My last full day!

Firstly, I want to say sorry for that lengthy last post! I'm sure you've all missed my waffle. Anyway, on Friday Lucas, Oscar and I went to a theme park and I use that term loosely as it wasn't like Alton Towers etc, it was more aimed at younger kids and the rides were more tame. There was still a roller-coaster but it was a runaway train, tea cups, toboggan, bumper boats, aqua park, log flume, you get the idea. It was a super last day out and even better as it was all paid for by Isabelle! In the evening, we went to a dinner party at a very rich persons house. It was sooo nice, I could live there tomorrow (I won't don't worry). The family were really nice too but I wasn't really in the mood for socialising as I've come to the end of 6 long weeks now and I'm certainly ready to go home now. That's ok though as my flight...is TODAY! Yippee, really looking forward to getting back on English/Welsh soil and then watching the opening ceremony on catch up. Next time I'll blog will be from GB- bye folks!

2 weeks in 1 post- sorry!

Sorry about all this that you're about to encounter but this is what I've been up to in the last 2 weeks or so- enjoy!


Thursday was difficult. I had 4 kids (Lucas, Oscar, Ewen and Iola) and Oscar was being a little brat. In the morning we just went to the market as usual and picked up some bits and bobs. Once the tide was at a sufficient height, we went down to the beach and chilled out there until about 2 o'clock ish. Afterwards we had planned to go razor collecting on the beach but couldn't do it until the tide went out so I put the kids in front of the tele and sorted some stuff out around the house. Fortunately, grandma and grandad showed up just and we were about to leave to go down to the beach so they came with us and it definitely made my life a lot easier. It was really fun getting the razor shells up through the sand but it was safe to say that all the kids were quite tired. When we arrived home, Isabelle was already there packing the house up to go back to Landerneau, which we did. I'm glad to be back here as it means that there is light at the end of the tunnel and I'm home on Saturday! See you all very soon.

On Sunday, we basically had a very lazy morning as we got back to the house at gone 1am. I was fine with this as I had a lot of internet catch up to do. We had steak burgers and green beans for lunch which was weird but still surprisingly quite nice. After lunch, Isa and I went over the next weeks doings and there is a lot occurring and stuff to remember. Once we were done, I trekked down into town to see what was going on as it was the Kaan al Loar festival. It was really sweet actually, a load of crazy Bretons doing traditional songs and dances- not too dissimilar from Welsh folk dancing. Apparently, there was a Pwllheli troop there but I didn’t see them. When I was bored, I wandered home for tea which was a Spinach lasagne. As Isabelle was working at Brest 2012, Yvon was left to deal with the 2 boys and they’re friend. My god, he did not succeed at all, it was embarrassing on his part to be honest. We left for the Beach House at about half 9 and dropped Leo (the friend) off on the way. Oscar was being his usual disobedient, bratty self which was exhausting. I was so relieved to reach the house where I could go and get some fresh air, in silence!

The sun actually came out to play on Monday, thank god. In the morning, we wandered into town to buy a couple of bits and bobs. Afterwards, we had lunch which was left over burgers and pasta. Then we went TO THE BEACH! It was full of people down there and the atmosphere was lush. There was  a bit of a breeze which kept picking up the sand which was a tad annoying but it didn’t bother us too much. Oscar and I swam in the freezing sea. I promised myself I would whilst I was here so I took my chance as there might not be another one! We spent about 4 hours down at the beach and it was really nice. Oscar wasn’t a brat and we got on really well, he even told me he wanted me to come back next summer. I’ll have to think about that one I think! In the evening, Yvon came home and he made Galettes which I’ve come to love, will be brining some home for definite. Oscar began to get difficult with his Dad this evening and it was embarrassing to watch as he’d been fine with me throughout the day. Once we’d finished tea, I escaped up to my room and put a bit of Lee Evans on for a giggle.

