We spent last week in Paris. For the first part of the week Tricia stayed in the apartment, I only ventured out for food and beverage. Thankfully there were shops nearby. At a cheese shop I found a baguette sandwich with cheese, Spanish ham, and cornichons, it was perfect for sitting on our deck.
I did a bit of sketching to pass the time.
Friday Tricia felt up to going out for lunch so we went to a place with seating under the trees just a few blocks away – they had great pizza.
Saturday we took the Metro for some shopping and lunch – lots of doorway people out.
Sunday we had one of worst meals in a long time, but we always remind ourselves that if you don’t have mediocre meals you will not enjoy the superior ones.
Monday was Tricia’s follow-up appointment, and the doc said all is on track, sigh of relief. Then after a pretty challenging rental car experience we drove back to Normandie and La Thebauderie. The only sketch I have done is of a tree.
We have chatted with our neighbors, a bit of whinging and gossip. And we have started packing a crate to ship to the USA. This has been a good place to live, but it is time for the next step.
I hope you are well, sketching and eating along the way.
theTravelsketcher 
I’m glad to hear that the Paris “adventure” is nearly over and that you’ll be going home to Normandie. I do hope that despite the elections that you could be convinced to stay in France. France seems to be having a bit of a hissy fit, and this too, shall pass. It might last a couple of years but it won’t be forever.
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Very true Ian
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And of course the US is having its own critical elections. Our initial plan was to stay about three years, then go back, leaving the door open in case we changed our minds. We find that we miss friends and family a lot so we are sticking with the original plan. It will end up being about two and a half years. But we applied for our renewal so who knows, we have not shut the door on staying in France, nous adorons la France.
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France isn’t perfect despite heer thinking she is, but she’s not all bad, and the food is good….
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We love France and the food is good, that is for sure.
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Does this mean you’re heading back to US?
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When we came to France our intention was to stay about three years. We have our carte séjours so can still change our mind. We miss friends and family.
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That’s understandable
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Somebody once told me after I had already been here for two years that these two years is the cut off point. If you stay beyond these two years, then, you’re not going back. You’re here for the duration. It certainly worked that way for me, despite the homesickness that I get when depressed. There are of course exceptions to these rules…
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Interesting, we will take each day as it comes and see where we ne up, life is surprises.
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Good cliff hangar! Wondering where is next?? Maggie
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Thanks Maggie, some days our life is a cliff hanger, so each day is a new adventure, you guys know about that kind of life for sure. We came here planning on about three years, and we are missing friends and family. On top of that you just can’t get good Mexican food here…🙀
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😂😂 They say the best Mexican food is in the US! And after 3 months in Mexico and Central America, I have to agree.
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Glad to hear that Tricia is doing well! Yes, it sounds like you might not be quite ready to leave. Good luck with that decision. Any ideas about your next adventure?
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There is a piece of us that is attracted to the concept of settling down a bit after all of the travel. Visiting friends and family is quite attractive, being able to play music with my oldest friend and seeing our kids more all are sounding quite nice.
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I should have replied here. Sometimes I make it and sometimes I don’t, but you get the sentiment…
Somebody once told me after I had already been here for two years that these two years is the cut off point. If you stay beyond these two years, then, you’re not going back. You’re here for the duration. It certainly worked that way for me, despite the homesickness that I get when depressed. There are of course exceptions to these rules…
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“Doorway people” – what an interesting term!
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Thanks, I don’t know why they fascinate me.
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I am sure you both will be missed at La Thebaudiere xx
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Thanks, just as you are.
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Love the morning coffee sketch.
Looks like smoking in Europe is still quite strong but probably abated quite a bit from the older days just like in the US.
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This post makes me wistful. It will be wonderful to have you back home, but it has been so much fun to follow your years in France… and, of course, to visit you.
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Like you we have similar struggles with stay or go, we enjoyed your visites, and look forward to getting together in Portland.
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