The view from my window

The view from my window
The view from my window

Wednesday 17 March 2021

Just waiting!

The other day I received a strange FB message from André - strange, because it really wasn't his style and stranger still, because he was sitting about 10 feet away from me. Turns out he'd been hacked, of course, so he spent the next 30 minutes messaging his FB friends telling them not to open the link. What was really nice, though, is that as he was sending the messages he started getting replies from friends all over the world. See, having attended an international school here in Geneva his friends are all different nationalities, and within minutes he got a reply from Macnos, who is working in Australia, Chris in Dubai, Abdelazziz in Saudi and so on, and it was really nice. I guess that's one of the positives of FB really, isn't it. A friend's son went to the Hotel School in Lausanne (which is hellish expensive) and as a result has friends working all over the world. One time he wanted to go to Hong Kong (I think it was) for a vacation, so sent out a message asking if anyone could put him up for a few days and bingo, a mate replied offering him a room. It's all very different from our family camping holidays in Stratford-on-Avon, I can tell ya! Still, I shouldn't whinge because my former boss just sent me a message telling me to "reserve the date" in order to go to Edinburgh in August to celebrate his and his wife's 50th wedding anniversary. Covid-permitting, I'll definitely be going!

In other news, it came out this week that the young girl who had gone home from school last October and told her father that their teacher had shown them the offensive Charlie Hebdo cartoons in class in order to talk about freedom of speech, hadn't actually been in class that day! Apparently, the teacher, Samuel Paty, had asked any of the kids who wished to leave class at that point to do so, but the girl in question had been suspended by the school for absenteeism so lied to her father to try to get herself off the hook. The father started ranting on FB and this "inspired" a young lunatic, who took it upon himself to behead Samuel Paty as an act of revenge!!! And all that stemming from a young girl's stupid lie!

Samuel Paty!

The other day I received a copy of the monthly Haute Savoie Magazine, which lets you know what's going on in the region politically and economically, and also has a section promoting tourism. I actually tore this page out because I'm thinking I might start a "let's visit local châteaux" gig in order to check out the sights and see if there are any interesting walks. I spotted two châteaux that took my fancy, all the more so when I realized that the Château de Clermont is only about 50 km away, when for some reason I'd had it in my head that it was in Clermont-Ferrand, which is about five hours away! Covid-permitting, it'll be opening up on 1 April so I think that could be on the agenda pretty soon!

Château de Clermont



I guess I'm getting a little bit "antsy" in general, because I've started looking up potential trips for next spring. I'm thinking Mexico, Thailand, Viet Nam or Cambodia at the moment - although that could change - but in any case I won't be going anywhere until this whole pandemic business settles down. Maybe potentially somewhere in Europe in the autumn but, again, it depends on so many external factors. Then just last night I was watching some gardening videos on Youtube (spring is in the air I guess) and somehow got sucked in to two blogs, one by an American retiree who has made his home in Costa Rica for the last five years and the other by a Canadian lady who went to Guatemala at the age of 52 and is still going strong out there six years later. I don't know, sometimes I guess I just get the "itch" to try something else. In reality I know I won't be leaving France because I have everything I ever wanted here - my kids, my soon-to-be grandchild, my friends and my life in general and I'm happy here, but I can't help it - I still do sometimes get that Backpacker Granny feeling (you should check out her blog, she's amazing)! I suppose it might have something to do with the fact that most of my long haul trips have been around this period of the year and FB keeps reminding me of them. Yesterday it also reminded me that Jordan and Jen got married two years ago on 16 March and then, sadly, that André and Lily got married four years ago on 17 March. That's life, I guess! Still, André's having a blast picking out stuff for his apartment and I can tell he's happy so he'll be all right!

I finished watching The Crown this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it, and since whenever someone recommends a series/film I write it down I ended up watching the first two episodes of Unorthodox the other night, and boy is it hard going! It's about a young woman who runs away from a Hasidic community in New York and how her husband and someone who looks like a mafia hitman try to find her and bring her back. I haven't watched all of it but it is pretty raw. That being said, I have enjoyed seeing some (although by no means all) of the rituals of their daily life! I remember many years ago, when Jordan was about four, I took my family up to Zermatt for the day to see the Matterhorn. It was scorching hot and we were at goodness knows how many metres altitude so the sun's rays were fierce, when all of a sudden an Orthodox Jewish family passed us, all dressed in heavy clothing, with the females also wearing black woollen tights. When I made an "oh my God" remark to my brother because I was just dying from the heat, he said "don't feel sorry for them, they don't envy you at all", which I thought was a weird thing to say, but actually I think he was right! I've downloaded to my kindle a sample of the book this series is based on, but I'm pretty sure I'll end up buying it as I just know I'm going to want to read it!


