It's the final week of summer - it went so fast - I can't believe it's almost over. It was definitely a different summer for us. In the past my kids have spent a lot of their time in the summer at day camps & we have usually only had a couple of weeks to go somewhere as a family. This summer, we split our time between hosting visitors, touring people around, visiting my husband's family in the Dordogne and a lot of family time on the beach & in the pool. It was so nice to have so much family time. The older girls enjoyed a week away at sailing camp - and my youngest enjoying doing a week of French day camp. But for me, it was just nice to enjoy being together.
I took lots of photos of some great places to visit around Bordeaux - Cap Ferret, Cadillac, Sanguinet, and of course enjoying the Parks & wineries around Bordeaux. But for now, it's all about getting the kids ready for school next week. La Rentree as they call it here in France takes on a whole different meaning than just "Back to School". The French really know how to vacation. In August, we experienced certain stores closed, some for just a couple of weeks, others for the month. It was even evident at the public market, as many vendors were not present - obviously off enjoying the summer! Even our bread store had limited supply as so many customers were away. The traffic in front of our house slowed to almost nothing. It's just so amazing to see so much of life affected by vacation. Just walking around the village, it was so quiet. It's actually very nice to know that so many people are able to enjoy time off.
So this week, as my oldest is taking a French review course each morning at school, and we double check our back to school lists, do some school shopping, we say goodbye to summer -
Au revoir to those lazy days of summer, relaxing in the water, freedom of staying up late and sleeping in...
I'm excited to watch the town come back alive, get back into a routine and for me - I have a little more knowledge of how life in France works. Look for some upcoming posts on some of our little jaunts and summer adventures - but I'll end this post with a couple of my favorite pictures of my youngest - enjoying the waves at Cap Ferret. I love her meditative pose - watching and taking in the waves - a great memory of summer!
I cannot believe summer is coming to a close either! it was far too quick. Best of luck with la rentree :)
ReplyDeleteThanks - at least this year I can focus on la rentree - not going crazy with an overseas move! Hopefully see you Oct. 13th - I'm headed down your way!
ReplyDeleteI agree that Europeans really know what "vacation" means. Our first summer here it surprised us; this year we joined in the relaxation.
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice feeling to join in the relaxation instead of feeling guilty that there are things at work that need to be done...After spending 18 years working mostly year round, I remember well the feeling of "work to be done". It's calming to know how well accepted vacationing is here in most countries of Europe.
DeleteWhen we were in Quebec City at the beginning of August they were getting ready for their 2 week "shut down" for vacation. They do it twice a year. Would love that here :) Alexandra asks about Ava often and wants to know when she will be home ;)
ReplyDeleteTotally agree - we Americans can learn something from these countries that "shut down" to vacation. There is definitely a different vibe here. Ava too still talks about Alexandra - still remembers here "American Girl" night at the ballet last year. Perhaps we can Skype sometime - email me.
DeleteHi from Vancouver BC Canada.. Ive been following your blog. the picture of your little one is beautiful! we too are looking at moving to Francde in the next couple of years... I am trying to figure out where to live and work in France.. my husband only speaks english so the language will be a challenge. Our twins however are billingual so transition should be easier for them... aurevoir et a plus tard. Valerie
ReplyDeleteThank you for following my blog. I love hearing from readers! Please feel free to email me with any questions regarding moving. Most cities have some kind of expat or English speaking club - the people in these clubs are wonderful resources for navigating and starting a "new life" in a foreign country. I found the Bordeaux Women's Club here and it's been wonderful for making new social connections - meeting other bilingual families, and getting the answers to "how is it done in this country". One has to be a bit daring - but you quickly learn - The government of France also provides free French classes to adult non-speakers. I know several people who came over here with no-French background - and they have just learned. Best of luck to you - look forward to hearing from you again.
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