Having to eat fries with virtually all my meals, eating sandwich as lunch, missing ponmo, ofada rice, pepper etc (I later found where to buy some african foodstuffs)
Missing my train and flight just because the train or plane will leave on the dot of the departure time whether or not you are on board (rolls eyes)
Making at appointment to open a bank account, which I have to wait 2 weeks to finalize (GTB kare) or having my card blocked because I exceeded my supposed monthly spending limit (Who does that....its my money o!)
Banks and shops not opening on Monday??????
Sitting in the sun to eat my french sandwich or asking for a table outside the restaurant because we want to eat in the sun....huh???? I later undestood why (smiles)
................
I decided to stop whinning about missing home and observe my environment closely. Of course I realised that life was the same everywhere....you know everyone working to make ends meet, some good, some naughty, some indifferent etc.....However when I paid a closer attention to the people I saw everyday, I noticed that although life wasn't so different from back home - I mean Nicolas Sarkozy's home and office was just raided for campaign finance probe, the people however were different......in my opinion.....
I did not fail to notice:
The average french person that goes to any store and walks out with just what they need irrespective of whether there is a massive sale!
The hugs, the smiles, the romance ( very old and young couples walking together hand in hand, with no care in the world) the general appreciation of nature......
The bus driver that waits for me to catch the bus because he caught a glimpse of me running from his side mirror, he could have decided to drive off because the next bus will arrive in 2-5minutes.
The total strangers that help me to find my way, when they know I can barely understand what they are saying, smile or use sign language and take me to where I can get help - usually out of their way....
The strangers that assist to carry my baby's pram on the never ending Paris Metro station staircases....even at the risk of missing the next metro.....
The shop attendant that gives me my correct "change" even when she knows I have no idea how much my purchases were worth? (That was before sha)
My classmate/friend that volunteers to follow me to translate discussions when I have meetings with my daughter's nanny or with the RAM. There was a particular day that he had to wait up for me in the freezing cold so I could easily locate him.....I mean who would ever forget that.....
My girlfriend that leaves her phone number with french admin officials so that when they need to reach me, they can discuss with her and she would pass the message to me, all without me asking her.
My school adminstration that offered me a bigger appartment for the price of a small one and took charge to pay the deficit because I needed more space for my daughter to play....
I could go on and on but I think I have passed across my message. These people do not whin about what the government should do. Instead they go about helping people in the little way they can. I may be here for studies but I am very sure that apart from my Msc, I have learnt a better and more fulfilling way to live life.
Girlfriend, from ur write-up, i can only depict one thing, which is the favour of God. U have it upon u, and dat is why u are able to look back, to appreciate those people, and events that u passed through. This is a good thing. I see a good heart appreciating things around her. Continue in this spirit, and the Lord will help u. Amen. Tola
ReplyDeleteYou will learn from travelling to various countries in the world what you cant possibly get from any university....
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