Normalcy is beginning to set in at Fondary. The apartment is pretty much cleaned up from the boxes that arrived on Tuesday. Phones are up and running (now we just need to learn how to use them), Skype is functioning (go to www.skype.com and search for abbyandgrey), and language lessons for me begin next week. I must admit it is nice to have the gang here. We had a great weekend. The weather was nice and we spent most of Saturday on the go. I was introduced to Carrefour. This is the cousin to the American Target or WalMart. Not as impressive, but equally as busy. The bonus is that they will deliver your groceries for a small charge, which is good for those of us that do not drive or have an elevator. Delivery man, my legs and arms will be sending you a Christmas card this year for not making me carry those bags up four flights of stairs.
On Saturday afternoon, we went to the Eiffel Tower. It was extremely crowded, but it was great fun. Woobie #2 has a new hobby of chasing pigeons. He has gotten scary close to getting one or two thus far. I don’t exactly know what would happen if he actually got one. In fact, I would rather not think about this scene. The kids rode the carousel and we grabbed ice cream (mind you that it was just above freezing outside). Pictures above, facts below.
I must say that the biggest event of the week was that Abby went back to school. The school seems good and she is adjusting pretty well. They had a fair after school and dress up day on Friday. She has about 19 kids in her class (some Americans, some Portuguese, some Germans). I have to say watching her go through this transition at school is about the most gut wrenching event I have had to see thus far as a parent. At times, we all see acts from just normal people that strike us as courageous. I must say that she has taught me a few things this week after moving 5,000 miles away in the middle of a school year. It is hard to imagine, but I think that she has got more courage than I have today. To force yourself into a new situation like this just simply takes guts. I know it has not been easy for her and I know that she probably does not understand what she is feeling, but I am really, really proud her for putting herself out there. It just goes to show you that you can’t teach courage, but you sure can take lessons from those who have it.
So here at information central command, we are constantly trying to improve the quality of communication from across the pond. We have found a new little feature that allows us to send pictures within the post. Please enjoy and unlike the airlines these days, these pictures are included in the price of admission. Just for the record, Abby has discovered static electricity.
I also thought it would be fun to share a little history about our destination this past weekend. Enjoy.
Eiffel Tower
Constructed between 1887-1889…Was once the largest structure in the world (first overtaken by the Chrysler Building in NYC in 1930)…Built to mark the 100 year celebration of the French Revolution…Architect none other than Gustave Eiffel…Although marveled for its architecture, the structure was built to withstand the winds that come through Paris…Weighs about 10,000 tons…717 steps to the top…It has survived the invasion of Nazi Germany and a fire in 1956.
