Delicacies and Days Off
Life here across the channel is continuing much as it would in the UK- we even have a French version of The X Factor! It's called Star Academy and is on Friday nights. I haven't become addicted yet but if this cold snap continues my TV watching will increase for definite! In fact, here they show CSI, Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, even Torchwood and Midsomer Murders (which for some reason is called Inspector Barnaby)! All the programmes are dubbed, which was strange to get used to at first but is now quite normal. Although it does lead me to think- how many programmes on UK television are dubbed or subtitled? I don't know that I've ever seen one!
I've been working quite a lot, but last week my parents came to visit, which was really lovely. I'd gotten used to the life here, but seeing them and doing the tourist sights was a nice reminder that Paris is actually a beautiful city, and the food really is that good. Despite all the choolate and cheese (and there is a LOT of cheese), French people are really quite healthy. They eat a lot but they eat well, and fast food isn't so popular as it is here. In fact, there's no Burger King in France. That said, I'm still eating tea at 6 or 7pm and not at 9 or 10pm like the French!
Hallowe'en came and went quickly- it isn't really celebrated in France, but November 1st (All Saints Day) is. It's a public holiday, and most French people spend the day with their families, either visiting the cemeteries where loved ones were buried or commemorating the dead. I spent the day with friends, but strolling alone on Sunday got me thinking. Being away from my family (and friends, for that matter) makes me realise just how important they are. I have family and friends in the UK, Spain, Australia and Nepal, and friends going to Australia, the States and Asia, and I can't wait to see them when they and I get back home!
All of France is currently very excited about the US election tomorrow, though sadly I'm missing out on Bonfire Night. It's a surprisingly difficult holiday to explain to a foreigner. We also don't have poppies here, although like the 1st, November 11th is a public holiday.
For this week though, it's work, and the commute. There seems to be no law about busking here, so many of my metro journeys come complete with puppet shows, accordion players and karaoke singers. It's the Paris the guide books don't mention!