I was dreading Tuesday as Oscar was due to have a friend come and stay for 3 nights. The day didn’t get off to a very good start. We moaned at each other in the morning because I was being demanding and Oscar wasn’t doing naff all. Either way, I managed to get him to his stress golf lesson at 10 and I made a lovely phone call with the grandmother. After lunch, we popped to the boulangerie to buy a few goodies for the relatives, plus we were out of bread. Oscar keeps trying to get his own way with me by being stubborn and blackmailing me but it doesn’t work as I have the password to the pc, the tele is in my room, and I’ve hidden all the goodies so he’s ran out of stuff to blackmail me with. Once we were back, the grandma, Mael and Lois arrived (these are the kids from the previous family- the cousins). The sun actually came out again today so we took the little ones down to the beach. It took Lois and Mael a few minutes before they warmed to me again, but after a while it was lovely to see them again. It was a bit embarrassing when they had to leave as they wanted to stay with me instead of going with grandma. I’ll hopefully see them again at the weekend though. Then, Mael (Oscar’s friend) arrived, and I realised I already know this little chap. He’s very polite and not as brutal as Oscar so hopefully it won’t be too tricky with them two. We had a barbeque and played a few games. All in all, it was another good day but as usual, I’m knackered!

Wednesday was my first day of looking after the two boys (Oscar Mael). In the morning, we had breakfast together and they played a few games whilst I got washed and dressed. We then headed into town to the supermarket to get some bits and bobs for the picnic. Obviously, afterwards we came home and I prepared the picnic for lunch and we then headed down to the beach for the morning and the first part of the afternoon. The boys ran off pretty much as soon as we got there to go and dig holes and find stuff whilst I was quite content in sunbathing and reading. Once we had eaten the picnic, we came home as they had an activity in the afternoon at the sports centre. I made a friend too. Well sort of, a grandma was dropping of her granddaughter and we got talking and we talked for quite a while, she was very nice and I’m pretty sure I understood everything she said, it was a bit smalltalky but it was still an in depth conversation with a new French person. Whilst they were elsewhere, I took the opportunity to clean/ tidy up a bit and then chilled in some peace and quiet for a bit. Once I’d picked them up, it had started to rain which was rubbish as it meant that we could really do anything outside. Instead, I introduced them to the webcam on my laptop and they made funny videos and took funny pictures for an hour or so. Then, Isabelle came home (YAY!). She’d been in Paris since Sunday and it was really nice to see her again as Yvon was getting tired of handling Oscar himself, I think. Tea was lasagne and quiche (leftovers) and a really yummy strawberry cream pudding thing that Yvon made. Hoping for some better weather for tomorrow!

As Isabelle came home from working in Paris on Wednesday night, she decided to take the morning off work for Thursday. This meant that I could do what I wanted in the morning. She got the boys ready whilst I slept in a little and took my time in getting washed and dressed. It was market day so I wandered leisurely towards the town centre. In turns out that I bumped into Isabelle there anyway and we went back together and nattered until it was time to collect the boys (which she did, again). For lunch we had a roast chicken from the market and a courgette dish that Isabelle made. For pudding, we had koign amaan (I’m not sure how to spell it but they’re basically little cakes from Brittany that are lush.)

Once we were done I gathered all the stuff together for an afternoon at the beach as it wasn’t raining and it was relatively warm. We dug holes, swam in the sea, lounged around and generally had a pleasant afternoon. When we arrived home, the parents were doing the same and I was back to no responsibility which I wasn’t complaining about. Some relatives of Isabelle’s came over for a barbeque which was really nice except we stayed up chatting until midnight or so. Either way, another pleasant day but I was knackered.

The sun showed itself again on Friday, thank goodness! In the morning, we chilled in the house whilst I prepared the picnic. We couldn’t go to where we were going too early as we could online get there when the tide is out, this place was Ile Callot. It’s a really cute little island just off the coast, walking distance from the house, inaccessible at high tide. We trekked off about half 11 via the boulangerie (to pick up some bread) and headed towards the little ‘port’ in Carantec. We walked along the path out to the Island and set up the picnic. The boys ran off and played with rocks and seaweed and other interesting things. We picnicked and whatnot and then we had to leave because of the tide. We stopped by the house to pick up the swimming gear and then headed down to Kelenn (the usual beach). We stayed there until about 5 when we had to go back as Mael’s mum was coming to pick him up. After that, it was clear that Oscar was very tired so I let him watch some tele for an hour or so, until his Dad came home from work. When that moment came, I took the opportunity to go for a walk in the evening sunshine and talk to my daddy. When I came back (an hour later) we had pasta for tea and then the most amazing cheeses for afters. I LOVE French cheeses, I could eat them all day. Needless to say, I’ll be having some very strange dreams tonight, god help me!

