Tuesday, March 23, 2010

lessons


These are the lessons I've learned so far, after three days in Paris:

Some Metro stations require you to insert your ticket again to exit - so hold on to it. On Sunday, when I went to wave BB off at Gare de Lyon (sniffle), I threw my ticket away before the exit barrier and then had to rummage around in the bin like a plankton to retrieve it - which was rather embarrassing.

Don't walk around staring up at buildings admiring the architecture. It's true what they say about Paris and dog merde! Keep your eyes on the ground.

When viewing apartments for the first time, if the landlord says, "it's very quiet here", he is lying. I have a sideways neighbour who plays the piano (well) which is acceptable, but an upstairs neighbour who clops around in hobnailed boots on bare wooden floors which isn't. But I've found a solution - leave the extractor fan on in the bathroom to create white noise (which I'm used to at home with the sound of the river) and drown out everything else. Sorted.

I have my first lesson tomorrow morning. My school bag is packed (with a tarte tatin for the teacher!), my uniform ironed - and I'm just a little bit nervous.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amusez-vous, cuisinez bien et mangez des charges. Les étoiles seulement d'or et smiley font face sur le carnet de notes. Amour Mish xxx

Kathie said...

Bienvenue a Paris!

Megan H Carroll said...

That is so exciting...and slightly envious. Good luck, or rather Bon Chance as Julia would say.

Jackie McGuinness said...

Good luck on your first day!

Denise | Chez Danisse said...

I like your white noise solution. Enjoy your first lesson.

Jen S. said...

Ah, yes, merde - it's everywhere. Sorry about your flat noise - yuck. Good thing you have a white noise solution. All the best for class tomorrow. Much better to bring a tarte tatin than just a plain ol' raw apple!

Pamela Holderman said...

Go have a wonderful time - what an opportunity!

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you today.Dont worry you will be top of the class I know, just watch your fingers with all those knives!

Lois B said...

Have fun; what a wonderful opportunity! I'm waiting for a photo of you in your uniform. :)

hils said...

ooh! Will you be chefs pet today avec your tarte tatin!
Beats an apple every day!.......Crawler!
How many blue plasters on your fingers?

Janet said...

I noticed the dog "merde" (spent an evening in my hotel room cleaning my good shoes) during a visit to Paris two years ago. Still love that city though!
Great idea about the white noise.

By the time you read this, you would have had a couple of lessons behind you and are feeling better about school.
Make friends, listen to the Chefs and have fun.
Janet

Andi said...

Lovely lesson - learned the hard way for you, but shared lovingly with us! Bonne chance at school. Or as the French say, "merde!"

Display homes said...

That is quite an experience and lessons learned. Sounds like you are enjoying Paris.