Why am I here?

This weekend had so many moments that took my breath away, and not where I expected.

When steph and I went to Paris, it was almost difficult for me to fully appreciate it. It was the strangest thing. I think this time I noticed the people more than the landmarks, and this truly affected my mood (and I think steph's as well). I think it’s safe to say that a lot of Parisian people are very stressed, and can be very short with you. Sometimes I find it funny, but sometimes I find it very arrogant – it’s like they are fighting to be successful but they have little interest in the success of others (just going to make a large brush stroke there).

I got a crazy headache that day and I think it was because of the stressful energy that surrounded us.

Today was the complete opposite. My family brought steph and I to a castle and we had a picnic on the green in front of the castle, there was a beautiful duck pond in the front and some donkeys on the side. It was incredibly peaceful.

Steph was very tired and took the train back to Paris, and I made some supper for my family (not my best meal – but good for now). And then we had an incredible conversation about why I came to France, and I swear I still have goosebumps.

Because in truth, I am not entirely sure why I’m here, or why I decided to come. I just knew that this is what I am supposed to do. And this is where I should be. So we began our discussion with this point.

We talked about my past, my beliefs, my morals and the direction that my heart has taken me so far. And then we discussed the importance of communication and the importance of extending your environment and how I have changed my responsibilities in my life.

We then moved on to talk about listening to your heart, and letting it guide you. We agreed that you must stoke the fire in your heart and preserve a constant energy.

And then this is where it got a bit strange, We continued our conversation, and discussed perhaps why this is a good time in my life to emancipate myself.

And then to take in all that I can, without rushing, but allowing whatever will happen; happen.

And finally to let change happen, but not let it change me.

(They are concerned that France could turn me into a French person. And they would prefer me to be a Canadian exploring France. )

I am really enjoying my family, I could not be happier. We seem to truly appreciate each other’s company and there is a lot of understanding between us.

Perhaps I still don’t know why I am here. But I’m letting my heart guide me, and in turn I am experiencing wonderful moments.

la vie est belle

“I came to France and I lost half my English!” – Steph Gogal

Steph and Adie have decided to write this blog ensemble.
This is the story of two sisters in France. One day, the sister named Adrianne took the train to Paris to visit Stephanie. There was a very handsome young man who helped Adrianne get on the Train because she had no idea what she was doing, He then asked for her number … it was a good way to start the day. Unfortunately Adie and Steph didn’t do so well on communicating their meeting place, so Adie decided to call Steph and meet her under the Eiffel tower. They found each other there, it was nice.

So after a petite pause on the Champs de Mars, Steph took Adie to see her apartment, which Adie liked. This made Steph happy.

Next they found a café and had some lunch. Adie ate really fatty duck called “confit du canard” and Steph had what the waiter described as “chicken cake”. It was delicious. Bien.

Adie bought a phone, and the two of them commented on how there is not very good shopping in Paris. So they decided to walk au bord de la Seine instead. But it was way too much work to walk along the river, so they took a boat. Next stop… Musee d’Orsay!

Do any of these names ring a bell? Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh(gal), Manet… oh, c’etait super bon! Seriously, they had never seen anything like it. To be so close to such art, it was incredible for them! Steph really liked Monet’s sail boats. Adie really liked the Courbet. They then had a very intelligent conversation about art and love and life.

Moving on. Notre Dame was the next stop….. Meh.
Just kidding – they thought that was pretty cool and Steph would like to go back so she can go all the way to the top. They then met Steph’s family who took them on a quick walking tour through the Quartier Latin. Oh la. Oh la la. Oh la la la la. They liked this a lot. They saw La Sorbonne and le Pantheon, and a lot of restaurants and shops. It was like a dream, the Paris of your imagination. They will definitely return!

Hadrien, the little boy that Steph takes care of, picked the restaurant for dinner. They couldn’t have done it more French if they’d tried! Raclette and fondue, complete with a lovely bottle of Savoie and an ongoing animated French lesson throughout. They had a lot of fun and were very very content to have spent such a great evening with Steph’s family.

Then they missed their train back to Arpajon (where Adie lives). But all was ok after they ran like crazy women to catch the next one! One hour later they arrived at the small village, and Stephanie’s feet were sore. Steph met Adie’s family, and they passed the evening very nicely , enjoying some herbal tea and conversing about the differences between French and Canadian culture.

They stayed up till 2 am writing a blog, then thought it might be a good plan to get some sleep before another exciting day tomorrow.

The End. (for now)
A bientot!

HERE!!!

hi everyone! i made it!

The trip here was really bad but totally worth it! our first plane was an hour late, then we had to transfer planes in minneapolis. As soon as we got off our first plane we got the final boarding call for the second, which of course happened to be on the exact opposite side of the airport, so we ran - steph was at least 3 meters in front of me the entire time, and when she got to the gate the plane was gone , and she almost lost it - then we realized we were at the wrong gate and we got on the plane 20 min to spare before take off!!! Steph and I decided it would be a good idea to stay awake the night before we fly; so we could beat the jetleg. As it turned out, Steph slept the entire way and i watched her sleep. So I was a bit tired.

When I met my family I felt totally at home. They are truly nice people and are happy to share their lives with me this year. Anais was sooo excited, and as I expected I couldnt understand a lot of what she said. But its amazing how patient she is with me, and she is going to be the biggest help for me to learn french. Yesterday we Played with her dolls, did eachothers hair and nails, gardened, toured the town, went shopping, went to the park, came home again , made mud pies, ate a beautiful french meal and then finally fell alseep (after 48 hours of almost no sleep)

The parents are absolutely amazing! I cant believe how time and preperration they have put into me coming here. they recently built a beautiful addition to their home because they wanted an au pair. They really do love Canada; and it makes me happy to be Canadian. We are all looking forward to this year, and we are excited to see both Anais and I learn a second language and take in a second culture.

I have taken a few walks around Arpajon with Anais and Tassidite, they have shown me the park, library,market square, duck pond, grocery store, the best bakery and there is still so much to see

Hello Everyone! (or should i say goodbye?)

This blog is for you

I will miss you all very much when I am gone this next year. So to make the switch a whole lot better, I will update you on many of the fun times that I plan to have once I get there!

As you know, FRANCE has been my dream trip for the last 3 years, but it feels like ever. So I promise I won’t disappoint you.

I feel like I’m about to jump off a cliff, I really have no idea what to expect! But it really is an awesome feeling. The greatest thing about this trip is that I don’t feel like I’m doing it alone. You have been so supportive and excited for me that I feel almost fearless. Thank you for helping me get here.

Love you all!!!!
Adrianne