Recurring sickness

What a surprise, sprog three is sick...again. It has easily been at least once a month since I arrived and shows no signs of stopping. This time, she spent upwards of four days coughing and sneezing (and being sick a few times), clearly doing her best to try and infect us all. Thus far, her parents are the only ones who have fallen victim. I am determined to remain as healthy as possible, touch wood. 
With Marilie being quarantined, I had to remain at home for the entirety of her flu journey. My only escapes were my two French lessons and a couple of trips to Carrefour...how desperately sad! I even missed Krisztina’s birthday on Tuesday, so you can imagine how unimpressed I was with that!
One morning I did have to take Kev to the bus ridiculously early. I mean, the sky looked like this so you can only imagine how dead I was. 

Essentially, I had no freedom until the weekend. Of course, that’s when I got ill. It always seems to be just as you start to relax, that sickness hits you. It was just my my luck that Friday night was Demi and Mario’s goodbye party. Typical! I’m glad to say that they still got their present, although I was gutted to not go. I’m sure we’ll meet again at some point, but who knows whereabouts in the world it will be?
I felt so awful about missing Kriszti’s birthday that I did my best to make it up to her on Saturday. I had been planning a surprise for a while, long before I got sick. Pretty much since that first time I met her she was going on about how much she wanted to go to Montreux. Unfortunately, we missed the *allegedly beautiful* Christmas market in December because the weather was so diabolical. I checked the forecast every day in the lead up to Saturday, to ensure that we at least had a dry day that wasn’t too cold. In actual fact, we were pretty lucky with the weather. Although cloudy, it was pretty decent. We walked around a lot, so it was a good job it wasn’t too hot! 

It was meant to be a group of her closest friends, but ended up just being three of us, Krisztina, Jason and me. Maybe it was better that way. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, even though I’d had virtually no sleep the night before and the sniffles were getting me hard. We managed to see a decent amount, even though we went a little late. It’s most definitely somewhere I’ll go back to when the weather is better, because the view of the mountains must be stunning. Fingers crossed the others (particularly Krisztina) loved it as much as I did!

That night, I tried to get as much sleep as I possibly could, to recharge my batteries. I had a VERY lazy Sunday morning, which involved rolling out of bed at something like 10, having a shower, eating a leisurely breakfast and going on a walk to phone my mum and meet Krisztina...again. I’m sure that she thought I had been kidnapped on the way because I took so long. We spent ages trying to decide what to do and what to eat. Most places here either don’t open on a Sunday, are super expensive or close early, so we were pressed for time. Eventually, we chose to grab a warm quiche lorraine from our favourite café. It’s the only food that has remotely resembled anything I eat at home. I have to say, it was delicious and much needed! There’s nothing better than feeling warm food in your hands on a cold day! 

My Sunday tutoring is at an awkward time now. I went to see David, who was in an odd mood. He licked me at least twice and the session didn’t feel very productive at all. I had to basically tell his parents that his English is getting worse now that he’s in the French school, not great. They’ve upped my session to two hours, which will hopefully help. The only downside to that is that it means I get even less time to enjoy my Sunday. Never mind, just think of the money…
On Monday morning, I got the best news ever. After thinking that I couldn’t go home between now and July, the host Mum said that I can have 29th March until 3rd April off. Whoop whoop! Immediately after she told me I’d booked both my flights, you don’t have to tell me twice. I could not be more thrilled. Yay!

Free time and farewells

I seem to have had lots of free time this week. My French lessons were cancelled because my teacher was ill, and therefore I had no reason to go anywhere. I spent the week ploughing through almost three seasons of Game of Thrones (no shame, it's addictive!) Finally I can converse with my friends about what's happening and hopefully soon I will be up to date and ready for season eight!
The week, therefore, has been most uneventful. Ballet on Monday, guitar on Tuesday, English on Wednesday, swimming on Thursday, football most days for Mel. Then repeat each week until I leave in July. Fun fun fun...

