Time

We've been here just two weeks and it already is starting to feel somewhat like home. It's funny how quickly we adapt to our sorroundings. I remember thinking it would be impossible to get by without our super size washing machine back home and without a clothes dryer, which like many apartments here, ours is lacking.  We somehow don't have as much laundry piling up here and hanging clothes out on the balcony and letting them dry in the sun seems so natural.

This morning after dropping Maddy off at school for 8:30, I took a long walk along the Promenade Des Anglais, it was another beautiful sunny day. Already there were many locals sunbathing and swimming. There were many silver haired seniors swimming peacefully in the sparkling calm water. I couldn't help but think that they had discovered the fountain of youth in their daily ritual.

There are many examples of  a slower pace  in  just the couple weeks of observation. The French here seem to take the time to enjoy their day. They make time for foreigners and for each other. Whether it's to help a foreign family struggling with a daunting list of school supplies in the local department store or the middle-aged men who stop their bicycles to greet each other with a kiss.   Sal and I couldn't help notice how our contact at the bank greeted each of his colleagues with a kiss to welcome them back from their summer vacances.

The cafes and restaurants seem full at all times of the day, with plenty of locals enjoying long lunches and coffees. Some look like stay at home moms , some are retired, but many are men and women in business attire. This system seems to somehow work for them, maybe it makes them more patient .

At the Nice Festival last weekend, locals had no problem waiting up to an hour in long line ups for moules et frites (mussels and fries) a northern France specialty we're told.  As Simona and Maddy begged to try them , I grudgingly stood in line, instinctively checking my watch as the Nicoises ahead and behind me seemed not to be bothered much by the wait. 

I am enjoying the slow down.  I look forward to picking up Maddy from school at 11:30 and enjoying a 2 hour lunch with  her everyday.  While I recognize it's only been two weeks and I may feel differently in a few months, I am in no rush to go anywhere just yet.

A la prochaine,
Nancy

Enjoying Moules e frites