The weekend finally arrived! In the morning, I popped to the supermarket to top up on suncream as we’d gone through a lot in recent days. Once I was ready, Yvon took me to Roscoff on the North coast. There are a lot of English and Irish people there as the Ferry from Plymouth, Portsmouth and Cork goes there. As soon as I arrived, I caught the boat out to Isle Batz about half an hour away. I hired a bike when I got off the boat, bought a couple of picnicky stuffs and then took myself off along the beaches on my bright blue bike. The Island was lovely but very secluded. It was nice enough to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there. At about 3ish, I caught the boat back to the mainland and hopped on the tourist train- as you do. It was nice to see the town but it wasn’t very big so once I’d been to the souvenir shops to buy some tat I came home with Isabelle. The family went off to a barbeque at a friend’s house, but I didn’t really fancy it so I decided to stay home and cook for myself. It was nice and oeaceful for a change except the stupid dog was here annoying me. Once I’d finished, I took a walk down to the beach in the sunset and phoned home as it was my little brother’s 18^th birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!!!

Sunday was a pretty busy day. We started the day by gathering all of Oscar’s things so he could go and spend the weekend with grandma and granddad. At about 11 we set off and met up with the other family who were visiting and swapping the children over. It was really nice to see them again, even grumpy Dad wasn’t very grumpy and he even spoke to me a little. Once we’d eaten and I’d been shown around the farm a million times by the children, Isa and I set off for a music festival called Vieilles Charrues. I think it’s the 3^rd biggest music festival in Europe or something and it was super-duper. We saw Garbage, Bob Dylan (who was a bit rubbish and the papers gave him awful reviews- he was just a bit boring really), Gossip and most importantly: Kasabian. I didn’t realise Kasabian were going to be there until that morning so that made the day 10 times better. They aren’t very well known here so the family went and watched a French band who were quite good whilst I made a drunk French friend and we watched Kasabian- they were awesome. We didn’t leave until about 2am and we were all absolutely knackered- home and bed at 3am! It was all totally worth it though.

On Monday, I didn’t do a great deal as most of us were absolutely shattered. It was just Isabelle, Lucas and I in the morning so we just mooched around in the sun and sorted out some bits and bobs. Lucas and I ate lunch in the sun, which was a bit awkward as I don’t know him as well as Oscar and he’s at ‘that’ age. In the afternoon, grandma arrived with Oscar, Ewen, Iola and the dog. We went straight to the beach and went swimming- the sea was lush! The only downside is that the tide goes out about 10 miles and we went just at low tide so we walked for hours on the beach before we actually reached the sea. Either way, we had a fab time down at Kelenn in the sunshine. We came back together, just as Oscar and Lucas were about start World War III and thankfully, the parents were already home to take over from peacemaking. We had dinner outside in the sunset (wow that sounds cheesy) but it was lovely anyway! I went to bed early as I’d clearly had too much fresh air in recent days.

On Tuesday morning, Lucas, Oscar and I went down to the beach relatively early as we wanted to go down for high tide so that we could go swimming and Lucas could go on the diving board. The sea was super, very ‘refreshing’- that’s Oscar’s new favourite word. We stayed there for a good few hours, in and out of the water but had to go back and let the plumber in. We were having toilet problems in that my en suite was the only one that actually worked. I made a salad thingy for lunch and we decided that we would go cockle fishing this afternoon to get some food for the barbeque, we came back with loads of cockles, a few limpets and one mussel found by yours truly. It was really good finding the cockles down on the sand but once we’d found more than our fair share of seafood, we trekked home to find that we had 2 fully functioning toilets. Isabelle arrived home not long after us and suggested we went down to the seafront to eat in the one of the restaurants which was fine by me. I had an Italian pasta dish which was lovely and then we had icecream on the sand. That night, there was a big, outdoor, inflatable screen on one of the playing fields by the beach so we went home and got some warmer clothes and went back down around 10pm to watch The Princess Bride in the sunset. It was really fun as we were all huddled up in blankets watching a giant film on an inflatable screen with an old fashioned projector and it was all free! Was very tired once again so went straight back home, to bed.