If you read my last blog, you'll know that I had a rather unusual 'apple crumble' in a pub in a village close by. Luckily,we had some apples that were going a bit soft, so I rustled up a proper apple crumble with custard. Of course, it wasn't as good as my mums but nothing I cook ever is! Nevertheless, I tucked in almost as eagerly as Marilie, who must've had the biggest portion out of all of us. It didn't last long, so it's a good job I made an extra big amount and froze half of it.

On Friday, I wussed out of food Friday. I was far too tired and the weather was crappy, so instead, I cooked pizza and had a film night with the kids. We watched 'LOL' with a bowl of popcorn each. I have to say, it was hardly an appropriate film to watch with an 8 year-old and a 10 year-old, given the amount of sex scenes. I was glad to have a chilled night in, followed by a pretty early night. The old age really is setting in...

I got up *somewhat* bright and early on Saturday morning, as I had presents to get. Thankfully, Jason accompanied me to Manor, otherwise I'd have traipsed around on my own (not much fun!) He helped me choose what picture to give Hana, agreeing with me that a funny one is much better than a sensible one (especially when it comes to us.) Good choice I say! I also picked up a super cheap pair of Vans, because obviously I'd only ever buy anything in Switzerland if it was in the sales! I'm definitely going to save them for the summer and the better weather.

I chose this one!

After I dropped him off, I quickly wrapped up Hana's present and went to collect her from her house. It's surprisingly difficult to wrap up a present nicely in such a small space, but I tried. Our original plan was to go to Annecy, as Hana hasn't been and it was her last chance to go. However, the weather had other ideas and it absolutely chucked it down all day. So instead of going to beautiful Annecy, we spent a few hours being complete muppets in McDonald's. We both had meals then two desserts, because obviously our friendship was forged over our appetites. No shame in that, although we got quite a few funny looks from the people who work there. 

After McDonald's, we returned to Divonne for a hot drink in Charly's with Marta, Flora and David. We spent about an hour talking, organising what time we were going to Marta's house and what food to get. I had to go with Hana to pick up Krisztina and Jason, so that we could get food for Hana's leaving party.

We bought pizzas, chicken nuggets and chips, along with other 'picky bits' for our own feast. Of course I wasn't drinking because I drove, so it was strawberry and kiwi Fanta for me, wild!

All of us spent the early evening eating, drinking and laughing, telling stories and sharing experiences. It brought mixed emotions for me because I knew we were all there to say goodbye to Hana. The whole evening was spent dancing and singing and just spending time with the people I love. Every single one of the people there holds a special place in my heart. We've all shared so much about each other that we've almost become a family, sharing good times and we held each other up when we were down. I have so much to thank these people for and I don't think they even realise how much they've all helped me. I truly do love them with all of my heart.

Through all the love and the laughter was an underlying sadness. I knew that at the end of the night I'd have to say goodbye to one of the warmest, kindest, funniest human beings I've ever had the privilege to meet and that truly broke my heart. Ever since I met Hana, we've shared such a close bond that I feel almost like I'm losing a small part of myself. Although I am positive we will see each other again, nobody knows when that time will be.

I love you Hana and I will miss you until whenever I see you again, which I hope will be sooner rather than later. Until then, I wish you all the happiness in the world and safe travels always. 

Back to reality...

Here we are, back to the mundane daily routine of life in France. 
On my return, I slept for a solid 10 hours. Unfortunately, this exhausted me far more than being awake for 37 hours. 
Of course, on Sunday I went to the market for the usual taco, but I couldn't finish it, nor the pizza I tried to tackle in the evening. I don't know what's happening to me because I definitely stuffed my face when I was at home. However, this reduced appetite would be a welcome change and would certainly kick start my healthy eating and exercise regime. I only hope it's here to stay...

