So we have been in Paris for 5 weeks now. It's been a huge whirlwind over the past couple of months, to say the least. Phew. We still have loads of organizing to do since we basically unpacked everything since they only pick up the boxes once. So we have crap everywhere that needs to find a home. I've tried to make myself just chill over it all but dang it's tough! I hate having clutter everywhere. Seriously annoys me sooo bad.
So what's life in Paris like? Hmm, it depends on the day :-). Language barrier has been really hard. Not having any friends has been even more difficult. Most days go by quickly since we have our stuff to keep us busy, but it's very lonely. The days that go by really slowly are the worst, obviously. And trips to the Supermarché are usually the worst because trecking 1km to the store by foot with a 3 year old is slow going. Then it takes me forever to figure out where the items on my list are. And of course I have to double check everything because even though the picture might make it look like I know what I am buying doesn't always mean that's the case. And getting it home is fun. So far I have only bought enough to fit into the basket of our stroller. I actually just need to start doing the home delivery option (it's free after 50 euro...not bad). But trying to get the delivery has been a task I don't want to complete since English is just not spoken much here at all! And it's not them being rude; a lot of people just DO NOT speak English. So most times I feel worried about looking like a total ass in front of all these people who I know are snickering about the "dumb American" under their smiles :-).
I have yet to get into a routine (hence the last post). It's really tough! The hubby is home in the mornings, though, so I just need to get up at an early time and get out and get 'er done. I'm still a little scared, though, to be running in the dark around here since I don't know my way around just yet.
But even more challenging is trying to work in the breastfeeding. El-Kat is usually on a pretty good "schedule" but some mornings she's just totally off. I can't figure out if I should just wake her up at 5, feed her and then pump what's left...then hope she sleeps until about 8 so I have time to get it all done and not have to worry about either one of us getting our workouts or getting ready for the day routines interrupted.
Running. I met a fellow runner chica who just ran the Paris Marathon last weekend. She did an awesome job and if I can get back into shape I think we'll be good running partners because she seems to have the same times as me (well, when I was in shape anyway!). I just need to get back into a routine and get my ass out there. The Paris Marathon starts about 500m from where we live and ends pretty much right outside my doorstep so I am planning on running it next year. Looking forward to that! Now I just need to find something in the Fall.
I'm hoping to start writing on here again but time has been short. Once we get our apartment in order hopefully I'll have more time! Thanks to all those who are actually still reading this thing!
3 comments:
I hear you on the language barrier. It is rarely a problem here, but it helped to know minimum Spanish in Colombia. I actually miss having to learn the local language. (A little bit).
Exciting about the Paris Marathon. A runner I knew in Colombia travels for it!
Hope you find more routine and that the little ones are doing well. So much fun to explore a new neighborhood and city!
That is really exciting about the Paris marathon. That will be great for you to run next year.
I really admire you for moving to foreign country where you don't speak the language. I think it has got to be especially hard when you are home full time with little ones.
You are such a trooper. I'd be going crazy with the language barrier and the loneliness. Are you taking French classes?
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