Guest blog by Lisa (mums)

I begin my guest blogging where our journey in Dijon ends...

Packed up Amanda's belongings into two duffles and her large rolling suitcase, abandoning her trusty pink trunk that followed her to Philadelphia and back and to France.  One wheel broke and dealing with a bulky, heavy trunk that didn't roll was not a journey I was willing to make.  Even with that change, we looked like the crazy Americans at the train station - you know the people who cling to their possessions and carry a large rolling suitcase, a duffle, a small rolling carry on and a backpack EACH!   To board the train, we had to walk down a flight of stairs and then back up a flight of stairs and then step into the train.  Luckily there are nice French gentlemen who came to our aid at each step.  Merci beaucoup!  That's the phrase I say the most.

From train to taxi in Paris was pretty simple and we both gasped as we drove past the Notre Dame, Museum d'Orsay, Eiffel Tower, and Arc d'Triomphe on our way to our quaint hotel Villa des Ternes.  We are within walking distance of all of this!  Tomorrow we begin to explore.

We walked down the street with parapluie (umbrella, literally translated as "for the rain") in drizzle to a wonderful cafe for lunch.  We were seated next to locals and they engaged us once they knew we were Americans.  (I don't know how everyone figures that out so quickly!)  Anyway, they were film producers for a travel show here in France and had just returned from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  They asked me to walk with them to their studios to translate a cowboy poem.  A Wyoming ranch hand / poet had recited a poem in their documentary and they couldn't understand what he was saying.  I even had trouble!  I wrote down the English words, but some didn't make sense to me... like "30 cc's for a yearling steer"  and "that booger could run!"  I had to try to make them understand that booger (he was talking about roping a calf) meant rascal or something like that.  So, I had an adventure within 3 hours of arriving in Paris!  The producer, Jean Marc I think he said, will put my name in the credits of "Echappees belles" (a.k.a. Beautiful Travels) which airs after 28th March on www.france5.fr/echappees-belles/.

Next, Lucie's mom Elisabeth met us in our hotel lobby. We gave her Lois' gift, flowers Mandy got her from a Parisian market, and packages from Lucie and Chloe.  Lucie's JJ Pearce Homecoming Mum was fun to explain to her.  She finally understood that it's not a "mom" it's short for chrysanthemum!  Elisabeth is the best!  So fun, so kind, so interesting, and a bit like me with parking and driving.  She brought us to Amanda's interview with a new family of 4 in Neuilly-sur-Seine which is very much like the Upper East Side in NYC next to a huge park that looks like Central Park.  Elisabeth had sent email to the PTA president at Lucie's school who then sent email to people she knew with small children who may need an au pair.  Is that amazing or what?!!

We spent nearly 2 hours at this family's beautiful home.  They were just perfect!  The kids were so sweet and adorable and happy and normal, active children - ages 2 to 9.  They already have two daytime babysitters who help with the house and children, but one will take maternity leave in late February.  This would give them opportunity to try out the concept of a live-in au pair.   They may want Amanda from Feb to July only, and I think that is just long enough!   Amanda will spend Thursday evening with them as a test run and we have to look into French language schools.  If this works out, great.  If not, Amanda returns with me next Sunday.

We walked back to our hotel.  As luck would have it, we picked a hotel within walking distance of this family's home and also fairly near to Elisabeth's home.  Priceline did us good!

At 6:30 we ventured out again and saw that Mass was going in St. Ferdinand des Ternes, so we popped in and went to Mass.  Didn't understand a word, but followed along.  Ate sushi at a Japanese restaurant across from the church and now we're back and ready for bed.  

Wow what a day!  We get to sleep in tomorrow and start exploring.  Then, Elisabeth invited us for a family dinner Sunday afternoon / evening!  I am so looking forward to a pleasant Sunday with no demands or travels or worries, AND an authentic family meal with our new "French family friends".

Mandy reminded me just now that I am not writing a book, but I thought I should catch you all up on the soap opera.  

Hope your weekend is wonderful and if you run into someone who doesn't speak English, please offer a smile or helpful hand.  Those folks who have reached out to us stand out in my mind.

Love to all,

Lisa D.

P.S. Lois, Mandy says your pizelles are to die for.  We are enjoying a sweet treat in our room!