Day 22

My last day of French class. Quite sad to see it, as the class has helped me improve my French, and gave structure to my days. Apparently I was quite lucky to get in while Christine was teaching. From what A says, Christine teaches at Lutece Langue in between the classes she teaches at the Sorbonne. In fact, after next week, Christine won't be teaching at LL because she will be doing a summer session at the Sorbonne. 

Alan still grates, but not as much as on the first day. He seems well educated, and is not mean, but he just exudes a patriarchal type of air that I find off-putting. Maybe it was that he was so domineering and pushy on the first day, when we had team discussions on what we would take and do if we were stranded on a deserted island for three months. Anyway, he didn't come to lunch, and didn't ask me about this blog, so I don't have to change what I've written. I would have, since I hate to hurt people's feelings, but I like feeling like it's not an issue. 

I gave Christine the chocolates, and she gave me a French/continental farewell. I love those. Since she had given Gillian her email, i also asked her for her contact info. Christine gave me her email, with an admonition to write her, in French! 

To lunch with Pranali, A, and Gillian, at one of those cafes that surround the Pompidou. I think it's so exciting that A and Gillian have taken such dramatic moves to broaden their lives. A for moving from Japan to France to marry her husband and take (at least) a few years to live here, and decide what to do with the rest of their lives. It seems like their options are wide open, as her husband is trying to learn Japanese, and already speaks French, Spanish, and English. And Gillian and here husband for moving here from Manchester, and giving it at least two years. Although I think it would be difficult to uproot one's life from the motherland, I also think that it would be quite the adventure. Gillian asked me if I thought I would be able to move to Paris and work, and I don't think I would be able to. I think that the technical aspects would not be any different, but the communication would be very difficult. Besides all the charting, there is the need for concise communication between hospital staff, as well as the need to educate the patients and their families. I feel like I have gotten worlds better at this, but I have a hard time imagining being able to do it in French.

Just writing this, I am reminded that the idea to learn French predates the trip to Morocco. Actually, the seed of the idea was planted when I watched the movie, "As Good As It Gets." Diane Keaton's character goes into a French bakery in the Hamptons, and speaks with the proprietors in (seemingly) flawless French. Her daughter proudly explains to Jack Nicholson's character that her mother decided to learn French one day, and became fluent after dedicated study. I don't think I will ever become fluent, but maybe I can become proficient enough to travel in French-speaking countries easily, without having to resort to English. Or maybe I will become fluent sometime before I die. C'est possible!

After lunch, wandered through BHV. They had indeed restocked their decorative number tiles, and I arranged two different styles to see how I liked them. I dithered around for a bit. Then decided to splurge and just go for it. Also wandered around some of the other floors. Some of the decorative wall stencils were 40-50% off, but not the tall iron streetlight that I like. I just can't  bring myself to pay 45€ for it. 

Back to the apartment. I'd planned on changing into my warm slacks, but the sun was so strong that I couldn't. Probably a mistake. Packed a quick lunch that was completed by a baguette from Eric Kaysor. After partaking of baguettes from the supermarket, I am fully convinced of the superiority of Kaysor. It makes me curious about the last Parisian boulanger to win the baguette prize. The monetary reward is only 4000€, but the winner gets loads of press, and will keep Hollande in baguettes for the next year.

Took a very crowded SNCF train out to Fontainebleau-Avon. It was so crowded, that I took the second to last seat in the car I boarded. The last was taken in no time, and we were off. Many of the locals seemed to zone out to their iPods, or just doze with their chins in their chests. I can certainly understand the impetus to get headsets that cover the entire ear. They look cool, and probably give great sound. But I saw a Law and Order episode a while ago, in which a woman was assaulted while taking money out of an ATM, and she never saw the attacker because she was so aurally-isolated by her huge headset. Ever since then, the only place I can wear headsets is where I feel totally physically safe.

Arrived in FA, and found out that the last train to Paris leaves the station at midnight. At least, I hope I read the sign right. Anyway, this means that I might be able to take the train back, instead of taking a taxi all the way back! I kept an eye out for taxis, but I didn't see any on the bus ride to the chateau. Maybe they come out on spectacle nights? Or maybe I will just have to hoof it back quickly after the show? I think it ends at 23:40, which would give me 20 minutes. Or maybe I will have to take a taxi back any way. Or maybe I will just end up sleeping on the doorway of the train station. So many possibilities. 

Picnicked on a bench in the forward courtyard. Mimolette cheese from the Maubert frommagerie, my Kaysor baguette (perfection!), sel de mer butter, eggplant spread, and water. A simple repast, but delicious.

Headed into the opera area around 8:30. Although my seat is in the third row from the rear, it's still pretty good. The only problem is the swarming gnats. I was typing away on the iPad, when I became aware of a swarm right in front of my face! Eeekurghblech! They don't stay for long after I start waving, but ... Eeekurghblech!

When I looked back at my photos, I found out that the Aida poster I'd taken a photo of was for the pleine air performance over at Chateau Vincennes. It would have been much more convenient and accessible, but I wonder if the weather would have been so bad that they would have cancelled the performances on those particular days. I'll have to look back and verify the dates, after I see how I return to Paris tonight. Or tomorrow.

Around 21:00. Opera starts. Looks promising. But the seats are very uncomfortable, and I'm already cold.

Around 22:30.  Intermission. Supposed to only be 15 minutes. If the end on time, maybe I can make it to the train station to take the last train to Paris? Maybe I should leave my seat and stand on the sidelines so that I can exit quickly. Naaahhhhh.

23:30. They still haven't put Radames in the tomb yet. This is starting to look bad. Wish I had stood at the side. Standing for a little bit wouldn't have been that bad.

23:50. Finally able to extricate myself from my row of seats. As quickly as possible, I try to make my way over the cobblestones in the courtyard. Only one taxi, and it looks like its reserved and being held. Oh no. Maybe there will be more taxis at the train station? I book it.

00:00 Happy birthday to me.