First Week Recap
The boys completed their first week of school (Charlie a whole week and Luke two days), and we couldn't be prouder of their resilience and adaptability. It has not been without its challenges, especially considering the uncharacteristic heatwave that has us all drenched in sweat. We definitely can’t wait for cooler weather in the upper 70s, as the upper 80s have been quite intense, and, as we've learned, air conditioning (and ceiling fans) is not the norm here due to the usually mild climate.
We have one uninvited guest – the dreaded mosquito. These tiny pests have been relentless, leaving us with countless itchy bites. To combat them, the boys decided to deal with the heat and just close their windows. Now they have migrated over to me and Gabe. We invested in floor fans to circulate air and keep cool. I hope it works. Ugh.
The boys have those classic back-to-school blues – the early mornings and the struggle to go to bed at a reasonable hour after enjoying a summer of late nights. To add to it, this summer we had an entire extra month of freedom. So, the mornings have been a bit challenging. In spite of being exhausted, they've managed to rise and shine, getting to school on time, and honestly, I can't believe it!
Each morning, Gabe and I go to the Halles to buy our food for the day or maybe two. Our conversation usually starts with what’s in the frig, followed by, "What sounds good today?" The market stalls have so many high-quality options, leaving us in a constant conundrum of what to choose. We usually take a coffee break, because why not!? The best part? We don't have to eat everything we see in one day. We can savor a bit of this and a bit of that, creating a diverse, delicious menu. It's a food lover's dream come true! Each time we return, we see items we didn't even notice the day before.
Wednesdays will become our mid-week mini-vacation day. Charlie has the whole day off, and Luke's rolling in with a half-day schedule. I'm excited about mid-week adventures and quality time with the boys! Next week, what will we do? haha
One of the adjustments to our new life in France is navigating the concept of time. With the boys in school, we find ourselves asking, "What should we do?" It's a funny feeling to have our days open and at our disposal. We have filled our time running errands and addressing any unexpected issues. Now that we've somewhat figured out our morning routine – or at least we're getting there – we're starting to relish the idea of choosing how we spend our days. Of course, surfing and bike rides are high on our list of priorities. Yet, the question lingers: what else can we explore and enjoy? The sheer liberation from the daily grind is incredible. Gone are the days of rushing to get the boys and myself out of the house, with the constant stress of punctuality hanging over us because I need to be on time. Now, our primary focus is ensuring they leave the house in good time to make it to school. Luke's close call on Thursday prompted us to establish a new departure time to allow him ample time for his bike ride. So, bring on the adventures – we've got time on our side!
Charlie had a great week. He was relieved when Evie was moved to sit next to him in class, which made him feel more at ease and engaged in school. He's even made a few new friends, with Basile from California being the most frequently mentioned. The fact that Evie and Basil speak English has eased the transition for Charlie. His schoolwork must be completed in blue pen and in cursive, using a specific workbook. We've found ourselves making frequent calls to Stacey and Evie to ensure we're completing it correctly. As for the school cafeteria, Charlie has mentioned that the food isn't quite up to his taste, despite the varied menu. We're hopeful that it will improve over time. Luke, on the other hand, is on a mission to make friends. He's met several classmates and recently exchanged numbers with a boy who, interestingly, is also not allowed to have Instagram or Snapchat. Although Luke couldn't remember his new friend's name, he was thrilled about it. After school today, he beamed, "I had a great day—I got another kid's number! I'm going to grab some Yogolicious on my way home, and I have plans for the evening. Plus, I'm going fishing in Hendaye and then going longboarding in Guethary this weekend." It's clear that Luke is embracing his newfound freedom with enthusiasm.
In celebration of a successful first week, we decided to treat the boys to a scoop of glacée at Dezamy, a place highly recommended by Stacey and Evie. The secret? An Italian woman crafts the most délicieux ice cream. Tonight's dinner plans were equally exciting. Gabe is determined to master the art of making perfect homemade pasta. His first attempt, while delicious, was a tad too thick. Now that he has spent time researching articles, watching videos, and searching for the ideal recipe, he’s ready to try again. Tonight's pasta resembled vermicelli, and the taste was spot on, though we all agreed the cut was a bit too thin. Pasta cacio e pepe was on the menu—a true Italian classic.
Meanwhile, Luke had been busy texting his new friend, Emile. Their plan was to meet up at the RatsCup, but none of us had a clue what that was. The options ranged from watching the French World Cup rugby match to attending a concert, and as it turned out, it was both. The Rats Cup, we discovered, is an event that combines surfing competitions, concerts, skate demonstrations, screenings, and food trucks. As we made our way down the steps from our place toward La Côte des Basque, we were surrounded by a diverse crowd of people of all ages, all heading to the same venue. Luke impressed me by confidently texting and conversing with Emile in French, leaving me wondering how he knows all that! It was so cool to see him embracing the language with ease.
Gabe had to get back to the apartment to handle some work-related matters, and we were wrestling with the challenge of pinpointing Emile's location. In the end, Gabe and Charlie headed back home while I ventured into the crowd with Luke in tow to meet his friend. The boys were absolutely thrilled to finally see each other. I met Emile's dad, Bruno, who fortunately spoke English, allowing us to have a nice chat. Afterward, I made my way back home, leaving Luke in the hands of his new friend, Emile. They watched rugby at the Rats Cup, and Luke didn't return until 11:30 pm. Talk about seizing the moment—way to go, Luke!
