The family just arrived back this evening from Christmas in Normandy and now we can open the presents here!
Out of all the gifts that Alex got, the alphabet stamps that I got him were the biggest hit (5 euros *cough cough) and the dragon paper airplanes that I got for Malo became cooler and cooler by the second.
Let's just say I totally scored on their gifts. Nanny for the win!
And they got me an awesome pair of snow pants but turns out I'm not even going skiing with them since there is no snow in the Alps yet. Oops! I might just keep the pants though! I don't own any quite yet!
Sunday, December 27, 2015
El Nopal
I discovered a gold mine in Paris....Actual Mexican food!
The Mexican food here sucks. When you buy a "Fajita Pack" at the grocery store, the seasoning they put in smells and tastes like Louisiana Barbecue and green chilies are not a thing here. Salsa sucks too. And refried beans? Quoi?
This discovery has sparked a wave of questioning from expats alike who know the real Mexican flavors. I ordered a quesadilla that was full on Mexican-like with green chilies inside and Emily and Bryce got humongous burritos that made your face feel like it was on fire. The rice in it was total Mexican rice too!
Future referance: Metro Line 4, to the right of the Gare De L'Est station (looking at it) towards the canal. It is next to a bookshop and it is literally a window that you order out of.
The guy that was taking orders was from Guatemala, could speak perfect English, and was really quite nice. As we waited for our food, two other english-speakers started talking to us and they were really funny black guys. This Mexican window just brought all sorts of fun surprises.
The Mexican food here sucks. When you buy a "Fajita Pack" at the grocery store, the seasoning they put in smells and tastes like Louisiana Barbecue and green chilies are not a thing here. Salsa sucks too. And refried beans? Quoi?
This discovery has sparked a wave of questioning from expats alike who know the real Mexican flavors. I ordered a quesadilla that was full on Mexican-like with green chilies inside and Emily and Bryce got humongous burritos that made your face feel like it was on fire. The rice in it was total Mexican rice too!
Future referance: Metro Line 4, to the right of the Gare De L'Est station (looking at it) towards the canal. It is next to a bookshop and it is literally a window that you order out of.
The guy that was taking orders was from Guatemala, could speak perfect English, and was really quite nice. As we waited for our food, two other english-speakers started talking to us and they were really funny black guys. This Mexican window just brought all sorts of fun surprises.
And I'm pretty sure this is the canal that Amelie Poulain was pushed into...mais, je ne sais pas.
Noel
Joyeux Noul a tous!!
After Skyping my family at 2 in the morning, I woke up early again to meet the Soeur Missionaries on the train to Saint-Germain-En-Laye. (Thank you public transportation for insanely long itineraries)
I love the Soeur Wooley and Soeur Walton! They are the epitome of happiness and seriously make me want to be a missionary. *A French-speaking missionary* I loved talking to them and just being their sister for a while.
We made it to the Schellhous' and as I walked in to the living room with scattered toys and wrapping paper, I couldn't help but really feel like it was Christmas. It was just what I needed to get into the spirit of the holiday! So many memories and good times came flooding to memory.
After playing with toys and conversing, we had a fantastic brunch....BREAKFAST BURRITOS! My oh my, I was in heaven! American food choices for the win!! Seriously it was a prime Christmas day. On top of that, the Schellhous' gave me a gift that I will love forever and ever; a petit nativity from Spain! My heart was bursting with joy! The one thing I wanted to get during this season and they gave me one all the way from Spain. Seriously, these people are amazing. Every single person in France who I have befriended will be a friend for time and all eternity.
As Beth, the sisters, and I sat around the table talking, we were talking about stem-cell transplants and cancers and medical operations and what-not because Soeur Walton's mom is in the Phillipines receiving special treatment right now for MS. After that confusing discussion, we got onto the topic of birth....Definitely not my first go-around with birthin' baby talk. Turns out Beth would dream of being a doula and is completely enthralled with the miracle of life and would give birth everyday if she could. *Cue mom..this one's for you! Either the Soeurs were completely terrified of having kids now or just want to be married and birthing babies by now. I dunno. I certainly am not birthing anything anytime soon.
