what have we all learnt?

I love holidays. A chance to chill out, relax, catch up with people and watch far too much Gossip Girl. Apart from the usual coffee and wandering around whilst chatting I have yet to do much touristy; maybe I don't feel much like a tourist anymore! Friday was lovely though, I met Gemma, another fellow au pair. We both live along the same metro line so we jumped on and went down to the other end of the line; Jardin des plantes is there. This is not a garden but a huge outdoor area with different garden within (alpine garden etc) about 5 different museums AND a zoo, well a ménagerie technically but still. It made for lovely autumn walking, even though it was super busy it was quiet and calm, perfect. We made a stop off at the paleontology museum so we could check out some dinosaur bones, I was not dissaponted! Then we walked along the Seine to St Germain for crepes and window shopping. Turns out Gemma is a fellow ex monsoonie too, we worked for the company around the same time too so we chatted ex uniform outfits for ages. I have done lots of autumnal walking this week, it is my absolute favourite time of year and Paris does have some stunning parks for an amble through.

As for weekend fun, as per usual Friday night was whiskey fuelled and Saturday night red wine fuelled. Although the red wine the night before a long day in the church, not ideal but as it was a church member's party I wasn't the only one suffering which eased my hangover slightly! (That and cossiants and coffee).

So something I've been talking to a few people about recently is what I'm learning in Paris; and I'm not talking about French. Moving aboard to a big city has taught me a few things, first off that I don't think I could live in a city for a long time, I miss vast open spaces and fresh air. But beyond things like that Paris is teaching me about myself, I've realised some of the things I want in life and some of the things I have, I don't want. I've learnt to be calmer, adopt an air of sophistication about myself (don't laugh) but seriously, Parisians just take life in their stride; they are very loosely strung. I'm learning that I can survive amongst natives and not feel out of place. I'm learning the hard way why you see so many people out running in Paris (boulangeries on every corner play a big part in this) and that everyone kisses here. Yeah like seriously, at a party full of Parisians I was told off for being so bloody English for sticking out a hand to shake; you have to say you're leaving 10 minutes before you actually want to because you have to go round everyone for a kiss on each check before you go. I'm learning that I can speak as much French as I want, the moment I say my name the game is up, it is a very English name, the French people I meet struggle with the sounds in it, this hadn't even crossed my mind when I came! 

But beyond me learning I'm also loving every moment of teaching the munchkins, not just the English but everything else that they're learning having me as a big sister. From the little things like our weekend song (Calvin Harris 'Ready for the weekend) which we sing/dance tUoo every Friday but they now start it off not me. E is now as good as my mum at reply 'life isn't fair' to A's continual 'it's not fair' whines. I've taught them how to make Welsh Cakes and what they are, they want to go to Aberystwyth with me one day so we can buy some Welsh cakes from a popity and sit on the sea front to eat them. A is now quite the Narnia expert and E has discovered her inner indie girl and only wants to listen to the Verve and the Kooks. Past the little things there are bigger things, that I by no means have complete control over but can play my small part in teaching and changing.

 For A it's a more positive outlook on life, I call him my little Eeyore but he seriously just doesn't like doing anything, he grumbles about everything and it's very difficult to please him. He gets in trouble with me and his parents because his complete lack of enthusiasm leads to him being quite rude and difficult. I don't dwell on it with him and when it's just me and him, he chooses games etc; we found massive common ground with Narnia, I've had to remember how to play pokemon and I am quite an expert in our marble game now. I live for moments when he won't stop talking because he loves what he's talking about. He must struggle having only having girl au pairs and an extrovert for a sister so I never hold his Eeyorness against him; even on the really tough days I never let the sun go down on a grumble, we always make friends again in time for a bisous and hug after dinner.

