Living Abroad

As I write my last entry from France, I can't help but feel a little sad to leave this lovely place. The wine, the food, the friends, the scenery...everything is just so beautiful in France.

Yet, off I go. Berlin is next, and sadly, last on the list. I am off to visit my long-lost German roommate/sister in her new European home.

Then 3 days later, and voilà, I will be home.

So now, I must display to the world, the wonderful city that is Toulouse... La Ville en Rose (The Pink City).

Maybe now Manny will understand just why the Toulouse Opera CD is not white and black but a lovely shade of pink...

I believe I see a theme forming here...

I just noticed P is suspiciously wearing pink as well. This I repeat, was not planned, and yes, I am dating a boy who wears pink... :p

So yes, I finally found my beautiful pink city. And I get/got to ride a free bike around it all day long. Oh how I do love France.

Bisous! à mardi!

Cris

I have put much thought into this list. Please feel free to add on to it.

I will translate it to French...if I EVER learn it.

10. The streets are made for people, not cars
Pedestrians have the right of way here...ALWAYS. If you are going to hit by something, it's probably a bike.

9. Wine, anywhere, costs less then soda
2 euros for a glass? Heck I'd rather have Rosè then shell out 3 euros for a coke.

8. The French mother/mère, is a work of art
She cooks like a pro, cleans like a machine, and dresses like a Kennedy. Ok at least my French mom

5. 7 year-old girls are more stylish than me:
Embarrassing but true. I think kids take Stylish Dressing-101 as enfants.

7. People actually say Oh lal a...ALOT
Though it is usually in lower tone and sounds like Ohhh la la.

6. Cafè, Jacque
My most favorite afternoon activity. Jacque (like backgammon but better) and cafe, though truthfully i drink tea, but shhh it doesn't rhyme.

5. Bikes are freeeee..well almost
Ok this is the best invention ever. For 10 bucks a month you can take out a bike one place in the city and return it to another. Truly genious.

4. French men:
They are well-dressed, well-educated, well-mannered, and still believe in romance...what's not to like?
See exhibit A:

3. The FOOD:it's no wonder 'cuisine' is a French word
Fresh, flavorful, and ohlala delicious, I just have one word: YUM.

2. Le Vin IS the best of the world. They weren't lying.
And they drink it with every meal! Though never too much, just enough to make you smile.

AND drumroll please...

1. Lunch NEVER ends:

First it's the entree, then the main course, then wait...the cheese. Yes they have it for dessert here. And just when you thought you couldn't eat anymore, they bring out a mouth-watering dessert. And wait, wait, wait..then there is #6 cafe/jacque which comes right along with,yes, more chocolate. All and all it a good 3 hour practice. And every bite is delicious. How do they stay trim Anita asks? I HAVE NO IDEA.

Bisous from France,

Cristina

Happy Birthday to the best Dad in the whole wide world (and I can confim that now).

Everyone who has ever met him, loves him. He is the smartest, funniest, and most loving man I have ever met.

And he looks like Jack Nicolson - or so he likes to say.

Thanks Dad for encouring me to explore the world and all of the beautiful things it has to offer. Without you, I could have never bought that ticket! I remember you distinctly telling me: "Beba you have to go on this trip. It is an adventure of a lifetime." And yes Pops... you were right!

So santé to my Pancho (mais pas des pieds)!

The best Cuban Pancho in the world!!

Montpellier, right drop on the coast of Southern France, is rumoured to have 360 days of sunshine a year. And in my experience so far...that just might be true.

Pierre, Fanny, and I took a little day trip to the famous little city, and the sun was shining away it's pretty little face. We took a few hours to explore it's well-known little winding streets:

and even stopped for a fruity colored drink at the city's central stage: the Plaza of Something or Other.

The plaza eerily reminded me of the many Spanish sites I had seen before.And I admit I was pressed for a response when Pierre asked "so how is France different from Spain?"

But then you hear the accordian sound, see a stripped shirt go past, and catch an "oh la la" or two, and puff you are back to Southern French reality. Ok maybe not the "oh lala" part...but I did have an almond croissant and man was it lovely.

Next it was time for a french snack at this lovely cafe:

Though we didn't actually stop there, I just took a lot of pictures because I loved it :P

And off we drove back home. Pierre, Fanny:

and I:

And caught a glimpse of this for Tongoat:

bisous from France,
Cristina

I had a wonderful and très typical day in France au'jourdhui.

I awoke to fresh croissants and un bol de cafè au lait, then was off to the open air markets with the family Caizergues.

And boy oh boy was it fun. Jean Caizergues knows everyone in town, everyone! And I got to meet them all. We walked from stall to stall as Manon helped me learn all the important French vocabulary: carote, orange, kiwi. Ok, ok I know they all look the same, but they are pronounced quite differently/difficultly, ok?

Then I had a wonderful afternoon with my new French little sisters. Meet Fanny:

et Manon:

They are both so sweet and took me on a little tour of the town. We went shopping, got our haircut, and Fanny even did a bit of makeup for me... one eye green, and one eye...pink. Thanks Fanny!

We had so much fun, and though language is still an obstacle, those girls sure are great at helping me learn. Though they still have a giggle or two when I try to pronounce Rrruuee. Rue. Street. That "u" sound is just not natural!

And they even told me I could be the trois soeur (third sister). How cute! Two little sisters?!? My dream has come true :-P

Bisous,
Cristina