After the soeurs left for another rendez-vous, the elders showed up for some fun and games. Elder Lattin (who leaves tomorrow for home) and Elder McBride who Emily describes as "the cute one with glasses" came for brunch round 2, a muddy game of soccer, and a down-sized version of baseball. It felt great to work off some of those calories that I indulged in! Following the outdoor games was an intense round of card games. I can't remember the name of this card game but it had to do with green lights, mph cards, wreck/repair cards, run out of gas cards, etc... During round 2, I may have played with a touch of vengeance and nearly murdered Reid's ability to win and yet he came out with almost as many points as me and I didn't win. It was hilarious! And he said he'd remember not to invite me again hahahaha
After that, I accompanied the Schellhous' to the Portwood's for an after party thing. Natalie and Tyson Portwood not only have the cutest kids in the world, but they have the cutest home filled with pictures on every surface, and are hilarious people.
One conversation went:
Everyone discussing the genius-child named Jacob Schellhous
The dad's were playing some sort of trivia game and one question asked if "so-and-so" (a very complicated and ridicules name) was an actual capital in the world.
Dads: Psshh no. That's totally a made-up word.
Jacob: Ya. That's the capital of "so-and-so".
Dads: *looking up country..... Woah, he's totally right.
Sara Flamm: And to think my kid asked me today if he "got born in America"!! Honey, it's not "got born in America", it's "born in America".
Kid: Was I borned in America?
*Palm to face
We were dying!! Seriously, Jacob Schellhous is a child prodigy. He needs to be on Ellen.
We munched on appetizers, chatted, and had a great night watching kids get whipped cream slapped in their faces. Still to this day, I enjoy adult's company way more than people my age. Such a fabulous Christmas away from home!
And once again, a ridicules amount of time passed to get home. Curse you public transportation. But bless you because I would not have a life without you.
After Skyping my family at 2 in the morning, I woke up early again to meet the Soeur Missionaries on the train to Saint-Germain-En-Laye. (Thank you public transportation for insanely long itineraries)
I love the Soeur Wooley and Soeur Walton! They are the epitome of happiness and seriously make me want to be a missionary. *A French-speaking missionary* I loved talking to them and just being their sister for a while.
We made it to the Schellhous' and as I walked in to the living room with scattered toys and wrapping paper, I couldn't help but really feel like it was Christmas. It was just what I needed to get into the spirit of the holiday! So many memories and good times came flooding to memory.
After playing with toys and conversing, we had a fantastic brunch....BREAKFAST BURRITOS! My oh my, I was in heaven! American food choices for the win!! Seriously it was a prime Christmas day. On top of that, the Schellhous' gave me a gift that I will love forever and ever; a petit nativity from Spain! My heart was bursting with joy! The one thing I wanted to get during this season and they gave me one all the way from Spain. Seriously, these people are amazing. Every single person in France who I have befriended will be a friend for time and all eternity.
As Beth, the sisters, and I sat around the table talking, we were talking about stem-cell transplants and cancers and medical operations and what-not because Soeur Walton's mom is in the Phillipines receiving special treatment right now for MS. After that confusing discussion, we got onto the topic of birth....Definitely not my first go-around with birthin' baby talk. Turns out Beth would dream of being a doula and is completely enthralled with the miracle of life and would give birth everyday if she could. *Cue mom..this one's for you! Either the Soeurs were completely terrified of having kids now or just want to be married and birthing babies by now. I dunno. I certainly am not birthing anything anytime soon.
After that, I accompanied the Schellhous' to the Portwood's for an after party thing. Natalie and Tyson Portwood not only have the cutest kids in the world, but they have the cutest home filled with pictures on every surface, and are hilarious people.
One conversation went:
Everyone discussing the genius-child named Jacob Schellhous
The dad's were playing some sort of trivia game and one question asked if "so-and-so" (a very complicated and ridicules name) was an actual capital in the world.
Dads: Psshh no. That's totally a made-up word.
Jacob: Ya. That's the capital of "so-and-so".
Dads: *looking up country..... Woah, he's totally right.
Sara Flamm: And to think my kid asked me today if he "got born in America"!! Honey, it's not "got born in America", it's "born in America".
Kid: Was I borned in America?
