. It seems the weather is rather sporadic.

On the way back from the park we stop at a little shop that is a classic tourist trap. It features hundreds of items engraved with the Eiffel tower or plastered with I love Paris. Of course I’m a total sucker and want everything in the shop. I buy Kristina and I watches with the Eiffel Tower in the center. They are only 7 euro a piece which ends up being $18.95 (American) total for both.

On the walk home I notice everyone at the cafe on the corner is seated in pairs next to each other. They face the street so they can people watch.

We plan to eat at a Chinese Restaurant down the street this evening. Most of the shops are closed today and tomorrow in recognition of the holiday. Happy Easter from Paris!

Hello Paris!

We drive the scenic tour to Los Angeles. A driver picks us up and caters to our every whim. The road from Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara reminds me of Maui. The mountains rise high into the sky covered in lush foliage and the little homes are swallowed at the bottom.

Guessing from the mounds of luggage and over-packing I guess that after two weeks in Europe it will take a trailer to haul all of our luggage home. When tagging our excessive amount of carry-ons the woman skips a few bags. She informs me that her supervisor is watching and you’re only allowed one personal item and one bag. We’re carrying on more than I’d pack for the whole family.

We fly Air France and I’m pleasantly surprised by the handsome male flight attendants. Unfortunately, the most attractive one seems to vanish after takeoff and I quickly fall asleep. We are fortunate enough to have empty seats next to us and be seated with no seats in front of us. We are served two full meals, beverages, and have an ample selection of movies, TV, and music. The flight is my first to Europe and flies by rather effortlessly.

We arrive to rain. The airport and surrounding area is a drab medley of concrete and windows. I notice nearly everything is graffitied. The speed limits are listed in a bulls-eye. When we reach the heart of the city I notice the change in architecture. The streets are cobbled and the buildings all have long narrow windows and latticed fences. The city is full of people, cafes and designer shops.

The children’s father greets us at the door. They call him Papa and their mother mama. Never once have I heard them call either of their parents mom or dad as I’m accustomed.

Our apartment is near Avenue des Champs-Elysees. It is beautiful and spacious. I’m informed it is très cher (very expensive by Paris standards).  I will share a room with the youngest and my sister will share a room with the oldest. We each have our own bathroom and windows overlooking the courtyard. My first pictures are taken from the car, but I shall have more soon as I explore the city.

We walk to the market to pick up fresh food for dinner.  It is much like a mini farmer’s market.  We tell the man what we’d like and he bags it for us.  The cars park facing either direction and diet Coke is called Cocoa Cola light.

I am already enthralled with the city and I’ve only had a glimpse.

Paris Bound

Today marks my much anticipated departure from the states. We have been frantically trying to pack and transfer our luggage from hard bags to soft. The children left school early and were greeted by an early visit from the “Easter Bunny.” A note explained to the children that he knew of their vacation and would, along with the baskets he was leaving here, contact his cousin in France to have something delivered Sunday. Unfortunately, he personally would not be able to make it to Paris.

The kids were delighted and instantly wild with excitement proclaiming it the “best day ever.” We have a driver picking us up and driving us to LA in about an hour and we fly out around six. We have packed tons of things to do on the plane. I’ve never flown with children so it shall be interesting. The children are outfitted in designer clothes and personalized luggage. They each have business cards in case they should be misplaced or wish to schedule a playdate…they simply give the child “their card.” It puts a whole new meaning to the term, business card.

I’ve noticed California women are much smaller than their Minnesota counterparts. Blame the sun or Hollywood it seems all the mothers here are tiny as can be. I’m expecting Paris to be the same.

We’ll arrive in Paris around two tomorrow. They’ve predicted rain. Fortunatel,y after numerous phone calls, my boots were delivered just in the nick of time. I love them. They will be perfect for splashing through the streets of Paris with the children in tow. I hear the cobbled streets will tear apart your flats. Stay tuned for my arrival in Paris and first impressions.

5 travelers (2 of which are children) and only one of these bags belongs to me.

French Dining & Food Culture

Today I began my actual interaction with the children I’ll be looking after in Paris. Both are adorably innocent and impressionable. They are eager and outgoing and instantly warmed up to me. They expressed their love for me in a matter of minutes and were excited at my lack of height.

