I walked the kids to school and ran into Mary and Benji who walked with us. At the end of the route, I said a final goodbye to Mary who happens to be a really cool person and I am so, so, so happy she stuck it out with me in the neighborhood. After all, we were the only two original au pairs left!
From there, I began the excruciatingly long journey to go get mom from the airport! From train to metro to RER (and then reverse with mom and her luggage), it was quite the trek. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her! A couple hours of sleep and now suddenly the lugging, dragging, pushing, and balancing of a super heavy carry-on bag and then an awkward rolling suitcase. That was just inside the airport. Next we had to conquer the RER and pray we didn't get caught without a ridiculously overpriced ticket for her. (Thank you Heavenly Father!!!!) We settled in on that train just to push our way through the crowd and get off at Chatelet. As any Parisian knows, Chatelet is a maze of twists and turns that never end nor do they make sense. Once again, the lugging, pushing, shoving, carrying, dropping, bending, balancing, and lifting of luggage ensued as we wove our way through the station. At this point, the handful of escalators weren't so bad. Then I mentioned the metro and she was like, "what!? Another train?" I kindly replied, "no, not a train- a metro! The train is after!"
*Laughing/crying emoji x a million*
I'm sure she wanted to die. I explained that we have RER's, metros, and trains; all of which we had to take to get home. "Oh Lordy" is all that came out, even after we ran into staircase after staircase in Montparnasse. Welp, I guess that was a rough dunk into Parisian culture!
When I was walking toward the Arrivals gate, I spotted her over by the wall and the biggest smile came over my face! I was so happy!! As I walked up, she looked up and saw me and squealed her usual "Ahhhhhhhh!" As much of a heartless rock as I try to be, I will admit, I nearly teared up giving her a big hug. So happy she is here!
To my utter surprise and delight, Delphine offered to pick us up from the Sevres train station which I would never refuse. We got home and as mom opened the case of American delights, my heart soared like a hawk! I actually wanted to cry out of happiness.
The gifts she get for the kids are so cute and I know they are going to love them! I may have swiped a couple of Chukar Cherry bags for myself too... We have Mac and Cheese, Icebreakers, Seattle t-shirts, key chains, chocolates, wine, and Funfetti cake and frosting! Ya, my kids better miss me a lot.
Now she is crashed in my bed thank goodness and refueling for our journey which starts tomorrow! Woohoo!
No comments:
Post a Comment