*Palm to face
We were dying!! Seriously, Jacob Schellhous is a child prodigy. He needs to be on Ellen.
We munched on appetizers, chatted, and had a great night watching kids get whipped cream slapped in their faces. Still to this day, I enjoy adult's company way more than people my age. Such a fabulous Christmas away from home!
And once again, a ridicules amount of time passed to get home. Curse you public transportation. But bless you because I would not have a life without you.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Christmas Eve
A day to sleep in- HALLELUJAH.
Home alone heaven!
I met the missionaries (Soeur Walton, Soeur Wooly, Elder Lattin, Elder Bennett, Elder Branchflower, and Elder ?) at the church building and we went caroling to a few members homes. President Babn and his wife accompanied us as well.
First house- the Soeur yelled at us that she did not want us there... a genuine missionary slam-the-door-in-your-face experience!
A little discouraged, they asked me to say a prayer after we left the building and I whipped out one of my great "French Sandwich" prayers. Starts out with "Notre Chere Pere Celeste, merci beaucoup pour...English....En nom de Jesus Christ, amen"
C'est parfait!
Second house- no answer. Their two neighbors: no answer.
Third house- Vivian was out grocery shopping, but we did sing to a random lady on the street! Douce nuit, Sante nuit is such a beautiful song.
Fourth house- said they were not home so "Abort"
It was a great day of caroling and being a missionary! It has me thinking of serving a mission now. Of course, not until after a good dose of college life because I want to be in a classroom and not be surrounded by children right now.
________
Apres le chanton avec les missionaries, je suis alle au supermarche pour du nourriture pour diner et j'ai vu ma voisin. Elle a m'invite a diner ou pour eggnog ca soir. J'ai pense que se fils etaits la mais quand je suis arrive, etaist un fete avec trois persons francais qui ne parlent pas anglais et ma voisin et se copine. Not what I was expecting! Once again, I had to constantly turn down alcohol because one time is never enough to the French. First the bourbon in her homemade eggnog, then champagne, then wine, then more champagne, then rum or whatever, then coffee...Oh la la. Beaucoup de l'alcool!
I was craving sushi so badly and decided that since it was Christmas Eve, I was going to treat myself. I opted for Picard instead of going to an actual grocery store.
*Picard is a delicious DELICIOUS frozen food grocery store that everyone knows and loves here in France. Frozen meals, side dishes, party foods, dinner meals, vegetables, everything! I love Picard. And I discovered that they sell all different types of cuisine like Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Indian, Thai, etc... yum! I brought home gyoza and a platter of sushi that I paired with a huge bowl of miso soup and indulged.
After curling up and watching Elf, I decided to make an appearance at my neighbors. Since she was American, I was half expecting that they would be dining the American way and by the time that I showed up at 8:30, they would be done with dinner. Welllllll, of course they hadn't even started so I said "what the heck, I'll eat diner with them too". Boy oh boy, I am so stuffed now!!
We started off with a giant seashell of some warm, cheesy, baked thing for an appetizer and then they brought out a lobster tail (each!!!). I couldn't even finish mine because I was so stuffed. There was a side of leeks that I tried convincing myself to eat but I just couldn't fit another thing in my stomach. Well, obviously it's the French kind of party, so after dinner, a cheese platter must be brought out! Two cheeses that my neighbor's partner's parents brought from the middle of France were served and they were shocked at how much I loved the cheese. Once again, I was about to burst.
Next up, dessert. Thankfully it was a small slice of Picard chocolate ice cream cake that was easy enough to get down. I am seriously so full right now. Oh la vache.
Well, to wrap up the night, I Skyped with my family at nearly 2 in the morning. All of my nieces and nephews were together and I got to talk to my siblings. Ahhh such a happy time! So glad they are all together for Christmas. Even me being here isn't nearly as sad as I thought it would be for Christmas. I think the stress of my job is what is actually killing me and forcing homesickness out of me. I love it here in France and in my ward! I love the city and culture and life! I just don't like my job hahaha
Well, it's Christmas time for me now (2:28 am) donc..... JOYEUX NOEL!!!
Home alone heaven!