Monday brought the first 6:30am start of the year, which was most unwelcome. I was barely able to drag myself out of bed, but somehow I managed it (with the help of a strong cup of tea.) After that came my French lesson, where there was only three of us. I have to admit, I much prefer a smaller group because at least then we actually speak French! It also gave the teacher an opportunity to offer two of us the B1 course, which I most definitely am NOT ready for and would easily be the worst in the class (my absolute nightmare.) Perhaps one day soon I will move up classes, but only when I'm ready. I've just got to keep trying!
The very same day, Krisztina and I did a mini food swap. Food seems to be at the very heart of our friendship, that and moaning about how cold it is, how tired we are and what horrors we have battled at home. I got some DELICIOUS Hungarian treats, a mix of sweet and savoury, that I happily demolished within the day. 

Kriszti got some good old sausage rolls and I think she was glad of some actual food (especially meat), because in her super healthy family she rarely sees anything substantial. I swear if we didn't eat like pigs at the weekend, she'd starve to death.

By Wednesday, I was already tired of standing in the cold and wet. It still doesn't make sense to me that I have to collect a 10-year-old from the bottom of his road in broad daylight. I spent the entire day washing, but not my washing. It looked like a laundry room and I could barely get past to go to my room!

On Friday evening, I spent my time with two Spaniards, two Britons and an American. We ate pizza at a place I've never been to before, which is hidden away off the main streets. All the best places are. Major plus was that it was cheap AND nice. I get the feeling that it might be a new regular dining spot. I have to say, having my car here is an absolute godsend. Now that I don't have to make the cold trek home, it's so much more bearable to actually go out. 

Krisztina and I went to Lausanne on Saturday and we were super lucky with the weather. Although cold, the day was somewhat clear, which meant that we could enjoy the sights and walk around for hours. I was foolish enough to forget how steeply sloped Lausanne is, it felt like we were hiking up and down mountains! Some of the views across Lake Geneva are truly stunning, the one from Lausanne is no different. 

Afterwards, we went back to Kriszti's for pizza (yep pizza...again!) I finally met her host parents, who were pleased to discover just how English I am. It's easy enough to form conversations with other Brits, we have a common history it would seem. Their return meant that we swiftly vacated to Charly's, if only for a while. We were lucky enough to meet a new au pair, Jason, who comes from Columbia and is utterly lovely.

 

Of course, Sunday is market day and I am always there. I drove the two youngest children, Jason and Krisztina to the market where, thankfully, my host parents picked the kids up almost immediately. We met up with Brenda, with whom we shared a hot chocolate (a very, very bitter one) and began getting to know our newest friend. We shared two tacos between four of us (nobody could manage a whole one, unusual I know) and then we set off for Nyon. The four of us spent the afternoon wandering around Nyon, talking about life, languages and the world in general. Both ways, I subjected them to my various tastes in music, which them seemed to survive. 

After our trip, I had to scurry back for my tutoring session which has changed from Sunday mornings to Sunday evening at 5pm. It's a little inconvenient but I still enjoy it, so I'm happy to wiggle my plans around a bit. We spent a short time catching up, discussing our Christmas' and New Years, then a gifted David with some presents a bought in England. He was pretty excited to see me and was more than thankful for his gifts. Just as I was leaving, his mum almost threw a waffle at me (which was delicious by the way.)
I went to collect a desperate Krisztina, who was being harassed by multiple children. We drove to pick up Brenda and the three of us went to Saint-Genis-Pouilly to eat. Ô'Brasseur is like a weird French/English mix that does INCREDIBLE flammekueche (a fancy, thin pizza.) We got two to share, then I had the weirdest apple crumble ever. It was essentially a sweet pizza, with crunchy things on it that tasted like popcorn.

Absolutely, definitely NOT an apple crumble!

All in all, the first week back was fab, definitely a great start to the year. I can't wait to see what else this year holds for me!

Refreshed and rejuvenated

Welcome back!
It has been quite a while since I last wrote an update, but I'm sure you can understand that I fully immersed myself in the two weeks I spent at home. Unfortunately, my parents were both a little ill over the Christmas period, so we had a slightly delayed Christmas dinner (on New Years Eve.) Not to worry though, it's only a roast. I was much too busy enjoying my time at home to worry about food! 

