TUESDAYS AT NOON: THE FRENCH LOVE OBAMA!

Posted by Lori~

I try to keep political(ish) posts off of WOM-MOM.  I also avoid political(ish) posts on Facebook.  But today, I wanted to share a post written by a student journalist in France.  It's about Obama and guess what?!?  The French MOSTLY LIKE HIM!  That's right?!?

Are you surprised?!?  I was (considering the perception we are given in the US).  

Thank you Geraldine for putting in the work for this story.

FRENCH BEACHES ARE AT THE TOP(LESS)!

Posted by Lori~

We are back in the states from our four week French adventure.  Today I asked Mur-Man what he liked the VERY BEST about France?  With no hesitation he said, "the beaches"!  And then asked me, "mommy, are there beaches here (in ND)?".  Unfortunately, no Mur-Man there are not (except for lake beaches).  

First, I need to apologize for being behind on the posts from France.  I was having too much fun to start WOMMING!  But, I am back and I am ready to get back to this blog.

Mur-Man wasn't the only one that loved the beaches, I loved them too. The French Riviera is completely amazing. 

We spent most of our time in Nice.  Nice, France was our home-base for our four weeks. The Nice water is pure blue.  It is amazing.  Unfortunately, the worst part about the beach is there is no sand, but instead rocks.  I guess that's what makes the water pure blue.

Rocks make for no sand castles and much harder swimming and walking conditions.  I finally had to suck-it-up and purchase 8.00 Euro ugly water shoes.  They made the Nice beach experience much better. 

Next up, there are the beaches of Cannes (you know that city where they hold the Cannes Film Festival).  This is roughly a 30 minute train ride from Nice.  This was by-far my FAVORITE beach.

We discovered a private beach for 4.00 Euro/person.  We thought this was the way to go and super affordable because you get a lot for your money including: a chair, umbrella, easy access to the beach, and a bathroom/changing area.  Other private beaches run more like 25.00 Euro/person.
 

The final beach we visited was the beach at Antibes (a 20 minute train ride from Nice, and just before Cannes).  The main beach is a public beach, which is located between two breakers.  The water is very still, but the public beach is very busy.

See that speck on the breaker? That's Mur-Man and Steve.  The swam the sea together!

The French Riviera is amazing and I personally think the beaches are better than the Caribbean or Mexico.  It's amazing!  Keep in mind, French clothing rules at the beach are much different than our laws.  Women can go topless if they choose.  To be honest, I did not see very many topless ladies and those that I did see where older.  Maybe this is a trend that is on its' way out.

FRIDAYS IN FRANCE: FORGET WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD ABOUT FRANCE…

Posted by Lori~

Steve, Murray, and I have now been in Nice, France for three weeks!  And it has been AMAZING!

I am going to say it, I was nervous.  I had heard the stories of how French don’t like Americans because of our limited French speaking abilities.  I came here knowing maybe three words.

But I found immediately, that if you put in a little effort (attempt to speak it), they like it.  Give them a smile and they will serve you well. 

These are our French host parents and they are SUPER NICE!  
They have been helping us a lot with our "french".

Let’s put ourselves in their shoes for once.  Could you imagine if a Chinese speaking transplant started talking to you in Chinese in the US.  We would look at them, like they are CRAZY (unless you know Chinese)!  Well, the same thing goes both ways.  We are not superior and our language should not be either.

This is the Cannes Mayor being interviewed by our student journalists.  He was SUPER NICE!

...and a French Serviceman.  He was nice too!

So here’s a mini French lesson for you.  I spell it, like I say it (this is NOT PROPER FRENCH), but this lesson will get you by if you plan to visit.

BONJOUR:  HELLO

EXCUSE-EA MOI:  EXCUSE ME

PAR-DOANE:  PARDON/EXCUSE ME

JEY-VA-DRAY:  I WOULD LIKE

CAFE LATTE:  LATTE COFFEE

DAH LOW:  SOME WATER

SEE VOU PLAY:  PLEASE

AR-E-VWA:  GOODBYE

TWAW-LETTE:  TOILETTE

VER:  GLASS

UN BOTAY:  BOTTLE

PAR-LEI-VOU-ANGLAIS:  DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?

SA-VAH:  HOW ARE YOU? 

SA-VAH BIEN:  I AM GOOD

JE-MA-PAL:  I AM CALLED

JASWEES ZAMERIAN:  I AM AMERICAN

I actually have a friend that will be visiting the area very soon and I gave her this very listing.  I keep it in my cell phone notes and use it as a reference when needed.

Remember, a smile and effort goes a long way.  Don’t be afraid of travel and culture…trust me, it has been 100% worth it.  I AM LOVING IT!

AMERICANS ARE “MOSTLY” FAT AND I KNOW WHY!

