The first ten days in France

It has been 10 days since I landed in France. The first thing that struck me was how quiet the place is, where we live. I don't hear anything in the streets, except chirping of birds, chattering squirrils and the sharp trots of horses. Maisons Laffitte seems to have more horses than humans. There is a race course near by and we can even hear the snorts of the horses. The week days (Mondays through Fridays) are full of activity where one gets busy with the kids, teaching them science, English and Biology. The kids are beautiful here and can be as naughty as our own in India. They do seem to share some common traits like cribbing about food in the cafeteria and complaining to a new teacher about older ones. But, interestingly, I didn't see any fist-fights or other aggressive behaviour. The school is essentially bi-lingual where some classes are taught in English while others are taught in French. The teachers are either Anglophone teachers or Franco-phones. It is a so reminiscent of the situation back home where we juggle between English and Hindi. It definitely helps to know the local language. The school is housed in three different buildings, 46, Avenue Egle, 24 Avenue Egle and The Lycee. The senior classes and the administration is in 46, while the middle and lower classes are in the 24, while the Lycee follows the French system of education.

Beginning to like the French food. You have to just learn to start liking Baguette (French bread) their humungous variety of cheese and, if you are a vegetarian, fruits and yoghurt. The fruits are delicious, especially the strawberries and cherries. The French here drink Wine like Indians drink water during the hot summers. Almost regret the fact that I am a veggie and a teetotaller, especially in France.

Visited the historic town of Normandy, where the Allies landed in 1944 during the II World War. It is now a beautiful town and there are war memorials.