Eh ben dis donc!

Well I never.....

Who would have thought that getting a french bank account was as easy as showing up in blue jeans, speaking my finest french and all without a hint of future employment or proof of actual earnings?

Today, I secured my very own french 'compte bancaire'. A big pat on the shoulder for me!! Not only did I approach the receptionist on my own, exclaiming, “J'ai un rendez-vous à dix-heures et demie." To which she replied something like, ‘have a seat over there to wait before your appointment' (in French naturally). At least that is what I understood ;) Then I entered the office with my Dad (of course), and applied for my very own bank account en français!! Plus…. I was able to answer many of questions asked of me (after being repeated at least twice), on my own!

That being said, I have no idea what type of account I have, I assume it is a chequing account? And, I am clueless as to the fees, rules & regulations. But I do have a nice nifty package of about 20 forms in French that I dotted, initialled and signed to start this whole process!! Now to transfer my Canadian funds into their new home….

I am growing up – insert applause!!

A french girls needs french school

I guess there is a first for everything......... In my quest to integrate and adapt to my Lyonnaise lifestyle, I have spoken to, ah no sorry, I have listened to several government workers tell me (through my dad of course), that I need to be able to communicate in french before I can find a job (even one speaking english). But this also means that in order to participate in the world renowned french health care system for free I also need a job. But I am french, doesn't that count for anything?

During a one hour appointment (aka rendez-vous → oh how the english make this word sound so enticing and sexy) at the pôle emploi (where I used to work in Canada → not so sexy), it was communicated that this was a first ... sending a french girl to french school! Which leaves me thinking, "Qu'est ce que j'ai fait?" Not that I am overly surprised by the news or even the difficulty in navigating, accessing, applying to, receiving, understanding .... the roundabouts of the governmental system, but all systems naturally rely on each other.

So I need a carte vitale (health insurance card) to find a job, and I need a job to get a carte vitale (so that I don't have to possibly pay the french government based on my 2009 Canadian income tax earnings)...... are you confused yet, because I sure am and on top of this it is all in FRENCH.... yes that's right leave it to me to abandon the comforts of my Canadian lifestyle for one of wine and cheese and a dwindling bank account.

Wish me luck as, j'ai un rendez-vous à la banque demain matin, and I am pretty sure that I need a job to open an account or to have lived here for at least 3 months first, and possibly a carte vitale too....


 And the saga continues .............

Days of Celebration

So this is my first 'holiday' away in this brand new colony, and it is Halloween, or more aptly pronounced, "alloween" ou "zalloween". While I am not overly connected to this day, and I am not one to dress up or celebrate like many of my creatively artistic and social friends, I find myself reflecting on the nostalgic qualities of this celebration and the joy it imparts on all ages. Mmmm all the chocolate and suckers (my favorite treats), especially the big round suckers that look like fruit slices that I haven't seen in ages?!? Care packages are always welcome (wink wink)!

The french regard Halloween as a North American holiday and it is not widely celebrated. It is not completely foreign, and stores sell pre-packaged candy, but the advertisements for it may take up a half page or less of a weekly flyer, and the selection is virtually non-existent at least to the over consumeristic values of my other home.

Some of the popular french game and t.v shows hosted Halloween themed productions where the hosts and guests dressed in traditionally 'scary' costumes and the sets were decorated with cut-outs of jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins. I also saw a group of young children out for a walk early this evening, around 4:00 pm, trick-or-treating at a pre-set destination; but at first glance it looked like an ordinary pre-school stroll and I did not notice that they were in costume.

Thank you to my cousins Jason & Stephanie, for sharing their Halloween fun over Skype after a traditional Halloween celebration - Toronto style!!! I can't wait to see the pics!

                                                                                                                                 
Today though is a much cherished day, widely respected and honoured in France. It is All Saints Day, and many stores and businesses are closed in observance of the dearly departed. Cemeteries are adorned in flowers and loved ones tend to the tombs with care ensuring there is no dirt or debris; sweeping off the stones and wiping down the marble.

Several days ago I visited the cemetery where my grandparents rest, along with my dad and a few of my Aunts. It was incredible! Each site is an exquisite plot of intricate stone or marble placed over the grave, and many are embellished with silk and real flowers, and plaques from friends and neighbours. There is a flower shop just outside of the cemetery and a large area for local vendors. Wheeled carts with access to water are available, and the land is surrounded by an elaborate gate that is locked and guarded at night. An air of peace and reverence permeates the ground!

Today I will remember and honour my family and friends in heaven, and ask for their guidance and wisdom, with a prayer for strength of spirit.