Week 4

I’ve been here for a month! Most days it feels so much longer and I’m surprised at how settled I feel. Routines are starting to creep in, I’m managing some simple but full conversations in French, and my circle of aquaintences is expanding.

I’m starting my blog this week with words from John O’Donohue – words that go straight to my heart.

May my mind come alive today
To the invisible geography
That invites me to new frontiers,
To break the dead shell of yesterdays,
To risk being disturbed and changed.
May I have the courage today
To live the life that I would love,
To postpone my dream no longer
But do at last what I came here for
And waste my heart on fear no more.
(Excerpt from the blessing, ‘A Morning Offering,’ found in O’Donohue’s book,
To Bless the Space Between Us)

Joys of the week

• I joined one of my neighbours for a late afternoon trip to the beach followed by dinner. It was wonderful to lounge and swim. Then, just as we were leaving, two water bombers flew low over the water, practicing their manoevers. It was interesting to watch them and good to know that they’re ready when needed.

• When I used to walk my pup, Dagny, pigeons were the bane of my existance. They would walk in front of her, just slightly out of her reach while she lunged at them from the end of her leash. When she died, they took on a new role. In a strange way, at times it felt like they were bringing greetings frrom her. Pezenas is full of pigeons and they are just as much of a pain here as they are in Toronto. But, when they sit on my balcony cooing for attention from each other, I picture them as a conduit to my little Dags.

• I joined the aquacentre and I’m swimming again. There are two large pools – one inside, mostly used for classes, and one outside, mostly used for laps. The outside pool is open year round, a joy for this Canadian! I’ll probably stick to laps because that’s my thing, but may venture into the aquabike class if I think my knees can handle it. I’m so happy about swimming again and can see it becoming the focal point of my daily routine.

• I discovered that the app I used for transit in Toronto works here. I was cleaning up my phone and about to delete it but inadvertently opened it instead. Less than an hour later, I was on the bus to Montpellier for the afternoon.

Challenges of the week

• Cash is a challenge! Mostly the coins. For years, I’ve simply tapped my phone when I wanted to buy something. Now I find myself sorting through a change purse, trying to find what I need. It’s better for me because I’m more aware of what I’m spending, but I do miss the convenience of tapping my phone.

• I’ve heard from numerous people that seasonal allergies are much worse in Europe. I had hoped that I would be the exception to the rule but my itchy, weeping eyes tell me I haven’t been spared.

Learnings of the week

• I use a Chromebook because I love the simplicity and it meets all my needs. Almost. Apparently there are a few things I need Windows for – at this point related to Canadian taxes but I suspect there will be others. I thought I might pick up an inexpensive laptop for the odd time I need it, but didn’t realize laptops in France use a different keyboard layout. This was new to me. I’m still deciding whether to buy one or nip over to Barcelona to buy one with the QWERTY keyboard I’m used to.

À bientôt .