Happy Holidays

I have never met or to my knowledge seen the people that live directly above me, but I think of them often. I have endearingly termed them "les elephants. " I am truly puzzled by what they do up there that could possibly make so much noise. I suspect bowling.
Today, for the first time I heard their voices. They were singing Christmas carols. At first I thought they were just playing music, but I recognized live harmony and piano. They were pretty good. My heart softened toward the elephants. Maybe we could be friends. I still wish they didn't get up so early.

So yes the Christmas season is upon us, all over the western world and certainly not excluding Nice. The city is beautifully decorated and lit up. It may still be in the 60's here (true story, and I am not complaining) but there is lovely fake snow on many christmas trees set up around the city. There is even a Christmas market and skating rink set up in our main plaza. And Christmas music was playing in the supermarket today. I love it. I love Christmas. I know in the states you could drive around and see some magnificent displays in peoples' yards and all their lights and decorations. Well, no one around here really has a yard, but everyday I think I notice a new balcony with lights on it. And the city streets themselves are fantastic. I found a church that has been doing a Christmas choir, so I've been singing with them and we have a couple concerts this weekend. Nothing like Christmas in Kernersville, NC singing with Mrs. Earnhardt's choir, but still great fun. Did I mention I love Christmas?
I also celebrated a lovely thanksgiving here. No, they definitely don't celebrate thanksgiving in France. But there are enough americans around here and we can't seem to give it up. So I actually was able to feast 3 different times. But that third time I was just eating desserts. :) Tasty ones though.
I have now been in France for over 2 months, making this my longest consecutive time abroad. Even in the past when I have spent the majority of my summer traveling, I never crossed that mark. So, in all of my other experiences, this would be the time where I would have gotten shipped back home and would have to get back to my "real" life. I'm glad that isn't happening this time. This whole year seems to be going really quickly, but I'm excited to see what 3 months, 4 months, etc feels like. :)


Here are a few pics of Place Massena all set up for Christmas.