I met the missionaries (Soeur Walton, Soeur Wooly, Elder Lattin, Elder Bennett, Elder Branchflower, and Elder ?) at the church building and we went caroling to a few members homes. President Babn and his wife accompanied us as well.
First house- the Soeur yelled at us that she did not want us there... a genuine missionary slam-the-door-in-your-face experience!
A little discouraged, they asked me to say a prayer after we left the building and I whipped out one of my great "French Sandwich" prayers. Starts out with "Notre Chere Pere Celeste, merci beaucoup pour...English....En nom de Jesus Christ, amen"
C'est parfait!
Second house- no answer. Their two neighbors: no answer.
Third house- Vivian was out grocery shopping, but we did sing to a random lady on the street! Douce nuit, Sante nuit is such a beautiful song.
Fourth house- said they were not home so "Abort"
It was a great day of caroling and being a missionary! It has me thinking of serving a mission now. Of course, not until after a good dose of college life because I want to be in a classroom and not be surrounded by children right now.
________
Apres le chanton avec les missionaries, je suis alle au supermarche pour du nourriture pour diner et j'ai vu ma voisin. Elle a m'invite a diner ou pour eggnog ca soir. J'ai pense que se fils etaits la mais quand je suis arrive, etaist un fete avec trois persons francais qui ne parlent pas anglais et ma voisin et se copine. Not what I was expecting! Once again, I had to constantly turn down alcohol because one time is never enough to the French. First the bourbon in her homemade eggnog, then champagne, then wine, then more champagne, then rum or whatever, then coffee...Oh la la. Beaucoup de l'alcool!
I was craving sushi so badly and decided that since it was Christmas Eve, I was going to treat myself. I opted for Picard instead of going to an actual grocery store.
*Picard is a delicious DELICIOUS frozen food grocery store that everyone knows and loves here in France. Frozen meals, side dishes, party foods, dinner meals, vegetables, everything! I love Picard. And I discovered that they sell all different types of cuisine like Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Indian, Thai, etc... yum! I brought home gyoza and a platter of sushi that I paired with a huge bowl of miso soup and indulged.
After curling up and watching Elf, I decided to make an appearance at my neighbors. Since she was American, I was half expecting that they would be dining the American way and by the time that I showed up at 8:30, they would be done with dinner. Welllllll, of course they hadn't even started so I said "what the heck, I'll eat diner with them too". Boy oh boy, I am so stuffed now!!
We started off with a giant seashell of some warm, cheesy, baked thing for an appetizer and then they brought out a lobster tail (each!!!). I couldn't even finish mine because I was so stuffed. There was a side of leeks that I tried convincing myself to eat but I just couldn't fit another thing in my stomach. Well, obviously it's the French kind of party, so after dinner, a cheese platter must be brought out! Two cheeses that my neighbor's partner's parents brought from the middle of France were served and they were shocked at how much I loved the cheese. Once again, I was about to burst.
Next up, dessert. Thankfully it was a small slice of Picard chocolate ice cream cake that was easy enough to get down. I am seriously so full right now. Oh la vache.
Well, to wrap up the night, I Skyped with my family at nearly 2 in the morning. All of my nieces and nephews were together and I got to talk to my siblings. Ahhh such a happy time! So glad they are all together for Christmas. Even me being here isn't nearly as sad as I thought it would be for Christmas. I think the stress of my job is what is actually killing me and forcing homesickness out of me. I love it here in France and in my ward! I love the city and culture and life! I just don't like my job hahaha
Well, it's Christmas time for me now (2:28 am) donc..... JOYEUX NOEL!!!
Friday, December 18, 2015
Disneyland Paris
Longest day of my life! A 5 am wake up call and a midnight bedtime on both ends of that day. Holy smokes was I tired but it was one of the most fun days I've had in Paris.
I tagged along with Emily and Hannah (both season pass holders) and we arrived in front of the gates of Disneyland before it even opened. The ticket lady was amazing; she helped a person in front of us speaking fluent French, then helped me in fluent English, and some lady who barged in line with a question was responded to in fluent Spanish. Life goals right there.