They continually pointed out that they are nearly as tall as me, which was a bit of a stretch and continually asked “why are you the shortest one in your family?” and “Angela you’re just so small.” The littlest one giggled in delight and wrapped her tiny arms around me, “You’re like a teenager!” she happily exclaimed. Let me clarify here, I’m 5’1.”

If you’re of “normal height” people don’t constantly remind you of your average height. Unfortunately, being small or tall makes you a source of fascination. I think I might be ready to unofficially debunk one of the stereotypes….The French aren’t short…but they’re small.

Today I learn that in French restaurants and cafes people are nearly on top of each other (this is okay given their small frames). People stay engaged in conversation and often forgo the distraction of technology in favor of intellectual stimulation. The French, as with most European countries are more educated than Americans as a whole. Perhaps they even value intellect over physical wealth. I also learn the following about Dining in France…

• Pasta and Lettuce must never be cut with a knife.
• The French serve many small meals as courses. I will most likely be served a salad, then a slice of meat with vegetables, and finally dessert.
• Bread is to be placed on the tablecloth or specially designated dish and torn into small pieces, rather than eaten whole.
• Utensils should be placed on the plate when finished.
• French food is more pure than its American counterpart. It is often fresh and free of pesticides.
• Popcorn at the movies in Paris is served with sugar on it.
• In restaurants people sit close together, talk fast and at low volume. It is considered rude how Americans speak loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear their conversations.
• Tips are included in the service and only around one euro extra should be left for good service.

I have also heard the dining in Paris should not be rushed, that there are often only a server or two per establishment and modifications are not appreciated. The American expectation “that customer is always right,” does not always hold true in Paris. While eating in a small restaurant in Los Olives last night, I ditched my casual eating habits and practiced proper dining etiquette while slowly savoring each bite. I plan to become a woman of the world.

My flight leaves Friday at six for LAX and flies into Charles de gaulle Saturday around 2pm Parisian time. My sister and I will be traveling with the kids in economy. Their mother will travel first class. She claims she will be sneaking us back all the fruits, cheeses, and other luxuries first class provides. Either way, my excitement has mounted exponentially after this evening’s discussion of French culture and expectations.

Day 1 in Santa Ynez

I flew into San Francisco last night and had an hour layover before my flight to Santa Barbara. Having never been to San Francisco, I decided to stroll around the airport to attempt a glimpse of the city. I must have looked like an idiot strolling in a circle around the tiny airport for one minute before returning to my seat unsatisfied.

I come to learn Santa Barbara is where It’s Complicated and Sideways were filmed. I recently watched It’s Complicated, a delightful romantic comedy filmed in wine country. Unfortunately, traveling at night afforded me little view of the city.

Santa Ynez (where I’m staying) is a beautiful little town just north of Santa Barbara with sprawling hills and and valleys.

The children attend school in an old-fashioned school house and many of the properties are home to vineyards and small farms.

Today we visited a farm of miniature horses and strolled through Solvang, a little Dutch community founded in 1911, and made popular by an article featured in a 1946 edition of the Saturday Evening Post.

While laying out near the pool I managed to turn my pale Minnesota skin into a healthy shade of red and learn the following:

• I will see Paris in a way most tourists don’t.
• Tomatoes can be eaten like apples (even if you don’t like them) because they are so fresh and delicious.
• Gum should not be chewed in France.
• The trashy way in which Americans pick at their teeth in public with small wooden sticks (aka, ‘toothpicks’) is considered rude in Paris.

Does anyone know anything else I should be aware of before heading to Paris? If so, don’t hesitate to comment. Until tomorrow my friends…or should I say à demain?

Two Days til California

Today marked the final day of activities for graduation. I had a huge rally of support from family and friends that came to my show. I’ll be staying in Santa Ynez (near Santa Barbara) for the next week before flying to Paris on Saturday!

Although I’m not sure how much of the seventy degree weather I’ll be enjoying, as I may be cleaning closets… I’ve researched some things about Paris and come to discover a list of things that will help me better prepare myself for the cultural differences.