Having the luck that I do, I got to the airport super early to find that my flight was delayed, hooray. Luckily, it wasn't by too much and I managed to squeeze in a quick hello/goodbye with Flora, before she jetted off to Edinburgh and me to Luton. 
I returned home to find that my mum had made me an advent calendar, individually picking all of the little chocolates and sweets for every pocket. She's undoubtedly the best mum on the planet and I don't know what I'd do without her.

The day I got back (23rd December) I managed to rendezvous with the lovely Megan and Katie. Of course, we went to stuff our faces with as much food as humanly possible. From what I recall, we ordered three starters, a main course each AND a pudding. Whoops! I don't think I was quite ready to eat as much as I did, but I sure as hell crammed it in. It was so strange to sit in a busy restaurant, listening to all of the people talking and actually understand what they were saying. My eavesdropping skills have most certainly dwindled into nothingness since being in a country where I can barely comprehend the language. Such a shame really, that's one thing I had spent 21 years of my life perfecting and I'd like to think that I nailed it.


The following day, Katie and I trundled off to Banbury for a shopping trip. It was surprisingly easy for me to get back into driving again, almost like I'd never stopped. However, my parking skills leave much to be desired. I bought an abundance of supplies, too much probably, but everything is so much cheaper in England so I go a bit overboard. Luckily, I didn't have to worry about weight limits or restrictions, so I basically had free reign. 

On Christmas Day we had a weird mix of foods. Some that we always eat at Christmas, some that we definitely don't. For example, we started off with the usual prawn cocktail (yum!) but I am positive that dad wasn't ready for something so rich. It quite literally backfired... I have a bit of a bone to pick with Colmans and their dramatic decrease in the size of their seafood sauce jars, especially when it is just as expensive, if not more than normal. Typical! We followed the prawn cocktail with a jacket potato, accompanied by some bits and pieces like ham, coleslaw, salad, cheese. After that, we had an apple and blackberry pie that mum had pre-made and frozen (what a hero). I lashed on the ice cream and tucked in like I've never eaten it before. It was well worth waiting for! 
All in all, the day was super chilled and full of food, although we were much less indulgent than we usually are, which is probably a good thing. Somehow, I managed to get mum out on a walk, but dad was still feeling much too ill. 

Tash and I were reunited on 27th December, along with her giant seahorse, human My Little Pony and husband. I got to ride in her fancy new car, which we drove around in with absolutely no idea of what to do or where to go. Somehow we ended up at the Heart of the Shires shopping village for a spot of lunch and a mooch around the shops. Another well-needed, relaxing day!

Megan and Zach (and Fynn) invited Katie and I around for dinner for the classic chilli con carne. I reckon Zach thinks I'm training for some kind of weightlifting competition or something because the portion he gave me was incredible! Nevertheless, I made a decent dent in it, making sure to leave enough space for dessert. We all had a bit of a giggle watching Megan assemble the panettone and sprinkle it with icing. It made a bit of a mess, but we all inhaled it so quickly that it didn't even matter. That was such a great night, we spent most of it laughing and eating, so essentially my perfect evening.

The next day, I drove up to London to see my Slovenian love, Meta. I am so thankful for my parents buying me a sat nav because I'm getting an awful lot of use out of it already. It was a bit of an ordeal to get there and took much longer than expected, due to stupid speed limits on the motorway and regular stops. When I eventually got there, the huge hug I got off Meta was beyond worth it. I immediately forgot about the journey and just soaked her in. It felt like we'd never been apart. 

Whenever Meta and I are together, food is involved. So, we went for a 'cheeky Nandos' (sorry I had to), where she had an allergic reaction to something, not ideal. To make it worse, we have no idea what caused it because the sauces don't have a list of ingredients. However, we left Nandos and went on a bit of an adventure, which led us to warm cookie dough and ice cream - delicious! 

