french toast
June 17, 2010
I could have sworn everyone on the streets was speaking French…
Ive moved on to the Bourgogne region of France at a faster rate than my blogging of China so its time to switch gears a bit while I try to manage both countries.
Speaking of gears, I have to learn to drive stick to take the kids to school and whatnot. So far Ive managed just fine in their voiture automatique.
Yes, I’ve accepted yet another position that requires interaction with children. I am now Aimee the Au Pair. My new digs are with a family in a small village about an hour from Lyon. It was a quick process but an opportunity nonetheless.
I landed at the airport in Lyon on May 26th where I was greeted by the dad, and the two children. I would meet the mom later when we arrived at the beautiful stone country house complete with a well and cherry trees.
As the latest Mary Poppins, I am to care for an 8 year old girl and a 10 year old boy, getting them ready for school and driving them as well as prepping them for bed and doing a little house cleaning.
I rationalized that though I’d be getting paid in peanuts, I would get to practice French, the language that has been forced down my throat since I was four years old. ENglish… that was just easy to swallow. Working 20 – 25 hours a week, I would have ample time to study for my certification in personal training and work out. It was a go.
***************************************************
Turns out I’ve been getting away with an automatic and I must say I do quite enjoy driving out here through the little villages of Laives, Senncey Le Grand, and Tournus. Not a glitch until little girl insisted that I put the wrong kind of gas in the car. Never take advice regarding fuel from an 8 year old.
After a day at the shop, my Citroen is back and ready for action.
Moral of the story: I’m an idiot. And little girl… shame on you. Had it been your brother, however, I would have left the car and we’d have walked home.
I know I’m a rookie au pair but… little boy… well mama never mentioned he required fairy dust and a miracle at almost 11 years of age.
When I’d asked on Skype if the children were well mannered, Nadine, la mére, had laughed and said that they have their moments.
On day one, Little Boy whined, cried and stamped his feet. I was shocked. How did his parents put a three year old in a 10 year old body?? Craziness!!
My friend Jason pointed out that Little Boy has his moments when he DOES behave and they are few. Just one of the reasons I have decided to cut my stay here until the end of June when the kids finish school.
I also do not feel comfortable nor free to have my own time during which I can do as I wish. And no, I’m not throwing parties or trying to sell their kids on the internet.
The first thing I had been told upon arrival was, “Faire comme tu veux.” Do as you like. The problem is that the family wants me to want to do as they like.
After 10 days with the family, the parents indicated I was doing very well with the children. The problem was that I wasn’t spending enough time with them. THE PARENTS. I’m sorry…. what? Spending my off days studying, working out, or just being by myself does not correspond to what they wished I wanted.
“But you can do as you wish. But if you don’t spend time with us, how will you be part of the family?” “Ok, I will try to talk more.” “No, but do as you wish. You must do as you wish. But how do you expect to be part of the family?”
French meals are fabulous but LONG. Literally two, three, hours in this house. I’d rather eat oatmeal alone in my room than have to invest that kind of time with people who do not sincerely care for me. I enjoyed it at first but now it feels very much a chore. I know not eating with them would be very anit-family and so I appease them.
I do most of my speaking with the kids in my terrible french. As awful as it is, I’m certainly improving! I also enjoy when Mamie comes. As the doting grandmother, she understands ONLY French and so I have no choice. Mamie has a good heart and listens when I speak. She is encouraging and the only one with whom I feel any kind of repore.
And so is life as Aimee the Au Pair.
Tags: 1
aimless80
Leave a Reply