Wednesday, we had a relatively easy day as we’d been busy the day before. I got up early thinking Oscar’s activity was in the morning but it turns out it was an afternoon jobby- never mind. We were generally relaxed in the morning, we popped down to the beach for a quick dunk before headed back for a spot of lunch before I took Oscar to Kin ball (whatever that is). During my child free time, I tidied up the house and vacuumed my room- it needed it! I then went chilled a little before going to collect the little devil, passing by the pharmacy it was apparently 30 degrees today. Once we were back we gathered the beach stuff up again and headed down to Kelenn and stayed there for about 3 hours or so when Isabelle came and met us with Iola and Ewen. We had a barbeque for tea with the cockles that we gathered from yesterday and it felt good to eat something that I found myself!

A lot of waffle. Sorry.

As we moved to the beach, there was no internet so I was writing these blogs in a word document as I went and then popping it onto the blog this weekend when we got back to the normal house. On Saturday it seemed to rain ALL day. I went into town (Landerneau)  in the afternoon to get a few bits and bobs and to actually wonder round. I got soaked through, even though I was wearing a waterproof. It didn’t really bother me as it was my last day there and I wanted to make the most of it. I then went to a creperie on the bridge (which I think I’ve already mentioned has houses and shops on it). The pancake was lush and I even had a cheeky English cuppa to go with it as I was cold and wet. When I got back, we packed up the things, left Landerneau and headed for the drier, warmer Carantec on the north coast.

The house is really lovely. It’s really cute and beachy. I have my own bathroom and staircase and wing of the house basically as I’m in the extension bit. Last night before tea, we popped down to the beach front and for a wonder and quick aperitif before dinner. Dinner was salad, ham and cheese which was nice but I kinda fancied a hot meal after my very wet day.

On Sunday, the weather was lush. I think it even crept into the 20s. In the morning, we finished getting the house back to living standards- unpacking, cleaning etc. Then, I walked into the village/town centre for a quick gander and then popped down to the beach to see what was occurring. It was particularly warm at the time, but it was pleasant enough to paddle. When I got back, the friends (a couple with 2 kids) had arrived and they were lovely. We went back down to where I had just come from to eat in one of the restaurants. I had mussels and chips and, oh my god, it was sooo nice. Once we were finished, we went down onto the sand for a quick see at what was going on, and ended up staying for 3 or 4 more hours. It was really lovely down there, the water was nice enough to go in (I wasn’t equipped for swimming sadly- but deffo would have if I had my bikini). We mainly sunbathed and caught the sun but Isabelle and Veronique and I did go for a walk around the beach, up to the castle thing and then back down through the village.

This evening, us 4 came back to the house and I’ve been briefed on this week’s doings and what I have to do each day. If the weather is good then find activities for me and Oscar to do together won’t be an issue but of it’s not then I’ll have to be creative! We had courgette pasta for dinner which was lovely and we’re all going for an early night as we have a relatively busy week ahead of us.

On Monday, my Aupairing really began. In the morning, Yvon drove Oscar and I down to the beach where we met for Oscar’s kayak training for this week. I lounged on the beach and spoke to my dear Welsh friend! I popped back to the house as well- just to tidy up and do a bit of vacuuming as the sand literally gets everywhere. Then I went and collected Oscar from the beach and we came home for lunch. Oscar was reluctant to do anything I asked which was a bit problematic but I eventually managed to get him to eat a something. Afterwards, I needed to sort some bits and bobs out and Oscar wanted to watch Tangled, which was good as there was no French option so we watched it in English. I’m not sure Oscar understood very much of it but he’s seen it before and he seemed to enjoy it. I was definitely not complaining as I’d been missing a bit of Englishness recently. Once then film had finished, we trekked back down to the beach as Oscar wanted to go to Club Disney. I wasn’t really sure what it was and he told me there was a small fee but I just went along with it anyway. When we arrived, it said that to spend the afternoon there, it was 10€ which I was not best pleased about as it came out of my own money. He kind of guilted me into doing it and as we were at the till waiting to pay I couldn’t really say no. I will not be doing that again. Anyway, whilst he was there, I chilled on the beach again and read my book. Although I love the beach I’m getting hacked off with all the sand that finds its way into all my things- especially my hair and clothes. Once we were back from the beach, Oscar took himself off to watch tele, I think he was quite tired which is understandable and I just mooched around and entertained myself until the parents arrived home to cook us tea. Speaking of tea, we had barbecued ribs, sautéed potatoes and salad for tea. Although, Isabelle wasn’t here for the evening (which I didn’t know was happening until about 8 o’clock). The evening was still good though but Oscar was being a bit disobedient which was frustrating as Yvon wasn’t doing a very good job at getting him to do what he was told. Never mind- he’s not my child!