Talking of books, I seem to be playing "book tag" with someone at the local supermarket. I was hesitant to leave my books at their book exchange shelf, thinking that as mine are mostly in English they will just hang around cluttering the place up - but not a bit of it! Every time I stop in at that supermarket I have a quick look and they seem to disappear every week, so it's nice to know that someone is getting pleasure out of my second-hand books. Well it's either that or they just throw them away once I've left the shop, I guess, but somehow I doubt it!

And finally, I saw an article in the paper the other day where Stephen Fry was saying that since he's taken up serious walking, he's lost five stone (70 lbs) over a period of about a year. Damn - well, good for him really, but somehow I think he must be transmitting his lost pounds to me telepathically because I haven't shifted an ounce despite all the walking I've been doing. Gotta start upping my game methinks! That's the trouble with men actually - as soon as they make up their mind to lose weight it just seems to fall off them. It's not fair is it ladies (and Dave, I'm looking at you, you know that, right?)! Not that I've been getting much walking in this week. It's snowed and/or rained all week, and I've also been running Jen around quite a bit as she's afraid to drive now, what with getting fairly constant contractions. I took her out to get some blood work done today and she is very uncomfortable so here's hoping Biboo will be putting in an appearance pretty soon and that all goes well!



33 comments:

  1. I loved Unorthadox-probalby binged watched it last spring or summer in full! My fiend that died in December 2017 (gosh over three years already) was wish, and very involved in her synagogue, but as modern a community outside of the religious services as could find-two women and one male rabbi did her service. I think she would have loved to have had interfaith conversations after watching that show with her gentile friends! I'm so glad Andre is enjoying his planning. I too, as you know, get he travel bug. Maybe someday we can travel together.

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    1. I find the rituals in most religions fascinating (for the most part - some I just find awful), but I think the ultra-orthodox are very hard to understand for an outsider. So far I've found watching the whole thing quite harrowing as you just so desperately want her to be free don't you. As for travelling, who knows. We've got to get this bloody pandemic over first of course, but then, the world's our oyster isn't it!

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  2. For the first time ever, at the grand old age of 66, I find myself thinking that holidays are a no-go for me anymore because I am a newly single divorced lady ......I'm not sure I will ever be a 'singles' holiday person but who knows...Life is ever surprising. As for your impending
    Granny/Nanny/Grandma/nana status...oh wow are you going to love it x

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    1. holidays are still for you! You can visit anywhere on your own, or make travel buddies - never say never :)

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    2. I have always loved travelling and was somewhat "resentful" that I wouldn't get to travel any more when my husband left. But when I thought about it I thought "why the hell not - it'll only be better without him" - and it is. Don't get the impression these groups are for finding a partner (the average age is probably around 70), but I've had a blast on every trip, Brian (Turkey) and Steve (Peru) have been out to see me, and just two days ago Carol (Sicily) called me and is planning to come out too as and when. Like Shirley Valentine said, it's really not a "grab a granny" holiday - although you're right, I can't wait to be a granny so who knows!

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  3. Once you can travel safely I know you will be off and away - you're going to find the right balance between kids, grandkid(s) and traveling! I did read that about that young girl, how horrible. She is going to live with that forever, and it shows just how bad some parents are in general - if you foster openness and trust, your kids do NOT need to lie.

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    1. I know I need to get the travelling in (or at least the long haul travelling) while I can still manage it. That being said, I think the oldest person I've met so far was 85. He was an archeology buff and was fascinated by all the ancient ruins in Greece. He was also a really interesting - and very funny - man! I guess there'll come a time when I have to rein it in but I hope that won't be for a very long time. As for that young girl, my guess is she was afraid of her father. And yes, she will have it on her conscience for the rest of her life!

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    2. You know, if the father hadn't ranted on f-book, but instead made an appointment with the teacher to discuss the whole thing in a civilised manner, he would have discovered the truth and none of the rest of that tragedy would have unfolded. As adults we have a responsibility to act right by our kids and not use them as f-book fodder. I hope that child gets good counselling.
      And let's not forget who is the true perpetrator of evil here. It was not the child, or the stupid father, but the man who decided to take a life.

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    3. You're absolutely right Jo but sadly some people seem to be "professionally outraged" by everything. The young man who killed the teacher was a Chechen refugee and was shot dead by police. It doesn't bring Samuel Paty back though does it!