E sat at the lunch table on Saturday, her pops wasn't there and when it's me and I we tend to sit around and put the world to rights. Our topic of conversation on Saturday was healthy eating, I is a huge believer in the power of fruit and veg and teaching children from a young age about food. E is 6, her parents and me spend the majority of meals telling her to eat; she is hugely fussy and takes little interest in the food on her plate. However what is served to her must be eaten, the children in this household do not waste food. I mentioned that I am a self confessed ex fussy eater, I think I was worse as a teenager but maybe my parents will beg to differ and then I told me of their niece, same age as E, living in the states, only eats chips and ketchup. Well I don't have to spell it out for you to imagine the physical difference between the two little girls. Then I heard the line that made my hear plummet 'but I'm much fatter then the other girls in my class', oh dear E. Me and I exchanged a look, took deep breaths and said in unison 'no you're not, don't be silly'; E is the most petite little thing ever, not even slightly fat. But I fear we were falling on deaf ears, at one point E decided she was fatter than me. Me and I have very similar builds, we're both above average height and have curves, I would love E to aspire to look like us but not unhealthily. E's mum has taught her so much about being a strong independent woman already (I was once told that 'I'll do what I want' when enquiring whether she would marry a prince one day), that I'm sure she will grow out of this stage but that doesn't stop it scaring me. I am extremely aware that I should always be the best woman I can be in front of E, I want her to grow up like I did, surrounded by amazing women that I could aspire to be, I don't want her to crumble to the pressures of society and fade into the background. 

So yes, passion and strength, that's what I'd like to leave a lasting impression in the munchkin's mind about.

One last thing, the family I live with are amazing, I was all worried about food and stuff for this week but I don't know why, the freezer is packed with ready meals and us 3 adults just sat around and had somewhat of a grown up picnic for dinner. I am extremely well cared for here.

and breathe...

IT'S MY HOLIDAY!!! That's right guys, I made it through the first half term. 10 days of peace and quiet ahead. Except it's not really peace and quiet; les enfants are still present until Sunday so no doubt I will still be summoned to draw animals in fairytale scenes when necessary. After that they're off on their holipops, bliss?? No, D&I are getting a new kitchen, so there will be workman everywhere and nowhere to eat. As previously mentioned my chambre has no kind of kitchen, all my food is provided for me however whilst there is no kitchen in the house and I'm technically on vacances I'm not 100% sure how it will work. Oh the joys of living in your employer's house. If anyone wants to come visit and take me for dinner, form an orderly queue and if anyone wants to buy me a ticket home for a visit, you do that, I will not stop you!! 

E decided she couldn't draw wolves so I had to instead....

So this last week and a bit have been tiring, after my birthday weekend I spent the first part of the week catching up with life. By the time I'd got my shit together it was Wednesday and those lovely French teacher's decided to strike, cheers pals. So I had E&A for the first time for a whole day, wow, even with all the baking I decided to do it was such a long day. 

We made Welsh Cakes 

Thurs and Fri involved work, a French test and lazy coffees avec amis, nothing terribly interesting though.  Friday was a pretty standard 'drink too much whiskey and stumble into bed at 6am' night. D delightfully arranged a really important meeting with the tax people, who needed to look around my quarters, on Saturday morn. Let's just say D had more then a laugh at my expense when I stumbled into the kitchen (probably still stinking of whiskey), sat nursing coffee till the men left then practically ran back up to the safety of my bed. Eventually I rallied, the weather in Paris was blooming beautiful on Saturday, sunglasses and shorts weather!! So I met Cath in the Marais for falafel and a vintage shop binge, essentially we just wandered around chatting for ages as per usual. Saturday evening was something new, Cath has Parisian friends and she invited me to go along with her to one of their fancy dress bday parties. Yes please! I ended up throwing together a 'land girl' outfit that quickly became a 50's pinup girl costume when I tried and failed to explain what a land girl was two too many times. The party was so fun though, these guys are warm welcoming Parisians who never make me feel out of place or laugh at my French.

