The Accidental Tourist

The best things in life are unplanned.  I had intended to visit Amanda in June after practicing French and planning my vacation moment by moment.  I once again fooled myself into thinking I was in control.  You think I would have learned this lesson well by now.

The unexpected demise of her first au pair job has led to lessons in culture, preparedness, and faith.  She is much more prepared for the expectations of the next au pair position and has developed a support system of friends in Paris.  She and the new parents have been candid about how they will all deal with issues as they arise, and Amanda has grown more confident and assertive.  The time we are spending in Paris near her new job helps her as well.  We understand the bus and subway system after practicing a few days.

As far as the Dijon family goes... Amanda has related more stories to me and we both agree that there were signs early on that they were not going to keep her. The week before the Sunday discussion, Amanda was at the mom's office and asked to make copies of papers that she needed to file about her job and the mom said there was no need even though days before that was important.  Then there was the issue of limiting food which I believe was an even bigger deal.   The mom was very concerned about weight - hers and her kids to the point of squeezing hands at dinner should they reach for a second piece of bread.  She  relieved Mandy of her cooking duties saying Mandy used cheese and olive oil in preparing food the first week.  C'est la vie!

Back to Paris...  the week started out perfectly.  We easily found our way back to the deRostolan's door Monday night by bus and subway, and had a very pleasant dinner with them.  Great wine and good food - pasta with delicious red sauce and the BEST ice cream in Paris - Berthillon.  Then, Hubert and Elisabeth drove us to all the beautiful sites in Paris at night.  A personal driving tour!

Today, we turned back into tourists.  First, we slept late - the adrenalin that kept me going at the beginning is wearing off.  Then, we took the Metro to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal where St. Catherine Laboure had visions of Mary... Her uncorrupted body lies in a glass coffin and I was very near the alter where Mary appeared.  The humble chapel is magnificently beautiful inside in tones of gold and soft blues.  It feels very reverent there and many devout pilgrims were praying inside... unlike the touristy churches like the Notre Dame.  A sweet nun of the Daughters of Charity housed there said prayers with us and blessed medals that we purchased.  This was very special to me as I grew up in St. Mary's Assumption Parish.

We then walked to Musee d'Orsay and saw the works of Van Gogh, Benoit, Renoir, Gaugin, and Monet.  Elisabeth had shared a special free pass with us, so that was a special treat to not have to spend more money - (we are starting to ration now as Euros fly out of our wallets way too easily!)

Again, everywhere Amanda goes she attracts attention.  The waiter at lunch slipped her a note with the bill that read in French "You are as charming as you are beautiful. - Bruno" and gave his phone number.  All the vendors on the street offer to help teach her French - I think that's code for something to do with kissing.  She handles herself very well with these compliments... better than I would at 19.  As for me, I seem to look like a normal French woman because many people stop me on the street to ask for directions which I cannot give.   Women here do not wear much makeup nor put much effort into their hair or dress as long as their shoes are good.  I love that about the French women - they are more naturally pretty with little ado.  Mandy says they look tired, and I believe they are.  I know I am.

Tomorrow we attempt the RER to the palace at Versailles and Marie Antoinette's quarters. Mandy says she's watched movies about her so much that she will know all the details of the palace.  It is supposed to rain but that's o.k. because the gardens are probably closed in winter.  There will be plenty to see inside and we prefer if the rain keeps the crowds away.

Au revoir for now.
Lisa - guest blogger and mum