I splurged and bought a 1 day/2 park ticket so we got in line for the Hollywood studios park so we we could hit up all the big roller coasters first when there would be short lines. We spotted another entrance station opening up and as I casually walked over to see if it was open, a flood of people came running after me so I booked it into line. We were nearly in front of the line and pumped to get in! Obviously we plotted our plan of attack: sprint to Crush's Coaster, then grab fast passes to Ratatouille. Well, the people in front of us had problems with their ticket so we were crying as we watched tons of people enter the park before us. Alas, we made it through the line and I just started sprinting down the road. I didn't even know where the roller coaster was but I wasn't about to be last!
Crush's Coaster looks so cute and innocent at first glance. Sitting in a little seat and looking up at really awesome jelly fish that glow in the fluorescent lights does not prepare you for the pitch-black, whirlwind of a ride that it turns out to be. So awesome! And we had about a 10 minute wait in line unlike the normal 2 hours. Great way to start out our day of Disney.
Throughout the rest of this park and in the main park, I conquered rides like the Tower of Terror, Aerosmith (first time ever going upside down), Indiana Jones, and Pirates of the Carribean. Of course we had to go on Ratatouille's 3D interactive ride which was awesome and cute little boat rides like Story Book Land. Seriously, a great day!
Our last stop was Buzz Lightyear's mission where we had to shoot at stuff with our little toy guns. The dad in front of us was not only really good-looking for an older man, but he had the kindest eyes I have ever seen. They were bright blue and when you looked at them (or creepishly glanced every so often) you could see that his face was just...happy. Watching him and his little daughter (or granddaughter??) was the cutest thing I had seen all day. Definitely not the only good-looking French male I had seen that day, that's for sure.
Wrapping up the goodness of Disney, I made us stop in a cute little ice cream parlor and buy some delicious scoops of ice cream. It may have been cold outside and we were surounded by Christmas decorations, but ice cream is always a good idea. I still dream of that ice cream: peanut butter Ben and Jerry's. I miss peanut butter. A lot.
Johny Depp, I'm waiting.... Where you at?
So, worn out and full of Disney happiness, I went back to Hannah's place so we could eat normal food and then head off to the theater to be culturally enriched.....Singing in the Rain!! My first play in Paris and it was incredible.
I tagged along with Emily and Hannah (both season pass holders) and we arrived in front of the gates of Disneyland before it even opened. The ticket lady was amazing; she helped a person in front of us speaking fluent French, then helped me in fluent English, and some lady who barged in line with a question was responded to in fluent Spanish. Life goals right there.
I splurged and bought a 1 day/2 park ticket so we got in line for the Hollywood studios park so we we could hit up all the big roller coasters first when there would be short lines. We spotted another entrance station opening up and as I casually walked over to see if it was open, a flood of people came running after me so I booked it into line. We were nearly in front of the line and pumped to get in! Obviously we plotted our plan of attack: sprint to Crush's Coaster, then grab fast passes to Ratatouille. Well, the people in front of us had problems with their ticket so we were crying as we watched tons of people enter the park before us. Alas, we made it through the line and I just started sprinting down the road. I didn't even know where the roller coaster was but I wasn't about to be last!
Crush's Coaster looks so cute and innocent at first glance. Sitting in a little seat and looking up at really awesome jelly fish that glow in the fluorescent lights does not prepare you for the pitch-black, whirlwind of a ride that it turns out to be. So awesome! And we had about a 10 minute wait in line unlike the normal 2 hours. Great way to start out our day of Disney.
Throughout the rest of this park and in the main park, I conquered rides like the Tower of Terror, Aerosmith (first time ever going upside down), Indiana Jones, and Pirates of the Carribean. Of course we had to go on Ratatouille's 3D interactive ride which was awesome and cute little boat rides like Story Book Land. Seriously, a great day!
So, worn out and full of Disney happiness, I went back to Hannah's place so we could eat normal food and then head off to the theater to be culturally enriched.....Singing in the Rain!! My first play in Paris and it was incredible.
German Sausage
A night out in the Christmas Market called for a german sausage for dinner!
And my host mom was cooking fish that smelt kinda weird so I hopped out of that one fast.
And my host mom was cooking fish that smelt kinda weird so I hopped out of that one fast.
Christmas Party for the Kids
Funny Fishy Faces
Teaching Alex how to cross his eyes and make fishy lips! Of course, I had to join in too.
