Blessings from Belgium!

I  met another staff member who lives in Belgium and he brought me the most wonderful gift! Creamy Jif Peanut Butter!!!!

If you didn’t know you cannot find Jif here in France. They do sell no name brands but the ounces are small and you pay a lot. He did state that it costed him 5 something. That’s Euro’s not dollars.

What is it about Jif anyways? Is it the creamy texture? Is it the fresh peanut smell? Are subliminal messages added to their commercials? Not sure but I am hooked!

I am so grateful for my blessing from Belgium!!

Operation: Grocery Store

1.Make a grocery list 2. Don’t forget the grocery list 3. Pack re-usable bags 4.Drive to grocery store of choice 5. Find a parking spot  6.Keep looking for a parking spot 7.If it’s a weekend you keep looking for a parking spot 7 Park  8 Don’t forget grocery list in car  9 Don’t forget quarter to receive a grocery cart 10 Don’t forget to grab re-usable bags 11 Walk in store 12 Shop with a mission!

Grocery Shopping has been an adventure here in France. We have three choices that we have gone to. One that is like Aldi’s, one that is like a Pick N’ Save, and the third like Wal-Mart. Each one is like a race once you enter it. You have to have a plan, know the plan, get in, get out, all without harming anyone.

Here it seems if you approach an item in the aisle stop, hesitate, or second guess on purchasing AND you leave room in front of you that space is guaranteed open for someone to come right in and get what they want.  So you must have a mission.

I have learned that each store will have what they call The International Isle ( and the crowd goes “000000″) Oh yes, the International Isle. When your missing home and want to see familiar brands you just might find something there. It of course completely random. Like Red Bull, Pringles and Dr. Pepper. So you may have to eat like your back in college but Ahhh it’s a reminder of home.

Now even though you came to the store with a mission once you get to the check out you have to abandon the mission with patience. You will not find a store here without a line. In the positive I have yet to be skipped in line (which I hear is quite popular here) and have found most people to be quite patient thus far.

Small talk with the cashier is not normal here. There is no “How are you? it’s Hello and goodbye and only when it is your turn. There will be no talking before your turn. Maybe when I expand my French I’ll try some small talk and see what happens.

Oooo I almost forgot bagging your own groceries. There is no such thing as bag boys or girls as we have in the states. You bag your own groceries in your own reusable bags. Now the cashier is as fast as a machine gun with those groceries and if you can be done before the cashier you can for certain be proud of your self.

So if you follow all that Operation: Grocery Store will be a success.

 

 

A Little Love In A Box!

I have just been starting to miss home. Familiar things, things in English, restaurants and so on. So I said to myself I really wish I got a package. That was yesterday ( friday) and today (Saturday) I got one!

Before I left America, I pre-packed a box with things that I knew I would run out of and my parents were able to send it! Just in time because I just ran out of Shampoo and Conditioner. Whew!

I actually did go to the store to pick up shampoo and conditioner and sadly there is a bit of a difference. They have some of the same products lines here but you will pay more or near the same for less ounces. See photo below.

Ranch dressing is another love of mine that isn’t here and Jiff Peanut Butter. In fact I am thinking about seeing if I can order that through the internet. How sad it that!

I know I am in one of the most amazing places in the world, and I have yet to discover all the fine things France has to offer but every once in a while you need a little love in a box.

A Picture of Your Feet?….Really?

Last night I stood in the center of one of Paris’s largest public squares called Place de la Concorde. [If you get a chance Google it] I’m not sure if it was because I was surrounded by so many amazing things but for some reason everything hit me. “Heather, you are in France. You are actually here after all that time, you are here”. It was surreal!

So what did I do? I took a picture of my feet. {LOL}

Taking a picture of my feet is a bit funny but it has meaning. It took a lot to get here. 2 years in fact. When God gives us something to do… a mission for instance we have a choice. To go forward in obedience and make it happen or not move and stay in disobedience.

I am over-joyed that I went forward in obedience and I hope to never forget why I took a picture of… my feet.

Do It Right or You’ll Blow It…Litterally!

There a few essentials that this girl would not like to live without. A hair dryer and a curling iron or straightener are one are two of them.  In my prep work to leave for France I made sure to get such devices that were made to work duel voltage.

It is sad to say my expensive straightener which stated duel unfortunately couldn’t take the switch. Even using a converter. So since the  straightener incident I have made sure not to blow any of  my other valuables.

In school did they ever have a class about electricity and converting electricity? If so, I should have paid more attention. For now I will just keep adding converters and adapters.

“That’s What Single Girls Say….”

So another Valentines has gone by. The flower district will rest till the next holiday and all the chocolates are now on sale and shelves are being stocked for the next holiday. If you’re on Facebook you couldn’t help but notice it was overflowing with notes to people’s significant others and of course all the single girl comments.

