The other day I got reprimanded by a friend of mine for surfing the internet while in France. I noticed he published some comments in the "Pray Tell" blog and I emailed him. He thought I was wasting my time. "You're in France! Why are you reading my comments?"
Yes, I am in France. And God willing on Friday I will climb the Pyrenees and cross into Spain through the Roncevaux Pass. But a five moth sabbatical is not a vacation where one tries to do everything at every moment. If I did that than I think I would be less rested than when I began.
So how is living abroad different in my eyes? Well, I never take breakfast and usually eat my one big meal at midday. Oftentimes I buy my food at the supermarket rather than going to restaurants. It's a fraction of the cost and most supermarkets have prepared sandwiches which I'll get as well as some fruit. One of the great things about Europe and France in particular is the amount of public park space where one can sit to have lunch. I've never stopped for coffee or a drink in one of those cafes in a big tourist square or in the shadow of a cathedral. For supper, I brought some granola bars with me or I will get a crepe or something light if anything at all. One of the challenges is that supper begins here around 7:30PM and it is even later once I cross into Spain.
Most stores in southern and rural France close for repose from 12noon until 3PM. People enjoy their dinner and time together before the long afternoon. Most stores are open until 7PM at least. Depending on the weather and where I am I might rest up as well. I'll use this time to work on this blog or to check out news on the internet. Not all of the places that I have stayed at have had TV and only a few have had CNN or BBC in English. Through the web I have been able to keep up with all need to. Sadly the news is not always good but it has been exciting to follow the talks and actions of our Holy Father. And thanks to incrcc.org I even know the weekly collections at Incarnation. Another blessing has been the opportunity to write extended letters to friends and do much missed reading.
In the evenings I turn in much earlier than the tourists do. Unfortunately, I all too often hear them returning from late dinners or drinks on the town. If I have a TV I might watch some football (soccer for you Yanks!) which doesn't matter what language it is covered in. Sometimes an English movie might be on the TV with subtitles. Just the other night I saw the classic "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" with Joan Crawford and Betty Davis. All too often, though, there just seems to be laundry to wash in the sink or plans to be confirmed or reworked.
Throughout the day I try to visits the various sanctuaries, sights and parks each place has to offer. Usually I try to travel from place to place between 12noon and 2PM when most hotels ask you to vacate the rooms. I'll make future posts about concelebrating (saying) Mass in the various French local churches and why I love train travel.
So I'm happy I'm not running around like a tourist. And while I have no steamer trunks and entourage I am very much living abroad.
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