time goes by

Had a lovely Valentines. Dinner turned out delish, if not very restaurant-looking...

So delish, in fact, that I forgot to take a picture until I was half-finished.

And I got this lovely present...

A gorgeous thick glass vase for our new apartment, filled with some of my favourites.

Louis ate his dessert happily while we had our dinner. No candlelight or romantic music, and these orange plastic chairs aren't fabulous for ambiance, but at least there was no screaming baby or food-throwing.

After a french lesson, we watched an episode of Castle, with the french subtitles on (it all helps, right?) and then had a lovely early-ish night.

Keep thinking about how we celebrated last valentines. Mum and Dad babysat Louis. Luuk and I went to Simo's - this gorgeous moroccan restaurant in Christchurch - in the Grand Chancellor hotel. The food was incredible, and there was a belly-dancer! I wore my ridiculously high-heeled polka-dot shoes (why do i remember that?) and tottered through the atrium of that hotel one last time.

8 days later it was closed, the building crumbling after several significant earthquakes.

So, I'm experiencing a strange sense of time passing. It's nearly a year since those quakes, and back home in Christchurch it's the topic on everyone's minds, and all over the media. Here, on the other side of the world, it's easier not to think about it. But it's there, in the back of our minds. I notice cracks in walls in a way I imagine civil engineers usually would. I'm on alert every time a building vibrates. And I hate to think what would happen if there was a quake here, because they'd be totally unprepared. These buildings probably aren't required to meet much of a code for earthquake safety. And we're 4 floors up.

So I really try not to think about it. In part because I don't really need to. It's highly, highly, unlikely. But it's hard to believe in safety.

irrepressible cabin fever

So much for doing nothing... Louis had been awake for an hour when I got tired of playing with his toys... and he wasn't far behind. He'd already had lunch and I wasn't hungry yet. The washing cycle was about to finish... so we put the load in the dryer and off we went to explore Rue des Causses. We've been living on the corner of this mysterious little street for a couple of weeks now. Time to see what's at the end of it.

We found a park! Not a park with a playground, but I saw a slide on my walk down to Les Ulis town centre last week, so I was hopeful. Did a bit of a loop-de-loop, but found it!

I'd taken a towel to wipe it down (bit drizzly today) but he still stuck to it a bit. Ah well, he had fun!

Then we went on to the mall. I was short change for the dryer and one of the staff loaned me the 2E for it, so I needed to get some change. Plus, I was on a roll. I'd found one fun thing for Louis to do; I hoped for another.

Plus, the walk was refreshing.

I bought my lunch and then wandered up to the merry-go-round. We've passed this numerous times and watched briefly. Louis is pretty small for it, but I noticed belts on some of the seats... narrowed down our choice to the creepy mouse, but c'est la vie!

There were a couple of other kids riding the merry-go-round. Louis was so busy watching the girl in the teacup and the woman running the thing, that it was difficult getting a photo of him looking at me.

It goes rather quickly, but Louis wasn't scared at all. Loved it in fact!

I finally got his attention, but he was too busy having fun to smile for the camera. 

He was fascinated by the lights on the side of the ride. And the girl running the thing was great. The mouse Louis is sitting in goes up and down - it flies, hence the cape. All very cool. Will have to go again some time.

Ate my lunch then we walked back to the apartment. The weather is really very dreary, but the temperature is much higher - 6 whole degrees! It's nice not to need a heavy coat and hat just to step outside.

Now, while the video loads, I'm off to find a steak marinade I can make with very limited pantry resources... I have olive oil, but no vinegar. I do have oranges and pasta sauce... probably don't need both. Could be interesting. 

The result:

A huge amount of meat for 5Euro, I think, and it doesn't look tough or fatty. It's called 'tende de tranche', but that just means topside from what I can find out online... and there's a lot of variation of quality within that category.

Now I should probably do the dishes, but I think I'll just rest a while first. Might do a little writing, watch a little tv, put my feet up...

R&R (reading and relaxation)

I have found it hard to rest, to relax and enjoy a break, since we arrived in Paris... because we're in Paris! So much to see, so much to do, and so much pressure to make the most of our short time here.

But then I got sick. And then I tried to do a bit much, a bit too soon.

Yesterday, somehow, I managed to give myself permission to waste time. I put Louis to bed in the morning, made myself a coffee and nibbled through a Pain au Chocolat (still enjoying some perks of locale), and read the day away.

Was lovely.

When Louis was up, in the middle of the day, we went and got bread, some treats for Valentines, and a few other groceries, then came straight home to play. A little while later, Louis went down for his afternoon nap and I... read. Yep. That's it. Was great.

Have a ginormous hunk of steak for dinner and I think I'll do simple buttery potatoes and a salad to go with - wouldn't want to distract from the main event. Although, a little blue cheese stuffed mushroom would be pretty good as far as distractions go. Also have Haagen dazs and chocolate, so it won't be anything flashy, despite our proximity to the Eiffel tower, but we will enjoy a little Valentines repast this evening.

