Hello friends and family,

I will begin with the news that is most important to us- Richard’s dad Tom passed away on February 6th. Thanks to those who have been asking after Tom and keeping him and the family in your thoughts and prayers, especially of late.

I apologise if this blog is a little ‘unorthodox’- I have never read one before, let alone written one!

We “5blazes” arrived here in the 10th arrondissement on Friday 3rd February. We are delighted with our apartment which is perfect for us! There is a room for the girls complete with a loft which doubles as a stage, a room for Solomon with a view of the very tip of the Eiffel Tower (if you stand on some furniture and strain your neck), a room for me and Richard and there’s even a spare room with a blow up mattress for anyone who’d like to stay with us.

Our ‘hood is awesome- urban, authentic, unpretentious. We have found “our café” on the corner which we have been to at least once a day to order “trois petits chocolats chauds et deux cafés”. It’s completely pathetic how Richard and I practice under our breath before we order anything or speak to anyone in French. We inevitably get the most simple sentences wrong but we haven’t lost our spirit to keep trying (early days!). Solomon and Bessie are starting to build their confidence and are more willing to order their own drinks and food in French.

We’ve done the obligatory visit to the Eiffel Tower which I don’t plan on doing again! Too many tourists lining up like cattle in long queues and lots of people wanting to take our money in one way or another. We spent a matter of minutes up the top as it was way too cold. I mean, we were swimming in mum and dad’s pool last week! Come on!

We visited the kids’ new school within hours of arriving so that we could “check-in” and find out what they need to bring on their first day. The principal spoke to me entirely in French and I said “oui” to pretty much everything she said which worked for much of the conversation but clearly not all of it! She and the kids’ teachers were truly delightful and more than welcoming. I think it’s going to be a great school for them.

I think about you all lots. Carmen, Daniel and Lisa- all the time! Larni, when we literally followed the scent of chocolate from the street and ended up in a chocolate factory. Nicole H when I forgot that word “haché” and realised the steaks I bought for dinner were actually minced beef. Tanya, when the book you recommended came in my mailbox. Jules, when the Camembert stank out the fridge. Anna, when we watched the movie “Tous En Scéne” (“Sing”) today. Mark, when I noticed the toy soldier with a gigantic machine gun sitting next to the Barbies in the Etihad lounge at the airport. Marz, when we discovered an old theatre near our apartment. Beck E, when the kids snuggle into their beds with their crystals hanging from the bedpost. Sal, when we all put our thermals under our jeans and still feel cold. Sharon, when I try and unsuccessfully channel your “flow” of the French language. Uncle Richard, as I sip on this wine while I type. Val, when i pass another gorgeous shop selling wool for knitting. Nicole M when I check out the Parisian fashion.  Dave, Karl, Amaya, Simon, Thea, Ania- happy birthday!

That’s it for my first post. More in a week or so!

Cindi and the other 4 Blazés. xxxooo

on the Metro

Etihad lounge toys