It was almost impossible to find the bloody car, I lost count of how many times we walked around that stupid car park! Thank god Meta spotted it when she did, because I was verging on having a breakdown. We tootled out of the car park and witnessed a mini crash. One thing I noted from that experience was that the noise airbags make is absolutely horrific! I dropped her off in one piece (just about) and we spent a bit of time walking around with Kee before I had to go home.The worst part about making friends from all over the world is having to say goodbye, not knowing when you'll next see them. I imagine it's something I'm going to have to get used to...

The Three Musketeers went to see Pitch Perfect 3 on 30th December and I absolutely LOVED it! It was much better than the second one, although they've stopped doing the mashups of songs. I highly recommend you go and watch it if you can because I'm pretty sure this will be the last one!

On New Years Eve we had Christmas dinner, finally! I've missed my mums cooking and just eating normal food in general, so I thoroughly enjoyed scoffing on my old favourites. Mum and I went on another walk, which was actually really lovely because the weather held off just long enough for us to get around the village and back before it rained. Success! Other than that, we didn't do much to celebrate. Somehow, we all managed to stay awake to see the new year in, but barely. Not long after midnight, dad went to bed and mum and I fell asleep on the sofas. It was such a wild night that I didn't go to bed until 6am...

Tuesday, I watched Katie get a new tattoo for a little bit. Out of the three of us, I'm surprised it's her that has four tattoos, so far. Particularly when Megan and I are still as bare as the day we were born. Anyway, it's looking awesome and I'm sure the little addict has more on the cards.

On Wednesday, we had a date to see The Greatest Showman and eat at Pizza Hut. Another incredible film! Straight afterwards, I downloaded the soundtrack and we jammed in the car the whole way back. Absolute friendship goals! 

Sadly, Friday was my last day in England. The two weeks flew by and it just simply wasn't enough. We managed to eat at my favourite pub, The Kings Head at Napton, so that I could repay mum and dad for keeping my car going over the past four months and buying so much stuff for me. It was truly delicious, as always and well earned. 

As time closed in on us, I felt myself getting more and more emotional. I'm not sure I did a great job hiding it because I got a few funny looks from my parents. I didn't manage to have a nap, which is a rookie error when you're going to be driving/in a car for 15 hours. I won't lie, I had a bit of a cry on the drive up to Kee's because I was so devastated to leave so soon. Once I got over that, I had a good old fashioned sing song to the playlist I made, which successfully kept me awake for the journey to London at least. I went a bit earlier because of what happened before, but I got there with loads of time to spare! Thankfully, it gave me some time to sit and calm down a bit. We got to Dover in decent time, although the weather was a diabolical. Obviously that made for quite a choppy ferry ride, but I managed to not throw up (it's the little achievements.) I must've spent a decent four hours driving through the night, which is a tad scary when everything is on the wrong side of the road and it's pouring with rain. My anxiety was through the roof the whole way, which is probably why I didn't sleep at all! We only had a few issues, the first being a road closure and me not being competent enough to read the diversion signs. The next was being pulled over by the border control in Luxembourg, who searched the entire car and asked questions like 'where are you from?', 'where are you going?' and 'have you been drinking?'. Finally, going up and down a twisty, misty mountain was less than fun. 
Looking on the bright side, we made it here alive (just) and now I have a car - yippee! The family was impressed with all of their presents, enough to let me sleep and recover from the horrible drive back.

Before I left, I found my old calendar, on which I had written last years resolutions. Last year, these were my aims:-

• To sort out my passport
• To go on at least one holiday
• To join a gym/do exercise classes
• To try driving again

I'm quite impressed that I managed to do three of those and technically I started running so that kind of counts, right? 

This year, things are a smidge different. Obviously, I learned to drive last year so I'm looking to take full advantage of that. My 'resolutions' are as follows:-

• To go on more adventures and travel more
• To keep going with my French, however useless it feels
• To sign up to a uni course
• To start learning sign language
• To be more aware of what I eat 
• To exercise more

I'll have to let you know how I get on. Until then, all the best!