Operation Paris: Adieu Thanksgiving ~ Bienvenue Christmas!

Much to my sister's chagrin, I stayed home this Thanksgiving . Cats near and far (and in between) were counting me for their turkey dinner and I was happy to provide it to them. I enjoyed tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, dining outside on the patio with the birds and squirrels imagining what I would be eating if in Paris. Since Thanksgiving is une fête américaine, I would think Parisians would be enjoying cuisine française as usual.

Those expats living in Paris can still enjoy this day of gluttony. Where to purchase all those American goodies? Where else but this fab grocery store (supermarche) called Thanksgiving, They have Canadian, British and Mexican favorites as well. Tres brilliant!

If like moi, you would rather go out for American fare, this place gets my vote. When living in Paris, it shall be a regular haunt. They take happy hours seriously.

Lizard Lounge

Moving on, today is Black Friday, another American "tradition". I have never participated in this shopping frenzy nor do I ever plan to. I don't enjoy shopping in general, much less shopping with all of humanity in my face. I have nothing else to say about it.

Now about ceiling fans

We here in Austin know the importance of ceiling fans. I shudder to think about summer without one or four.

It all started when I asked my professeur de français if we could turn on the ceiling fan. It was quite warm in the classroom. Not only did I get a "non", but a fairly long speech on how much she and all french hate ceiling fans.

According to Madame Didnee, the French would never consider a ceiling fan in their home. I couldn't believe it, why on earth wouldn't you want a ceiling fan in warm weather? What is it about ceiling fans that repulse them so? Madame Didnee enlightened us.

The French find them downright ugly, and are none too keen on the shade that surrounds the light bulb either. Before you say anything, they don't care for the ones without light fixtures, as well. Remember, an unfurnished Paris apartment has nothing in it - at all. The French take decorating their home seriously, ceilings included. A monstrosity made of faux wood and tacky brass hardware attached to the ceiling sends chills up l'épine française.

Madame Didnee did, however, turn on the air conditioner.

Dig out the Christmas lights!

Since I missed Thanksgiving at my sister's yesterday, I'm going to drive up tomorrow for leftovers and a quick visit. I shall also be bringing home my boxes of Christmas decor. No matter the funding situation, j'adore Christmas. Especially the lights. They make me feel both happy and sad at the same time. The blue lights are my favorite; I could gaze at them for hours.

Soon I will be posting pictures of Christmas lights in Austin. In the meantime, let's see how Parisians get into the Christmas spirit . They even have a list of the illuminated streets in each district. Man, to be in Paris at Christmas...