Tuesday was an exhausting day to be honest. In the morning, Oscar and I had a bit of a lie in and then I prepared a picnic for us to take down to the before the kayaking lesson begun. When we got down to the beach, Oscar found a friend and took himself off to dig holes or something so I was left to do the strenuous task of lounging on the beach and sunbathing. We then picnicked in the sun and I dropped him off for his kayaking. I came back to the house to drop off all the picnic stuff: buckets, spades, blankets etc. Afterwards, I went back down to the beach and walk along the coastline around Carantec. It really is gorgeous round there. There’s a little fort/castle thing on one of the little Islands (looks a bit like a mini fort boyard) which I hope to visit at some point as it’s meant to be quite good. This is where it gets frustrating. Firstly, the little devil took an absolute age to come out of the changing rooms- he was last as usual and then when he came out, he’d lost a wetsuit shoe but refused to go and find it.

 On the way home, he wanted some artisan marshmallows so I agreed to go and look. They looked pretty cool to be fair but they were really dear for the amount there was and he wouldn’t settle for normal Haribo marshmallows. He then told me he hated me. I didn’t take it to heart as we don’t really know each other very well. When we got home, he went straight to watch tele and sulked a fair bit.  He was there until his Dad came home from work late but by that time we were talking again and I think he had forgiven me for being such an evil human being. He was in a really really bad mood with his Dad though and would not do anything he was asked, wash his hands, have a shower, pick his rubbish up, stop watching the tele. It was like this until half way through tea time. He was basically being an absolute brat and was doing things to deliberately annoy everyone. Nevertheless, we all had a lovely tea and it wasn’t so bad in the end once he’d calmed down.

Wednesday, we had kayaking again in the morning and Isabelle and I spent the day walking and signing Oscar, his brother and his friend up for some activities in the next few weeks. I was relieved to find this out as it’s nice to have some time during the days to myself. She then left for work and I tried to find the supermarket as I’ve run out of my secret stash of food. However, I could not find it and I got a bit lost. I’ll try again on Thursday. When I got back Isabelle was just leaving for work so I gathered up Oscars stuff for after kayaking and made my way back down to the beach. We picked up some crisps and I got Oscar a lolly on the way home. We made lunch together and he was being surprisingly helpful- I think he’s a bit exhausted from the last couple of days and his emotions have run out. It was suggested that we have a chill afternoon as Thursday is set to be a busy day. We watched Monsters Inc. in French which was just as good as the correct version but still good. After the film we played games together until the parents came home and we generally had a really lovely afternoon. For tea we had leftovers. Leftovers are fine by me but only if there is enough to go round, which there wasn’t and I was still starving after tea. Never mind, I survived.

Thursday is market day in Carantec so in the morning, Oscar and I went up to the market to get some stuff for the house and for us. We bought 3 types of yummy French cheese, some butter, roasted chicken, a cheese potato dish thing which was yummy, postcards and for us I bought a couple of souvenirs and  a bracelet each for me and Oscar. As it was raining, we hurried home for lunch. Oscar played on my laptop for a bit and I tidied up the downstairs as it was a bit of a mess. For lunch we had the roasted chicken and the potato dish, I finally felt full so I was very relieved afterwards. Oscar was being a bit difficult after lunch- I’m glad he can’t understand me in English, but sometimes it’s nice to say (quietly) what you think to someone’s face- especially when they’re being an annoying little brat. Nevertheless, I managed to get him to act like a human being so that we could make our way down to the kayaks. After I’d dropped him off, I went to the café to use the computer for a bit of much needed internet, I also had a cuppa tea so that I was a ‘paying’ customer. Once I’d done all the necessary things (facebook) on the computer, I waded home and sat and read in some peace and quiet before the Oscar-ness would start up again.