Dress well. The French are fashion conscious and their version of casual is not the same as American Scrub. I’ve heard it is rude to show up at a coffee shop for bread and a morning caffeine boost in sweats and a t-shirt. An excuse to buy clothes.

Money. Our money is worth 75% of the Euro. If something costs 50 Euro I will pay roughly 67 American dollars. I’m planning on bringing around $400 which will only be worth $300.

Language. Amidst all my excitement and research of French culture I almost completely forgot about the language barrier. Despite taking three years of French in high school I’ve forgotten most of it. A quick refresher might be beneficial.
* Hello – bonjour
* Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais?
* I speak English – Je parle anglais
* I don’t understand – Je ne comprends pas
* yes – oui
* no – non
* Why/Why not? – Pourquoi?Porquoi pas?
* How? – Comment?
* sir/mister – monsieur
* ma’am/madam/Mrs. – madame
* miss – mademoiselle
* Please – s’il vous plait
* Excuse me – pardon
* Thank you – merci
* Thank you very much – merci beaucoup
* Sorry – desolé
* You’re welcome – de rien
* Goodbye – au revoir
* So long/until next time – à bientôt
* Until tomorrow – à demain
* Good morning – bon matin
* Good afternoon – bon après-midi
* Good evening – bonsoir
* Good night – bonne nuit
* Write it – ecrivez
* Show me – montrez-moi
* Repeat more slowly – Répétez plus lentement

The List

The verdict is in. I’ve compiled your much-appreciated responses into a list of French Stereotypes (read original comments here). I’d like to hear what the French have to say about us. Follow my adventures as I attempt to prove this list right or wrong.

• French people are egotisical
• Food is questionable including snails, raw meat, etc.
• Aren’t accomodating to people who don’t speak the language
• French women don’t shave their armpits
• They indulge in chocoates and other sweets
• They all smoke
• They eat a lot of pastries, bread, and drink a lot of wine.
• They don’t like Americans
• All French men are short
• They are sophisticated
• If you are picky it will be impossible to eat a meal
• They eat small portions so they don’t gain weight
• They have a great fashion sense
• The men are tall, dark and handsome

Are we still living in a fairytale?

At lunch yesterday my grandma added another stereotype to the list. “You know…” she says leaning over the table, “They say French men are the best lovers. But I don’t want you proving that one!” A fellow blogger has compiled the secrets to why French men are so irresistible….

So which one is it? Will I be surrounded by shrimps my own size or whisked away by a dark and handsome stranger complete with a barret, cigarette and amazing fashion sense? I will have to wait and see, but I’d guess neither, as I’ll be touring France with two small children in tow.

I have heard my fair share of opinions regarding French culture. However, in no way has it diminished my excitement for this trip.

Parisian Stereotypes/Assumptions

I am interested in common stereotypes or preconceived ideas you have of Paris/French people and culture. I know people have them, so let’s hear them.

I will then compile them in a comprehensive list and try to prove them right or wrong when I got to Paris.  To give your opinion, fill out the comment form below.

Anticipation

Today I graduated college…unofficially.  Officially it was my last class and I’m almost certain I earned an A in all three of my final classes.  I feel strangely relieved, nervous, excited, and a host of other emotions as I embark on the next chapter of my life.

I awoke this morning and checked my email where I found this refreshing daily quote…”There is nothing for you to go back and live over, or fix, or feel regret about now. Every part of your life has unfolded just right. And so –now – knowing all that you know from where you now stand, now what do you want? The answers are now coming forth to you. Go forth in joy, and get on with it.”

A few months back my sister, who is a nanny for a family in California, approached me with a proposition: Fly to Paris and help me nanny for a month after you graduate.  I was delighted.  What a perfect opportunity to postpone real life.

Seriously, though.  I have always wanted to travel to Europe, write and photograph.  I encourage you to follow my posts for the next month as a small-town Minnesota girl gets a crash course in Paris culture.  As a graduation present my parents bought me a CANON 50D.  So in conjunction with my stories and experiences you will find a visual testimonial of my day-to-day experiences.

I hope you’ll join me.