Posted by Lori~

OK, I think it is safe to say that Steve and I could fall somewhat into the above title’s category.  We don’t help the American fat stereotype at all, but we are working on it!

Since we have been in France we have discovered a majorly walk-able city.  Like, Steve and I are logging over 15,000 steps most days (and some days we are hitting more like 24,000 steps). 

You can walk everywhere in Nice (and Paris) along with the required public transportation here and there.  There is a café, bar (restaurant with beverages), grocery store, fruit stand, and gelato shop on every corner.  Everything is in walking distance. 

Our one travel mistake we immediately discovered was not packing a stroller for Mur-Man (or push-ette in French (sp?!?)).  I am sorry, but a 4-year-old can’t handle 24,000 steps/day, so thankfully we tracked down a stroller and have been using it since our first week in France.

In addition, my one splurge (my purchase) will be one of these grocery/shopping carts on wheels.  All the French women have them.  I am sure I could find them in most major US cities, but in big city, ND, you just don’t see them.  I live two blocks from the grocery store (and I drive)!  It’s a crime!  I am going to get on my walking shoes, strap on my fit bit, and load up my new French investment. 

It’s on WOMS!

WTF (WAY TOO FUN): WE MADE IT ON TV!

Posted by Lori~

Mom, Steve, and I were in NYC 2 weeks ago, and I am thrilled to report that Mom and I made the Kelly and Michael audience.  Check it out!

Actually the photos from below are from 2 different shows (same day recording).  Mom and I switched spots between the two-day segment taping, because there was this annoying column located right between us.  

We loved it--and had WAY TOO MUCH FUN!

CELEBRATING ALL THINGS XMAS ON A CRUISE SHIP (FOR KIDS)!

Posted by Lori~

Before we left for our holiday Cruise, we wanted to be sure that we were prepared and ready to celebrate with Mur-Man.  Santa does come to cruise ships too....

We packed in our suitcase several things to make it feel like home including:  Our remaining advent books, our elf Stan, our old-school chocolate advent calendar, and our Christmas gift from Santa (i-pad mini).

Before we left, my girlfriend and WOM-MOM follower Holly, had whipped up some really cute magic reindeer food to sprinkle on the lawn (or better yet, over the ship edge into the water).

And that's exactly what we did....we wanted to be sure that Santa knew we were in the ocean (and could find us).

I think the reindeer food is an adorable idea.  

Royale Caribbean also did an amazing job celebrating the season...

They showed Christmas themed movies on the outdoor movie screen like "Polar Express".  Check-out the people in the hot tub with their cocktails! 

Santa made an appearance on the ship.  The staff had a listing of all the kids and their ages with a special gift for each of them...isn't that amazing!  I guess there were over 1,000 kids on this trip!

They held several church services and had hot cocoa and ice skating for families.

And, the dining room was amazing!  The meals were delicious and the staff sang Christmas songs to us.  It was truly magical.

TRAVEL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS!

Posted by Lori~

We just got back from our family vacation on a cruise to Belize and Cozumel.  It was dreamy...especially the temps.  We loved every minute of it...and I do plan to give a recap of the trip as well as provide you with some thrifty travel options and ideas to consider when booking a cruise. 

But first, a few quick Christmas themed posts.  I realize tomorrow is New Year's Eve, but I am still in the spirit and wanted to get these in before the New Year.  

We continued our Christmas ornament travel tradition...and picked up three ornaments from our latest vacation.  You can read more about the tradition here.

A mini-ornament of our cruise ship Liberty of the Seas!

Unfortunately, we did not visit the Belize islands, but did explore the main land and it was BEAUTIFUL!

Finally, an ornament from Cozumel!

My sis also decided to start the ornament tradition.  Souvenirs are GREAT, but to me this is the BEST!  Each year as you decorate your tree, you can talk about your travels.  

Steve and I look forward to adding to our collection.  

Happy New Year's Eve!  More holiday posts tomorrow!

NOLA PHOTOS!

Posted by Lori~

As you know, Steve and I spent the week before Halloween in New Orleans!  WE HAD A BLAST!  Below are photos from our trip with captions...what a great city to visit!  And the food...wow--the food was amazing!  Check out these photos (in no particular order).  

Steve's quale egg sushi...he says it was DELISH!

I still do not understand how the police horses put up with the drunks!

One of many performers on Bourbon Street...this guy ROCKED!

Bourbon Street--it is FUN!

The start of our "swamp tour".  It was BEAUTIFUL!

Our waiters at our favorite restaurant, Palace Cafe!

My brush with fame:  Hoda Kotb!

Steve took this photo at NOLA's oldest bar (supposedly haunted).  Notice the strange light above the glass!

Steve eating a delicious beignet!

Steve and I both had a tarot card reading!

Steve and I have several more vacations planned this year and we cannot wait!  Mur-man will be traveling along on a Christmas cruise and to France this summer!