Once he was back, we played board games and card games. Then I taught Oscar a few things on the piano which was good as he was actually listening and learning something. It was generally easy with him in the evening. We were supposed to go to the show in the centre of the town for the kids but it was raining so Oscar wasn’t going to step one foot out of the house. I was a bit annoyed when Yvon rang and asked me to cook tea too. I just whacked a load of stuff together and made do because Oscar never really appreciates anything anyway. When Yvon got back we kind of just talked for a while and I was given my money!!

Friday meant it was the last day of kayaking for Oscar and the last day of moaning at Oscar for me. I was so relieved! He was being a little so and so throughout the day, I think it was boredom. It rained pretty much all day so that meant we could really do anything outside which was annoying. I just tried to keep him entertained and me sane, which was difficult on both parts. I’ve come up with a nickname for Oscar which I can’t put on here. In the evening, Lucas (Oscar’s brother) came back from New York and had a friend round for tea. It was a really nice evening; I think it was the change of company that helped. My god can the friend talk though. My ears couldn’t keep up half the time, I want to apologise to anyone who’s ever been affected by this from me. I now know how you feel! Having said that, he was really nice company and wasn’t shy or awkward. We played card games and Dobble in the evening which was also fun. I had to make an excuse to leave after a while as the boys were going a bit mad and saying silly things that I didn’t understand so I was falling behind with the jokes. I was feeling quite tired and worn out as Oscar is a lot of work- very disobedient and, at times, rude. Nevertheless, I now have 2 days to myself which I will definitely be making the most of!

On Saturday (yesterday), I went to Morlaix alone for the day and it was really nice to have a change of scenery to be honest. The town was nice but not amazing, there wasn't really much to do. As soon as I got there, I went to the market to but some lunch and I treated myself to a good old Fish and Chips. Oosh, it was immense. Not as good and Welsh/English fish and chips but still yummy nonetheless. I also treated myself to yet another crepe. I cannot get enough of those bad boys. Yvon came and picked me up at 5ish and we went back to the land of technology in Landerneau.

As soon as we were back we had to get ready for Brest 2012, I wasn't really sure what it was t be honest, all I knew was there were a lot of boats. And there was. Boats of all shapes and sizes. We got in for free as we were also on a boat, it was a diving boat so it wasn't that amazing to look at but it was really useful for us cos we could go around on the water instead of walking everywhere. When we set off on the boar, we could here a load of people cheering which was a bit odd but we couldn't see what cos there was a big military boat in the way. When we got round the corner, we saw a posh white boat with a few men in suits and camera men taking pictures of one man. Turns out, it was the president himself, Francois Hollande, and we didn't realise who it was until he waved at us!! The evening ended with a super fireworks display and we didn't get home until gone 1am so we were all mega tired as we'd been out in the sea air for most of the evening. Hope you're all well at home! (Pictures to follow, there's too many to put on this one blog!)

Friday 6th July

I feel like today I actually Aupaired. This morning, Oscar and I chilled in the house. We played a few board games and then did some odd science 'experiments', but Oscar made me some weird crystal ball thing which was nice of him. We then ad a very French lunch together (bread and cheese) whilst watching the ridiculous new Alice in Wonderland made by the nutter that is Tim Burton. I don't think I'll be watching that again.


This afternoon, Oscar had a hair dressers appointment so I took him down there and sorted him out. We then went to the cinema to watch Ice Age 4 and it was pretty good to be fair. Actually, I really enjoyed it and understood pretty much all of it I think. We've had a really good day today, me and Oscar really bonded so these next 3 weeks should be good fun. He even corrects me on my grammar etc which I really like. 


I had ratatouille for dinner which was lush. I'm really enjoying myself here and feel very relaxed. I didn't rub it in too much that Murray had beaten Tsonga as I think Isabelle was a bit miffed. Haha- fingers crossed for the final. We're relocating about an hour north tomorrow to Carantec aka the beach house which should be fab. No duties for me this weekend so I'm free to do what I please which is nice as there's plenty of stuff  to see and do up there. Should be good!!

First and last day of school

Today, I went back to primary school. And I had an ace time. It was a bit annoying getting up at the ridiculous time of half 7 though. It was a good experience and I'm definitely looking forward to my teaching time in Spain now! At the start of the day, I introduced myself to the class in English and French. Afterwards, I played Simon says, eye spy and another game with the kids in English. As it was the last day of school it wasn't too strenuous for them so it was a bit of fun for everyone. The teacher was really nice too but spoke no English which was good for me as I had to converse in French again. 