Sunny Saturday

Sunday was a favourite of mine, after starting to attend an English speaking Anglican church here I have quickly found myself getting involved and helping out. Something about feeling super strange going to church and not helping out in a way. One way I've found myself getting involved with is, surprise surprise, the children! There's a desperate need for children helpers at the church, and considering all the experience I've picked up over the years I felt it was something I was placed in the church to help with. It was so much fun! All my worries and stress were forgotten for a few hours whilst I painted fish on aprons and sang songs about creation. It felt nice to be helping too. I ended up hanging about at the church all day actually, I had lunch with some of the other young adults that are really involved there and we escaped for a walk in the sunshine at one point; it's nice to spend time with people that I can share doubts or high points of my faith with but can also learn from and guide too. The evening service at the church is aimed at young adults, students, au pairs etc, it's the service I normally attend; this Sunday I was there behind the sound desk, help was needed and thanks to my degree it was second nature really. A lovely but busy day ended in a wonderful cafe called 'Breakfast in America', a group of us young people decided pancakes and French toast was needed, it was insanely good food and company. It was also a good breather before this week started.

This week that has been 3 full days with the kiddies. I. Am. Exhausted. As amazing as munchkin 1 & 2 are there are still a 8 year old who loves to wind his sister up and a 6 year old who gets wound up super easy by her brother (sound familiar Arding family??). Anyway we got there, swimming club every morning has been a blessing then Boxtrolls Monday afternoon (highly recommended film) baking Tuesday afternoon and tutor this afternoon have eased the full on days. We only had tears once and I only had to say stop about 56 times.... this is quite good going for us. But I can't complain, that's it for the holidays for me now, I know some au pairs working solidly through the two weeks!

I intend to spend my 10 days off seeing more of Paris and hopefully discovering new things! I still have a huge list of things I want to do and, like most cities, Paris always has something new happening. Wish me luck on uncovering some hidden gems x

I turned 23

So my birthday that I was worried about because I wasn't sure I'd enjoy being away, yeah didn't need to worry, turning 23 à Paris has been amazing.

Birthday time started on Wednesday, my French host family tricked me by telling me I was babysitting, really I was being taken out for dinner by them, to a bloody nice restaurant too. I am so so so blessed with my family, they truly do treat me like a member of the family. D is hilarious and knows everything, I is my soul sister and such an amazing woman et le deux enfants? Yeah I'm pretty attached to them. I'd also like to point out that I look like family, people think I'm the kiddies mum and I've also had aunt, it's becoming a bit of a running joke in the house now. Anyways dinner, friggin amazing, roast cod and millefeuille, très bien! AND I tried steak tartare and liked it; to put this into context 2 months ago I'd never eaten a steak but now I eat my beef rare as it comes, welcome to France Kate! Dinner avec Mon famille français was totally a moment where I felt like I am doing well here and felt like a family member not just an employee.

Next part of 23 was Friday morning I guess. First of confession time, I am a world war geek, I love anything about the two world wars so Friday morning I took myself off to Invalides to have a mosey round the army museum. Ok wow, Invalides is amazing beautiful and so worth a visit. Extra bonus is that it was free because of the whole 18-26 EU citizen thing, the lovely ticket man eyed up my passport and wished me happy early birthday, so cute. The museum did not disappoint, there's so much to see! There's a museum for Napoleon and some other historical army things too, it's a good few hours worth of stuff there. Old Napoleon is also laid to rest in the chapel there, in the most lavish style, never seen a tomb quite like it! Invalides would be a top recommendation guys, the architecture is insane and there's so much to do there especially if you're a history nerd too.

Napoleon's tomb

The chapels beaut dome

Part trois was Friday night with some lovely ladies, a few drinks or something, we all know how it goes with me.... It was super fun though, and as per usual I ended up rocking in in the wee hours. After having stopped to photograph le tour Eiffel looking all mysterious encase in cloud and early morning sky; I'm taking this moment to point out that my Instagram did not do that justice, if I hadn't been so drunk I would've realised how shit that photo was.

Then comes my actual birthday! Which started with brunch with Jodie and Natalie, inherited from Faye my predecessor; I have been super lucky to meet these girls and brunch was so yummy and fun. Then I spent the afternoon with Catherine and Bella mooching around Paris, dragging them into pet shops and drinking coffee, the sun was shining and I definitely thought 'there's no place I'd rather be' a few times. It was the perfect birthday day. Finally Saturday night, drinks at a friend who au pairs for children at the same school as mine and then drinks out with mainly school friends but a few extras. It was slightly more chilled then Friday and by this I mean I got the last metro home but I still managed to drink enough whiskey and tequila sunrises that is acceptable on your birthday! Aw it was all so wonderful guys, like definitely a birthday I won't forget.

