As I am way over do for a blog posting, I’ve decided to take a little break from my endless French studies and write. After almost 3 months of stumbling around with Rosetta Stone for French, I’ve finally decided it’s time to get serious. So I did a little research and found the least expensive French school around. By the way, French Schools must make a killing with the rates they charge! Most schools offer 15 to 20 hours a week of class. This is pretty intensive for a girl who’s been out of school as long as I have. NOT to mention, that I ambitiously enrolled in ”false beginners” class thinking I was savvy enough to avoid a true beginners class. The experience thus far (I’m on day two) is terrifying. The class is small with a diverse background of students from Hong Kong, Russia, Brazil and then there is me, the American. This all makes for interesting French accents. As soon as you enter the building, NO ONE (including the worker in the café) will speak English to you. This seems normal since I live in France. However, I’ve been a bit spoiled. Joe and most of his family speak fluent English and pamper my Anglo centric persona. So, on my own without Joe to translate, this is all quite terrifying, but a good experience none-the-less. Did I mention I have homework every night? Ugh!
After reviewing some of my previous postings, I realize I have pretty much commented on the more unfavorable French experiences. However, for anyone who has been to Paris or at least seen a movie that is filmed here, you know that Paris is quite lovely and breath taking. I have to say April in Paris deserves all the hype. It’s sunny, cool & a perfect relief from winter. Since I am getting out and about more, I am taking notice of the conveniences that Paris offers. First there is the obvious…health care. One never intends on becoming ill in another country. But, if your gonna get sick, get sick in France! The doctor’s office was something out of the series Madmen with a scale older than me, and a fully equipped doctor’s examining bed with stirrups and all right next to his antique desk. Despite the dated ambience, the doctor really new his stuff. Even with our language barrier, he managed to quickly figure out my ailments and prescribe the appropriate meds. Diagnosis? Well, let’s just say it’s time to get back to my normal eating habits. Aurevoir, fromage, croissant & baguettes! Anyway, 40 Euros later (about $55 dollars?) I paid in full for my doctor’s visit and had my prescription in hand.
On my way back from the doctors, I took the metro line and decided that New York could take a lesson or two from Paris public transportation. When waiting for a bus or the metro, a considerate little sign at every stop flashes informing travelers when the next bus or train will arrive. Do you know how many times I waited endlessly for the subway or bus, either it doesn’t come or arrives as soon as I leave the station? Well, more times than I can count! And for drivers, there is a handy little illuminated sign telling traffic goers how long to expect delays to the next exit. Amazing! However, I’m guessing the heavily taxed consumer items pay for all these conveniences. Oh, the dream of utopia, conveniences without penalty of cost! In that utopia I imagine everyone speaks a universal language (no, not love!), travel without stress & worries of being late to work (again!) and quality affordable healthcare for all…oh, wait, that one is already in the works! Á bientôt or until next time… - City Girl
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