Today I think I'll continue in my vegetable-like state. But I might do a french lesson first. It is writing-tuesday... but maybe this afternoon. My week plan really got blown out of the water last week. Not sure if feeling unmotivated right now is a good thing (helps me to rest and recoup from cold/cough) or is the beginning of a downward spiral. Haven't been doing my journal, which is usually motivating, but more importantly is good for self-knowledge... ie. would keep me from that downward spiral or at least reveal the pattern, equipping me to do something about it.

So, the plan:
- journal
- french lesson
- coffee and pastry
- reading and relaxing

when Louis is up:
- lunch
- laundry

when Louis goes back to sleep:
- read
- or write.

Leisurely we go

A very leisurely day - without being cooped up inside the whole time.!

We did stay home for most of the day (watched two Star Wars movies back-to-back and did laundry) but in the afternoon we went to see the Carnival of Colour in Ville d'Antony. This was a kids event really, and all of it pitched at kids older than Louis, but we will soon be living in Antony and I thought it'd be nice to go along to a community event. There were lots of craft activities for kids to do, and a costume contest, bouncy castle, face-painting, etc. I think it might be school holidays - mid term break possibly, not sure - and what a cool thing for the community to put on.

But not really pitched at us, or Louis (too little for the bouncy castle), so we continued exploring Antony. We parked right outside the apartment we move into (in just one week!) and walked down the street, past a few little shops, then had a wee nosey in a very cool little church. Would have taken a photo, but hadn't taken the camera. Anyway, very cool old stone building... and all of 200m from our front door. Continued on down the cobbled street to find a boulangerie, patisserie and choclaterie! Hallelujah. Also a little Lebanese restaurant which we'll have to try some time. Continued on to wander past the train station and then all around the neighbourhood shops. I am so excited to live in this area. It is cute and village-y, but convenient to everything. Perfect.

We had tentative plans to go to a church service this evening, but found a place to eat dinner instead. Man may not live by bread alone, but add chicken, cheese, chips and salad... hm.

Then we walked back to the car and, thanks to GPS, didn't get lost, just slightly de-toured. Which happened to take us past a park with a playground! Less than 50m from our apartment, but I wouldn't have seen it if we'd taken the most direct route.

Over 2 kms of walking. Then we went and ate fries.

Versailles!

We did it! Successfully visited a tourist site. And an excellent choice for a bitterly cold day: inside a palace.

It's amazing how much better I feel. Having a friend to visit probably makes a big difference. Paula arrived last night and we went out for dinner for the first time (for us, not Paula) since arriving. And what brilliant parisian meal did we eat? Japanese food.

Most of it was as expected, sweet sauces and succulent meat, spring-rolls and normal sushi-train type fare. But Luuk's final dish was beouf aux fromage... a kebab of cheese wrapped in beef. Is this french-japanese fusion?

Louis ate dumplings and samosa-like things. He's developing quite the palette.

Anyway, on to Versailles... (Warning: lots of photos.)

On the way to Versailles... is that lake frozen? I wouldn't skate on it. But I wouldn't swim in it either. In good news (or weather) the forecast just told us it'll get up to 1 degree C tomorrow! And 4 on monday. 

But it'll be snowing.

After driving around in a circle or two in the Versailles township, we found the entrance and a place to park the car, then gave the push-chair wheels a real test of their mettle on the cobblestones.

Little Louis looking on at a statue of quite another Louis. Versailles in the background.

 It was so cold. Yep, that's ice. The wind was killer. Don't be fooled by the blue sky; it was really cold.

Approaching the palace.

Through the gates, and push-chair free... not allowed it inside. Not allowed metal-framed carry packs either. And Luuk was told to take Louis off his shoulders almost as soon as we got inside. Hmm... Considering all this Louis (and Luuk) coped brilliantly!

First stop on the audio-tour: the chapel. I'll just say: they know how to do a ceiling.

Tagging on the stone wall. Strangely beautiful.

Louis listening to the audio-tour. I think he thought we were letting him play with a cell phone. He loved it. (In the background: a couple of Louis XIV's possible successors to the throne.)

C'est moi. In the background is apparently the most beautiful painting of Louis XIV, according to the audio-tour. (He is looking prettier than me, but 'tis often the case.)

One of the ceiling paintings I really liked.

The gardens/grounds were closed to the public due to the snow and frosts. Not that we felt like we were missing much. 

It was too cold to be outside and enjoy anything really. Looking out the windows was by far the best way to see the gardens of Versailles today.

We'll have to go back in spring. It'll be a whole 'nother kind of beautiful. And touring the palace was enough for one day. Works out rather well, I think, to do the palace in winter and save the gardens for the spring (if we're really smart we'll get in there before the crazy tourist-rush of summer).

In the hall of mirrors.

Another fantastic ceiling. They're also rather good at chandeliers.

 

Having a wee rest - for Luuk a rest from carrying Louis, for me, from carrying my cold-sick, pregnant self.

Luuk being a rebel: Louis on his shoulders. In the background: Napoleon at war.