Being single, I refrain from posting anything too serious on the topic on the day cause people will say “ Oh, That’s what single girls say”

All I have to say on the matter is. I am thankful to not have that special person in my life yet because it would not allow me to do what I am doing right now. My mind would be distracted, and I’m sure only half my heart would be here. I am thankful for God’s perfect timing.

I truly hope you all had a wonderful Valentines day no matter what your relationship status is.

Driving Lessons in France

I must open with our morning dialogue:

Todd: Heather, I’ll be down in just a bit to take you to Kelly’s house.

Heather: Okay.

Todd: How about we do a driving lesson?

Heather: No way!

Before I left the states my dear friend Amanda gave me some driving lessons (stick shift). I did pretty good but it could never have prepared me for driving her in France.

Driving in France is an Art something to be mastered! Between beyond narrow streets, one way lanes, and roundabouts it can give the most experienced driver anxiety.  Today, I had my first drivers lesson on the streets of France. First, I had to get out of a parallel parked spot and then I had to navigate through blind yields, hills, and roundabouts to get to Kelly’s house.

I think getting out of the parking spot was the hardest. I almost clipped the car in front of me when I pulled out. Oh and I am one cm from blocking traffic. Good thing the people here see sidewalks as passing lanes.

Round a bouts! Why Lord, do we have round a bouts!? Can’t we just go back to having decisions made for us Red = Stop, Orange = Slow down / or Speed up and Green = Go. You would think getting around a circle would be easier. Yes, it would be if it was just you but when you add 10 others trying to get to their own location you have CHAOS!

After all that we arrived safely at Kelly’s. Todd was alive, I was alive. I was definitely in need of a Valium to calm down because my whole body was shaking with anxiety but we survived!

Driving lesson #1 accomplished! (insert Rocky theme song here)

 

The Metro

Tomorrow marks my 1 month in France and there have been many things I have learned BUT top on that list is how to ride the metro! Or how to survive the metro! I have not learned it all but here are some tips about riding the Metro in France.

• There are certain times when and when not to ride the metro..that is if you don’t have to. Never ride it during “rush hours” aka people going to work / people coming home to work. Unless you would like to have a beyond awkward train ride.
• Purchasing your train tickets is cheaper in bulk.
• Tickets: you sometimes will need to hold onto your ticket when you depart the train. So keep it handy
• There is an English option on most ticket machines (I found this out after stumbling with the French)
• Walk fast – get on fast – get off faster
• Be prepared for all odors
• Eye Contact: I’ve been told not to make eye contact with people.
• Talking: If you must talk, talk quietly not to disrupt people
• Fashion: Always be fashionable..your in France.
• “Pardon” is the proper word you use if you are blocked from exiting the train.
• Ear Popping: this may occur during your commute. Though chewing gum is “quite american” it does help on the train
• Hold your Purse: Just like the states you have to be cautious of theft. When traveling you always want to hold onto your purse. Dont expose your treasures to the world and they won’t get lifted.
• Crowded Trains: Bumps could mean you are getting pick pocketed – be watchful – be alert
• Travel Buddy: I prefer to travel in groups but
• On certain trains, when two trains pass each other, when you are not used to it, it can be quite terrifying. Especially when you’re sitting in a window seat looking out the window and this other train passes at the speed of light. Your heart will skip a beat – but then you get used to it Lol
• Culture: The culture is amazing on the metro. If you’re a people watcher BUT without making eye contact the metro is the place for you.
• They tell me it will get easier: underground is a maze. You have to keep your eyes on the signs, symbols, numbers and letters or you might be lost down there.

 

Doors

I have started a photo album on my Facebook with the doors here in France. I can’t help but be drawn to them.

One day a friend and I went walking in a nearby town and I took pictures of almost every door we went past. It was actually hard to find a door that was like the other. I swear I could have written a story on each door they had so much character.

Some were so worn and tattered, some brand new, some with such detail you could just stand there noticing every etch.

Maybe I am drawn to their symbolism. How each door in life leads to something new. How we should be careful when opening and closing doors in our life. How sometimes we leave the door of our life open for others to get in that cause us to make poor decisions. How sometimes we keep the door to our life locked and let no one in.

This picture here, is a door that has been around for quite some time. It has marks, it has damage, it has lost its paint….yet it still opens.

 

 

 

Bakery Snob

After eating from the bakery’s here in France I have to say I have been transformed into a Bakery Snob.. From baguettes, to chocolate filled everything, to croissants, and lastly CHOUQUETTES.

Yes, I have already found my favorite bakery item. I know they are probably the most simple pastry France has to offer but for some reason I am completely in LOVE.

A description will do them no justice but for my american friends they could possibly be compared to as small creme puffs without the filling and with small sugar drops on top.

You have to get to the bakery early here if you want to get any for they fly off the shelf and while your there grab a freshly made baguette.