They're Great!

Differnces, that is.  Life in America and life in France are already proving to be tres different.

Here are some examples that I've encountered in France:

• You walk.  You bike.  You ride the bus.  You take the train.  You rarely drive.
My bike for the week.  Two days of riding and my butt hurts already.

• Frigos (refrigerators) are tiny, and don't include a freezer.

• If you want people to stare at you like you're an alien, wear shorts.  Or a dress.  Europeans wear pants.
•  You eat breakfast.  Then lunch.  Then dinner.  There are no snacks. 

Lunch today, Burger Bleu. 

• *My personal favorite*  Beaurocracy is king.  You need a cellphone.  You need a bank card for a cell phone.  You need a resident address for a bank account.  Oh and you need a bank account to sign a lease for the resident address for the bank card for the cellphone.  Riiight.
  
  
• The French are obsessed with Tisane, herbal tea.  And now I'm addicted, too.

 

• Finally, the French know George Clooney differently than we do.  Why don't we see this in America?

Anyone Can Do It

cook, that is.  Even someone as anti-domesticated as me.  That's what France will do to you.  Four days in and I'm already cooking.

Yes, mother...me...cooking.  Don't believe me?  I have proof.

Croissants avec Saumon et Fromage
[Croissants with Salmon and Cheese]

Step 1:  Get this cool tray thingy and lay out some dough (it's already frozen and made!)
Step 2:  Lay out some smoked salmon.

Step 3:  Spread some Boursin-like cheese on top of the salmon and dough.


























Step 4:  Roll up the dough like a croissant!

Step 5:  Brush on some butter and sprinkle with...cheese, duh!

Step 6:  Bake and enjoy!

Spending

time, that is.  I've been in Blois three full days now and I feel like I've been here for months.  It's like I've lived here my whole life.

My days are spent walking around my town, which is tres charmante.

I found this bike outside of my future apartment...I want it!

 And exploring castles nearby.  This is Chambord:

The Secrets to Traveling Well

...would probably involve:
1)  Not losing your passport two days before your intended departure date.
2)  Weighing your suitcases before you get to the airport.
3)  Packing light.

Of the above, what did I do?  None.

Quick summary:  Saturday.  I lose my passport two days before my (supposed) departure to France in a NYC cab...good luck finding that, I know.  Monday (supposed departure date).  I am in Dallas getting a new passport.  Tuesday.  In Houston getting a new French Visa from the Consulate.  Wednesday.  Paying ridiculous amounts to take my TWO bags weighing 70lbs.  Did I mention that one weighed 87lbs and the other 75lbs?

A delayed plane ride, cab and train ride later, I am in Blois.

Here's my residence pour le moment: