Marocco, Noël and everything after - January 28, 2009

Okay, so, any of you that may be following my blog probably now realize I never finished writing about Marocco. I think it's because nothing really more happened except that we went to a couple markets (souks) and I bought Maroccan spices and we got hassled by some vendors. Also, by the time I left there, I never wanted to go back. My lily white American ass has no place in a country like Marocco I guess. Sounds closed-minded, I know, but you just go there and tell me what you think after two guys follow you around town and everything sucks. AND you can't drink the water. And for any of you that don't know, I started smoking again in Marocco. I say it was the stress and maybe that's true, but now I am relishing the cigs I smoke knowing that someday soon, I have to stop again. What an evil bitch that is (puff puff)!!!

Onward.

Christmas in France is a completely different experience than in the United States. At least in my family. Not really for any specific traditions being all that different. But you see, Christmas in France is about family and eating. Now, I hear you saying, that's exactly what Christmas is all about , but no. It's different. It's not about how many presents are under the tree, or just seeing your family for as long as you can stand. It's about a few thoughtful gifts and plenty of time spent with the family. In fact, we spent four days with Steph's family. When he first told me that we were staying that long, I almost puked. The idea of my entire family getting together for four consecutive days was an awful thought. Not that I don't love them, but seriously...It's what I would call "a recipe for disaster". But as it turns out, it was actually pretty nice. It got a little tough for me because they all speak French to eachother. His brother speaks well, his woman a little less and his sister also speaks some. But it's their language and , despite their and my best efforts, I often got left in the dust. No fault of anyone's, it's just the way it is.

Now, the food is something else. I decided I would make gingerbread cookies and also to bring the makings of a gingerbread house to make with the kids. It was very well-received and we had a lot of fun putting it together. Stephane's Mother is a great cook! There was no ham, potato salad, maccaroni salad or sweet gerkins on the table. There was plenty of cheese, in fact, a little mesh HOUSE of cheese. There was homemade pumpkin soup, langostines, avocado and caviar, wine , wine, wine and more wine, all from before I was born, homeade spirits made by his Dad, bread, bread and more bread, sausages in bread, sausages without bread, fois gras and the traditional La Buche de Noël.
When I say I ate a lot, I really mean, Stephane had to roll me to the car when we left. I was stunned and amazed at how much excellent food she made. It was a foodie's wet dream! So, after the four days we came home and stopped eating for days. LOL Well, not really but it definately was way less.

Since Christmas, we have just been living. I met a new friend, Barbara (Hey Barbara!) and she is very nice. She is married to a French guy but she is half German/ half Philippina and speaks english. I think she is great, even though I don't know her very well. I also hung out with my friend Rhian again too, also awesome (Hi Rhiann!). We went to Perouges Medieval city and also a place called Les Marmites des geant, or somthing like that. After I am done writing this blog I will post some pics. Stephane and I also had dinner with two of his colleages and their significant others (Hi Laurent and Laurent!). I will lovingly call the night, Fondue with the French Fags! LOL Please don't be offended if you read this. I'm saying it that way out of love and admiration! LOL So, they made us an awesome dinner of French fondue and salad and an awesome dessert of Pears with chocolate sauce. Totally awesome guys. And all of you out there know what a fag hag I am, so this should come as no surprise!

I also have been planning my next trip home along with a trip to Paris for three days before I leave. Stephane has to work up there and I am going to buy a Paris Museum pass and see the city, including Notre Dame, Eiffel tower, Louvre (again) and other sights. After we return from Paris, I am getting my hair done in synthetic dreads. I can't wait! I can finally be myself (LOL) ! Not having a job means you can dress and look however you want without any rules! It's fantastic! SO after many years of wanting dreads, I'm finally going to have them! Yay!


My trip home is loosely planned like this:

Fly out of Switzerland into NYC ( Feb 14TH)
Spend three days in or around NYC
Fly to San Diego, CA (Feb 18TH)
Spend two days there
Fly to Colorado to see my brother's family (Feb 20TH)
Fly back to San Diego (Feb 22)
Rent a beach house for a week
Try to see my Aunt in LA for at least a day
Fly back to NY (Mar 2ND)
Spend a day or two with my Mom's best friend from childhood
Take a bus to Albany to see my Family for a day or two
Take a bus to Boston to see Philly and her baby bump (Mar 5TH)
Take a bus to New London for a few days
Maybe go to Block Island, maybe
Fly out of NYC back to Paris ( Mar 12TH)
Train home

That was exhausting to write, now I only have to get through it in real life!!! LOL So if anyone wants to see me, please let me know and I will work you into the plan!