Avec le recul

Being sassy while Bowling

So I'm sitting here, on the Eve-Eve of my departure, starting to reflect on my first 3 months abroad in La belle France.

These past two weeks have been very adventurous. I went Ice Skating with a few other assistants, and was pleasantly surprised at my skillz. Now, I was no Michelle Kwan or anything, and my skating technique was not "traditional" but it worked. And I did not fall over! Also, I met another Scottish assistant! ( Bonjour if u r readin )

Also I went bowling with my besties Elena and Lauren, which was so much fun! I felt like I was 14 again, and of course we bumped into some of our pupils, why can't we ever escape!

Going home is quite daunting, people talk about this "reverse culture shock" and I'm deathly afraid of getting it. Not because I'm speaking copious amounts of French ( hahahahahahahahahaha! ) but because I'm so used to my life here. I'm used to my routine, the food I buy, seeing my friends on a regular basis, the trains, frankly the list is endless.

Elena, Lauren and Me at the American Diner!

I've lived in a few different places, but I've never felt so at home in such a short period of time. Even though my heart and soul is in Germany, France is slowly but surely growing on me- kind of like a benign tumor.

So here are five things I have discovered while living in France:

1) My life is FILLED with awkward moments

This has to be the first thing. Never in my life has anything been so awkward. You can read my last blog post for the most awkward experience of my life.

This weeks awkward moment has to be, when I fell over in front of about 100 pupils? The floor was slippy and I just went flying. It was not my finest hour, nor my most graceful. And now I have a big bum bruise to remind me of what a fool I am.


2) I have never watched as much Netflix in my life.

Being in a small town, with nothing much to do at night, Netflix is my only option. So much so, I've watched 9 season of Grey's Anatomy since the start of December. This is my life. And I have no shame. None at all. BUT I have joined a Tai Chi class in the New Year- exciting times ahead for Mhairi. I will keep you posted.

3) French children are delightful

All of my kids that I teach are so nice. They all shout at me if they see me, " Hello Mlle Mackay, Helloooooo" which is very cute. Also my older kids I teach stop me and have a conversation in the halls, which is very cool. But obviously there are a few strange ones- one even said "Swag" in a lesson. Good one there.


4) All I want is a Nandos

Some things in the UK I dont miss at all, namely the number 3 bus ride from Edinburgh to Dalkeith, the copious amounts of Uni work to do etc, but the one thing I miss the most is the food. You do not understand the craving I have for some good old fashion Nandos chicken. It is all I want in life. Also, while we are on the topic of food, I would also enjoy a Dominos, an Indian and a Chinese simultaneously  and a Greggs. Please, thank you.

5) I am enjoying France much more than I thought I would

Lauren, Fraser ( the Scot ) and Me at Ice Skating

When I first heard I was coming to the depths of the Nord, I died a little on the inside. BUT it isn't as bad as I thought. Sure, there isn't much of a nightlife- or anything for that matter. But that doesn't matter. What I've learned is to make everything the best it can be, if that is being very over excited for Bowling and Ice Skating, because that is an adventure for you now, then thats it! If its taking sorry that was really sappy )
pleasure in making a Ratatouille from scratch, then that's it. I think people take what they have for granted, and I'm so happy I can now take pleasure in the small things. (

So Scotland, I will see you in two days!

A Bientot

Bisous

xo

ça déchire sa mère

Translation? Its the dogs bollocks. Legit- that is what that phrase means. Use it at your leisure.

The fabulous jumper

Sorry it has been a while ( over a week! ) since my last blog post. But to be quite honest, I've just been living it up here in Landrecies. So much so I have become a celebrity- well I would like to think this.

People stop me in the street and ask me how I am, shopkeepers know me by name and all the students think I am a fashion icon. ( see picture xo )

Also I am speaking a lot more French ( yay me! ) and have discussed at length important topics like " The ratings of Christmas Markets throughout the Nord-pas-de-Calais" , " The origin of Irn Bru and its popularity in Scotland" and lest us forget " The difference between British and French water".

Me and Elena looking cute and cold in Lille

Thanks Edinburgh Uni, you've prepared me to discuss the important things in life.

Also, last weekend, I went to Lille with my friend Elena and met up with loads of other assistants ( if u r readin dis, u r all fabuluz xo ) which was amazing. I actually couldn't speak for a little bit because I was so overwhelmed with the Britishness and happiness of being outside my small town. We went to the Christmas Market, rode the Big Wheel, and let's just say- Edinburgh, you have NOTHING on French Christmas Markets.

Dome? No. Lille.

This weekend, I am going to a Christmas soiree, with some other assistants in Arras- which is the most beautiful city ever, above Paris. I will enjoy the many drinking activities that lie before me, and I URGE to play beer pong with actual people who play it.

But what would this blog be without my awkward moments?


This weeks awkward moment goes to....

My neighbour.

So it was about 4pm in the afternoon, I had finished teaching and was going to my flat ( I live in the school- SWAG ) and my neighbour was ahead of me on the stairs. When we got to the top, he waited for me and said Hello. ( what a nice man- I thought. How naive ) He then said to me in French;

" So this is pretty weird, but I am REALLY into British Sci Fi, in particular Doctor Who and I also love dubbed Manga, so I was wondering if you maybe wanted to come over to mine sometime and watch it? Or i could lend you it?"

CUTE BRIOCHE MAN

Wait? WHAT? Was this man coming on to me? My neighbour? How awkward. And also, do I look like someone who would enjoy Sci Fi? I mean, I like Back to the Future, but thats about how Sci Fi it gets for me. All this was going through my mind, and I had to say something..

" I'm really sorry I have to go inside I'm desperate for the toilet"

And we have not spoken since.

This was about a week and a half ago.

Merde.

A bientot!

Bisous, Mhairi

xo