Throughout the day we played games, practised a little peace for one of the teachers that was leaving and we watched the year 6's leaving show that they put of which was quite sweet. I ate a lot of cake and sweets and drank a fair amount of fizzy pop. Oscar warned me that I would have to sign my autograph as foreign visitors are treated like celebrities. He wasn't wrong. All the time, I had kids coming up to me asking me to write my name out for them. One even took my picture which I thought was a bit weird. All in all though, it was a good, productive day but I'm knackered now. 


During the lunch break I got lost around town. I found a shop so I could buy a sandwich and drink etc but then I must have taken a wrong turning and I ended up by the river- not by the school. I kind of knew the town anyway so I could find my bearings and make my way back after I'd eaten. However, I stumbled across the more handsome part of the town during my detour and I also found one of only 5 bridges in Europe on which people live. It was very pretty and the rain even stopped enough for me to take a picture. 


This evening, the child-minder picked us up and took us home and stayed around until Yvon got home. As Oscar was knackered from a hectic day at school (as was I) we just watched a film until tea time. Isabelle and I talked a lot over tea and she corrected a lot of my mistakes so hopefully they'll be eliminated from conversations now. She also said I'm picking up bad habits which I'll be stopping as well! Very much looking forward to tomorrow and a bit of a lie in!  

Day 2- Shunshine!!

The garden

Today is the first day since I've been here that I've had a conversation in English. It was weird and really nice at the same time. We had Oscars English lesson this morning which was basically French kids and a French woman playing games in English. She was really nice and she wanted to practise a bit of her language and I was completely fine with having a French break for 5 mins. 

Gogi

When we returned, Oscar popped to the docs with Mum as his asthma had been playing up a bit so he went to get checked out. He's fine but he was told to take the rest of the day easy. I was a bit miffed as I wanted to go to the centre of town with him but it would have involved a lot of walking and that isn't taking it easy. I was alone with Oscar all afternoon and to be fair I had fun with him. We made lunch together and sat outside and ate in the sun. I was so happy the sun actually came out cos I was starting to believe I was never gonna see it. Lunch was relatively late because we ate a lot of cake at the English lesson as it was the last one of the school year. 

Monopoly!!

After lunch we chilled outside for a bit playing games and then we moved inside to play an awesome version of monopoly. It was French, confusing and very intense. Oscar was dealing in the millions and I had no idea what was occurring. The bottom line is that I won- no idea how but I did. Before we knew it, it was 6.30/7 and Yvon and Isabelle were home from work. We had a pasta and spinach thing with bread, and cheese which was nice.

Proof that the sun does shine in Brittany

The awesome wallpaper in the downstairs loo

I'm a bit nervous for tomorrow as I'm going to school with Oscar for his last day. Apparently foreign visitors are treated like celebrities so he's advised me to take a pen so I can sign autographs for the kids- not sure I'll be doing that though. It should be fine though as they often have Aupairs visiting with the kids. Bye for now!

Day 1- Rain

According to family number 2, it hasn't stopped raining since I was last here- in April. And, it doesn't look like it's going to stop any time soon. It's a shame but it's cushioned by the fact that I fell so much happier here and more relaxed. I have 1 child to do stuff with and he's not a brat like the others were at times. 


Today we had an orthodontist appointment for Oscar at 10 so we got up relatively early and headed to a town that I've forgotten the name of. I can remember that it was twinned with Camarthen so if anyone can be bothered to wikipedia that then whatever the French town is it's twinned with, that's where I was today. 


Since I've been here, I've eaten actual decent food too. We even bought fresh fruit and veg from the supermarket- something I hadn't seen in a few weeks. 'Interestingly' the first L.Eclercs was opened here many moons ago and the guy that started it al lived in this town too. This afternoon, I popped to the little shop to get some local goodies and chocolate for my 'secret stash' and then I walked the dog in the rain. Just like being back in sunny Wales.


Oscar came home from school with the child-minder and we went to the médiatheque which is a library thing but for games, DVDs and CDs as well. I just read (looked at the pictures of) some Brittany books whilst Oscar played on an xbox. This evening, when the parents came home, I gave them all their Chester and Leicester gifts and showed them all photos of my nearests and dearests whilst we ate dinner which also included vegetables. I have enjoyed my first official day here and I'm looking forward to the rest! Ciao. 

