Strikes, Santa, and Snow

Last Thursday was a very strange day of “work.” I left early to take the trains, and they were all on time despite several strikes, or “greves,” that had been going on in Paris public transportation. However, as soon as I got to school, I found signs that said “lycee en greve” (high school on strike)! Strangely enough, it wasn’t the teachers or administration who were striking… it was the students! There has just been a reform passed for the educational system in France, and the students didn’t like it. Alors, strike. Only natural to a French person. But students? All of the students were out in front of the school protesting, and the door was blocked by some of the older students. They let me through and were basically laughing at my confused state. As soon as I got inside, I saw all of the other teachers looking out the windows and acting like this was completely normal and that there was nothing they could do.When I asked some of the teachers why the students have the right to strike, their reply was that this is France and that is just how things work here. Another student later said that the French are expert complainers and aren’t afraid to let the whole world know what they are complaining about. C’est la France.

Becca and I went to a Christmas concert at American Church in Paris last Saturday and it was beautiful. I love things like that because they really remind me of what Christmas is all about and put me in a cheery sort of mood. It really is a wonderful church and I have loved going and getting to know some pretty wonderful people there.

On Sunday, we hosted a Christmas dinner party at out apartment. It was great to have everyone here together before we went our separate ways for the holidays. Please note the fabulous snowflakes on the window crafted by our very own Emily Plug.

Also note that Fozzie Plug (Santa) and I coordinated outfits.

In other news, IT SNOWED TODAY!!! It started this morning and I was smiling even at 7:30am in freezing cold weather because Paris gave me a little going away Christmas present on the last day before I leave. It was so beautiful... out in Villepreux, the small suburb of Paris where I teach, literally everything was white. My classroom has a

big window and I watched the snow fall all day. Some of the snowflakes were as big as my hand! Lovely.

So I leave tomorrow morning for San Francisco to spend Christmas at

home! I am so excited to be with my

family and just to be home in America for a bit. I love it here, but I do miss the sense of familiarity of home and it will be nice to have that for the next two weeks. Also, I will be in Los Angeles for New Years so everyone should go/stay there :) Can't wait to see you all!