On top of all of this I received so many beautiful messages from everyone, everyone at home, people here in Paris who couldn't make it out, family members, best friends etc etc. It's the beautiful thing in the modern world, it's so easy to write happy birthday somewhere and press send but so many were lovely personal messages, it filled me with lots of love and happiness! 

So thank you to everyone, thank you to those I saw over the course of the weekend. Thank you to those that I didn't get to see but sent lovely messages. Thank you to my parents and siblings for your love filled messages. Thank you to my girls back home for missing me :-) etc etc. One little 'happy birthday' can mean to world to someone, it can remind them that they're loved but also that you're there and you still care. So be kind everyone, say happy birthday as much as you can.

This or that?

I am sitting here writing this is some kind of major food coma; I just got fed the most amazing traditional Normandy dish, eggs, potatoes and cauliflower all topped with creamy,cheesy goodness. I was in food heaven, especially this yucky cold rainy Paris day. Yup that's right guys, Paris' beautiful Indian summer is over, I'm not complaining though, I was a bit sick of dresses with bare legs but mid September let alone October 1st .

This week has honestly been a pretty quiet week, most of us started classes this week and all the children's after school activities have started so I for one spent most of the week adjusting. My classes are brilliant, I can string together French sentences now and understand a lot more of what's being said around me. I do struggle with saying French words that are so close to the English version, 'quart' was the latest to be a pain in my ass. On the flip side, teaching the children English is going rather well, their sentences are starting to make more sense and in ils école they get chosen to demonstrate English to the other children. I had a moment whilst teaching them the difference between 'this' and 'that', I actually couldn't work out the answers for the exercise; if any of you meet my French charges and cringe at their wrong usage of 'this', sorry!!

We did Wednesday wine again this week but decided we had too much to celebrate for just wine so (cheap) champagne was drunk too, nope this was not a good idea; general agreement on Thursday, never again! I spent Thursday feeling beyond fragile and generally wasting a day. Friday was a pretty quiet one by my usual standards, a few drinks and home by half 1 but then I made up for it on Saturday. Saturday was spent wandering around department stores and a musées avec Cath, it was also the last sunny day in Paris. Then finally Saturday night, it was Nuit Blanche in Paris but I'm gonna be honest that not only do I still not really know what Nuit Blanche is, I didn't actually see any of it. Oops. Still a night spent out with proper Parisians (and Cath & Delaine sponsored by whiskey) was a pretty damn good alternative...

(I managed to bore myself to sleep writing this last night, it doesn't give me great hope that any of you will find this any more interesting...)

If any of you have missed my updates or subtle hints (or are just wank friends) it's my 23rd birthday on Saturday, I wasn't actually really looking forward to it till the last 24hrs. I am unlucky in a sense of where my birthday falls because it's pretty close to the beginning of the academic year. At school this was never a problem, I never saw it as a hindrance BUT then I went to uni and my birthday was about 2 weeks after arriving at university. I had made friends but no one like my girls back home and it was my first birthday away from any family, it was a strange experience. Don't get me wrong, I loved my Trefloyne birthday; there was a chicken nugget birthday cake for one but fast forward to my 22nd last year, my 90's birthday with the best friends I made a uni; people that know me so well, the two don't compare! (The middle birthday at uni was utter shite but we can all thank a certain ex for that). It's a completely different experience celebrating things with people who know you inside out, upside down and back to front. ANYWAYS yes I was super apprehensive about 23rd à Paris, will I actually have fun?? But some reassurance and making plans with some of the friends I have made here has left me looking forward too it. How often do you get a birthday in Paris anyway, I better make the most of it!!

E did me some beautiful artwork for my room today, she puts me to shame artistically...