Brittany!!

This is my blog for yesterday (Monday) but I’ve had to write it today as I didn’t get the internet sorted out until today. I have arrived in Brittany and I’m sooo relieved. The other family were driving me a bit crazy. They were nice and really great kids, but they were hard work at times and sometimes quite stressful. I felt relaxed as soon as I walked in the door here but in Nantes, I felt on edge a lot as Michele always seemed stressed/ annoyed with the kids. I was a bit miffed that we didn’t really do anything worth mentioning yesterday day time as it was my last day in Nantes. I’m not bothered anymore though cos I’m just so happy to be with my actual Aupair family.

Here, I have my own bathroom, bedroom furniture and the weekends entirely to myself. I also forgot about the awesome wallpaper in the bathroom!! I love it and want some for myself. This week we’re at their normal house in Landerneau near Brest and it’s the last week of term so Oscar is only in school Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. I already have plans for this week but I’ll waffle on about them when I do them rather than boring you with the details now. Next week, however, we are venturing to the beach house (weather depending) but apparently it has rained an awful lot recently so it’s not looking good.

Isabelle is a no nonsense sort of person and I think she expects a lot of me but I’m prepared to give it as she’s a really nice person and I only have maximum of 2 children at any one time, but most of the time I’ll only be with Oscar. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into this family and spending time at the beach. Anyway, I’m off to the orthodontist with Isabelle and Oscar now, ciao!!

Guérande- my last day in Nantes

Me and Lois on the trampoline.

This morning was a rather lazy morning as we got back late last night- I think the kids slept in quite late so I did too! I've been chatting quite a bit with grandad today, he's basically a typical French country man- likes shooting things and drinking alcohol. He's really nice though but my knowledge of the British countryside and wildlife is definitely not up to scratch as he seemed to know more than I do. Lunch was salad and soup again which was nice as it was actually healthy stuff.

Me at the salt fields

This afternoon, Iola, Michele, Grandma and Grandad and I went to Guérande to the salt fields and then to the medieval walled town. The fields things weren't that interesting but pretty to look at. The town however, was beautiful. All the shops were really quaint and old and sold touristy stuff. The best part was when we got speciality crepes and chichi's (churroz) as they were delicious. The amount of sugar I've consumed today is through the roof so I think I'll have a break from sugary stuff in the next few days. I really liked the church too. I was a shame we couldn't spend more time in the town as it was a lovely day today and the town was so cute. 

Iola

Guérande

L'eglise a Guérande

This evening, was my last supper here in Pays de la Loire before I move up to Brittany tomorrow with the grandparents. It was chicken with courgettes, aubergines and some minging vegetables that I could not eat. It was still nice though and the kids weren't annoying or naughty so it was a lot less stressful. I'm gonna miss this house and it's contents but nevertheless, I'm really looking forward to moving to Brest. I should have been going to Wimbledon tomorrow but I suppose I'll have to settle for Brittany instead. 

Les spectacles des enfants.

I slacked off last night and didn't blog as we arrived back around half 11 and I just went to bed. Yesterday there was the school fete and Iola's rhythmic gymnastic performance. In the morning we just mooched around the house and got lunch and tea ready as we wouldn't have had much time to cook either after we'd left. 


For lunch we had soup (water, leeks and carrots which had been cooked to the death) and sausages with salad so it wasn't all bad. We were then gathered into the car to go to the school show where each class does a dance. For his little ones it's basically walking around in a circle holding hands but for the older kids they were really good. We watched Lois, Mael and Iola's dances and they were all fab.


We then set off home for tea which was a salmon pie thing which was yummy so I ate a fair bit of that. I then spruced myself up and we went to Iola's show. It was a 2 in 1 show. The first half was showcasing all of they're performances that they'd done at regional and departmental level. Practically every team had won something on some level; departmental, regional, western France or national. All the performances were ace- they used hula hoops, balls, batons, skipping ropes and ribbons. Some of the stuff they were doing was very impressive. The second half of the show was 80s themed dancing/rhythmic gymnastics which was equally good. 


Yesterday was a day of a lot of sitting around but it was most definitely worth it. And I was speaking to the grandparents a lot more, don't know what their names are as I was never told but I don't think I'll need them so it's ok. Bye for now!!