I look scary, actually.
Fete de The
*Accent on the "e" in The
After school, Hannah and I fulfilled our sweet tooth cravings and ate pie for lunch while having a little tea party. Such a fantastic idea.
My cherry pie tart thing was divine! And she had a slice of decadent chocolate pie that was like eating Christmas fudge and happiness in one spoon. So flipping amazing. I love food.
After school, Hannah and I fulfilled our sweet tooth cravings and ate pie for lunch while having a little tea party. Such a fantastic idea.
Creche
My goal this Christmas is to buy a nativity from Paris.....but they are so expensive! I'm flabbergasted. One little person to add to your creche is around 20 euros a piece so imagine what a baby Jesus would cost. Or the stable even.
I may have to do without a big one.
I may have to do without a big one.
Sea Urchin- Oursin
Mac-Do's
The French term for "McDonalds".
I did it. I ate McDonalds. And....... I was shocked at how not totally discgusting it was! Sorry to any readers who may have just had MickeyD's for lunch back home, but know that I am not a McDonalds fan whatsoever. I feel sluggish after I eat it. Well- not after this boeuf moutarde burger! I mean it wasn't 5 stars or anything, but it wasn't half bad.
Overall evaluation of French McDonald's:
Way, way, way, way, way, way, overpriced. (Like, outlandishly expensive).
Decent quality
The beef patties are actually cooked through unlike other places in France. (They eat beef raw)
Actual product STILL doesn't look like the picture
Tasty! And not too deep-fried-fatty feeling afterwards.
I did it. I ate McDonalds. And....... I was shocked at how not totally discgusting it was! Sorry to any readers who may have just had MickeyD's for lunch back home, but know that I am not a McDonalds fan whatsoever. I feel sluggish after I eat it. Well- not after this boeuf moutarde burger! I mean it wasn't 5 stars or anything, but it wasn't half bad.
Overall evaluation of French McDonald's:
Way, way, way, way, way, way, overpriced. (Like, outlandishly expensive).
Decent quality
The beef patties are actually cooked through unlike other places in France. (They eat beef raw)
Actual product STILL doesn't look like the picture
Tasty! And not too deep-fried-fatty feeling afterwards.
And then Aubrey and I spent the rest of the day walking around Paris and discovering beautiful things.
On Prepare pour le Noel
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Sundays are for Christmas (markets!)
Sundays after church, I go to choir practice. I love being in my ward choir because 1) our director is a guy from my ward who speaks zero French and 2) everyone speaks English there while we are all trying to sing in French. The irony of it all is hilarious and I love all of the people there. Even the French women who are so stand-offish to anyone they don't know and anyone who is not French or fluent are softening up a bit to me. It's a fun time:)
Well, last Sunday, I had my last ecclessiastical interview for my application to BYU (oops, surprise!) and then my new friend, Aubrey, and I met up at Champs-Elysses to parouse the Village de Noel. Ah, I love Christmas!!
We stopped by one of the sidewalk displays sponsored by IKEA and burned some calories on a stationary bike while learning about ways to be environmentally friendly. The COP21 just occurred recently here in Paris where 180 Presidents/Diplomats/World Leaders/Kings all came to discuss environmental problems. Oh, and Leonardo DiCaprio. We totally shared the same city for a while. And, like, breathed the same air. No biggie.
Bad selfie attempt with all of the lights and Arc de Triumph down the Champs-Elysses....
A new past time with my boys: monitoring my steps and seeing how many I can take in one day. Record is 21,000 on a day with walking to and from the kids' school, my school, and a run. I love being so active all of the time!
Well, last Sunday, I had my last ecclessiastical interview for my application to BYU (oops, surprise!) and then my new friend, Aubrey, and I met up at Champs-Elysses to parouse the Village de Noel. Ah, I love Christmas!!
We stopped by one of the sidewalk displays sponsored by IKEA and burned some calories on a stationary bike while learning about ways to be environmentally friendly. The COP21 just occurred recently here in Paris where 180 Presidents/Diplomats/World Leaders/Kings all came to discuss environmental problems. Oh, and Leonardo DiCaprio. We totally shared the same city for a while. And, like, breathed the same air. No biggie.
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