Bad news Louis: the dauphin's bed... it's about the same size as your new bedroom.

The Dauphin's study. It's about five times the size of the Dauphine's study... a comment on educating girls? But the good news: New Zealand was on the globe! Right in the middle at the front.

Resisted buying anything in the gift shop, but Louis did try on this little crown. Or he was forced into it three times before I managed to snap a photo. This particular Louis was pretty keen to lose the crown. 

Paula successfully getting Louis to walk... briefly.

All finished, wrapped up for the cold, and on our way...

Popped into a hardware store on our way home - bricorama, which from the outside looks like a playground or something - and were thoroughly disappointed. Hopefully will require very little to assemble our furniture next saturday. Only a week and we'll be in our own apartment! Yay!

Spent an interminable amount of time in Carrefour again, but managed to stock up on essentials (including Croissants and Pain au chocolat. Hm...). Got socks for Louis and cough lozenges for me... my poor immune system is getting a real trial-by-fire (or ice?) at the moment. Also got last couple of necessary ingredients for yummy home-cooked dinner: chicken, courgette and mushroom penne, with a blue cheese and cream fraiche sauce. Rich, but delish. And Louis ate several pieces of pasta. Soon he'll be eating the same food as us, with any luck.

pregnant, cold and stranded...

and crying at a bus stop. So very very pathetic. My bus never showed! Turns out that regardless of what the website says, the timetable on the bus stop is correct - that bus doesn't run from 10 till 2. Another bus, on the other side of the shopping center does, but I found that out from the concierge too late to actually meet my friend. Then I spent the next hour frantically trying to get hold of her, and my husband. Skype, cell phones, even gmail was failing me. Impressively bad.

And in the middle of all that my kindle got broken. I put it on the floor when I was trying to nap this morning, and then when I came back from my failed expedition, I sat down at the computer and... crunch. The chair leg was on the screen of my beloved kindle. It still somehow works but only two-thirds of the screen shows anything clearly, and that is one tough close-reading exercise.

Eventually got in touch with my friend, using my old NZ phone, which is only 2-band. I didn't think it would work but nothing else was getting any results so I figured it couldn't hurt to try... and what do you know? Murphy's bloody law: the cheapest, oldest, simplest of all the phones is the most reliable!

Managed to tell Paula to go ahead and enjoy the Louvre without me. By that point I was feeling so past-it and spending 90 mintutes on public transport would've put me well beyond appreciating art - even at the Louvre. And I really do love art. But I'll see it another day.

Been an emotional mess, and had a headache, which might be related, but could be a bonus feature of the cold I'm fighting off... insult to injury.

Must remember though: am really very lucky. Baby in my belly is dancing the tango or something. She must like orange juice. Or soccer. Bend it like Beckham, baby girl.

And must be patient with self and all circumstances: have only been in France for just over a week. There is no magic quick-fix to all the frustrations of the moment - we just have to go through them: the language difficulties, the transport issues, getting orientated, etc.

And I still get to see my friend: she's coming to stay on our couch for the next two nights. We're picking her up from the station this evening. So it's not all bad. But only if I'm being very logical, cause to be honest, for most of today, it felt ALL bad.

I'm reluctant to mention our plans for tomorrow, in fear that they won't come to pass. But as I don't actually believe in fate (now I've really gone and done it) here they are:
We're going to try a visit to Versailles tomorrow; Luuk, myself, Louis and Paula, all together! Well, at least I won't be by myself with a baby.

a good start does not a good day make

I managed a shower before Luuk left for work. Good start. But man, I was wiped out. Our bank appointment couldn't happen till next wednesday, which is a pain in every way, except it meant I didn't have to go further than the laundry room on the ground floor all day. Felt so weak that I got Luuk to pick up the groceries rather than risk walking down with Louis and flaking out.

I was just not on my game all day. The washing machines in the laundry don't give change, but I figured, since I was using both machines, i'd just use the change from one for the second load. But no. It swallowed my entire 5E in one gulp. And I only had 3E left (needed 3.50) so had to trudge back up (in the lift, but I was really feeling munted) and get more money - only didn't have more coin, so had to change a note at the front desk... anyway, what a rigmarole.

The day felt very long. Early start with Louis up at 5.30 or earlier and Luuk not home till after 7, what with doing the groceries and getting caught up at work. Somehow managed to do a french lesson and watch an episode of Castle, with french subtitles, while eating a nutritious dinner of chicken salad and boiled potatoes. It was lovely and light and flavourful: butter, salt, pepper, tiny squeeze of orange juice, cumin on the chicken and basil on the taties... ta dah!

Today I'm feeling better again, and more determined - motivated by a visit from a friend who I knew in NZ. Louis and I are going to attempt the bus and trains on our own (without Luuk) and plan to meet Paula at the Louvre in the middle of the day. Should be lovely.

Now, in the interest of my being up to it all, I'm going to have a rest. Louis has been down for an hour and has finally stopped making noises (most of them sound like he's rearranging the bedroom, but he can't be, confined in the cot as I know he is!).