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  4. Okay. Instead of backpacker granny can I be road tripper granny.. the road is calling to me do much.ive actually never been to Mexico and wouldn't mind the transcending railway...just for starts. I would say a European Christmas market tour but I dunno if this year is too soon.

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    1. You most definitely have my permission to be a road trippin' granny. I could see that, especially travelling by train as all that driving wouldn't work for me - well not if I was the one doing the driving! I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas markets in Colmar (although they are much of a muchness to be honest, but the architecture in Alsace was just so fabulous). You've lived in Germany haven't you - I could see a trip to Berlin in your stars I think!

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  5. I suspect Fry cut down on calories as well, probably with the help of a nutritionist. And the pounds don't always fall off easy.

    I told my brother some time ago that when the dogs are gone I'm going to sell everything and move to either the South of France or Greece. I can tell you, he is anxiously waiting.

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    1. You're probably right about Stephen Fry but still, kudos to the guy! As for choosing between the South of France and Greece I wouldn't know. South of France would be more expensive but they would be very different experiences either way!

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  6. I watched Unorthodox on Netflix and recently read the book. While I enjoyed the Netflix series, I definitely recommend reading her book.

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    1. I don't think there's ever been an occasion where the film has been better than the book has there. I guess that's where your own imagination comes into play. The film The Shining was very good though, but of course the book was better. So yep, I'm thinking I'll be getting the book pretty soon!

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  7. I binged Unorthodox after watching Deborah Feldman on several Youtube videos. Though the show was not a biopic there are/were several similarities.

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    1. It gives a great insight into the role of women in their society so it's really interesting to me. Well, that and I'm re-reading The Women's Room (I first read it 40 years ago) so I guess I'm also on a "horrified feminist" track at the moment!

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  8. Yes, I’ve told myself we’re not travelling for the foreseeable but keep dreaming about planning a trip, and although common sense and restrictions tell me to concentrate on a list of local outings (permitted from 29 March), the hankering differs from reality.

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    1. Local outings are great but I know what you mean about hankering after something else too. I suppose the good side is this enforced confinement really has given me an opportunity to look up other local beauty spots, and goodness knows there are plenty of them!

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  9. At the moment I'm hankering to just leave our immediate area never mind go to another country! That said, I'm now beginning to wonder if we could get in a week somewhere in Europe before our big trip to Australia again! Australia has now been put back to October next year probably so I think a wee break in France or Germany might be nice.
    My hubby was the same, he decided at the beginning of the lockdowns he needed to lose a stone or two and he did! I on the other hand have put half a stone on. We eat the same food and I walk further and faster than he does so what is that all about?!
    It seems like only a month or so since you said you were going to be a gran! Time flies I can't believe it's so close now! You'll love being a gran, all the fun and none of the responsibility lol. x

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    1. I think travelling will have to start up very slowly for everyone because I'm pretty sure we're all leery about it. That being said, we'll get there eventually. But see what I mean about men - they put their mind to it and lose the weight. I'm not so sure they don't put it back on again though but still, good for them. And yep, I've got my phone pretty much glued to me at the moment waiting for news! I can't wait!

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  10. I heard an interview with the author of Unorthodox a few days ago. What an amazing woman!
    I love your outlook on life, your joy in it. Your enthusiasm for embracing it. I really do.

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    1. I'll have to look that interview up as I'm sure I'd enjoy it. And you're so kind but ha ha, I think I might come back as a puppy in my next life!

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  11. I always tell FB people NOT to send links in a private message as I will NOT open them.

    What? Some girl lied about her teacher which lead to someone murdering the teacher? That father needs to be arrested for aiding and abetting a murder, and that little girl needs to see a psychiatrist!

    Sorry, but don't come to America. Our GQP governors are reopening states, declaring the mask mandates over and now our COVID numbers are up AGAIN!

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    1. The world is going to hell in a handbasket Bob. Regarding that teacher I think the father may be under investigation also, but this being France he'll probably get a slap on the wrist (sometimes I wish Europe had US-style punishments). As for the covid numbers, they seem to be going back up everywhere (hence I doubt I'll be travelling this year either - damn I'll be rich). We don't even have the finish line in sight right now, I reckon!

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  12. I have been battling the travel bug but have a new future with the vaccine. I had my second dose a month ago. I feel a thousand pounds lighter. I previously had been isolated pretty much completely (car side grocery pickup only for about the first six months and no family contact and as a widow live alone). The past several months a few store trips but always double masked ....... three weeks ago I drove to Florida’s south west coast from Nw Mn.and stayed at my daughters for two weeks. She did travel nurse there with three grandkids (as they were doing online schooling) so what a crazy opportunity. I held and hugged my grandkids for the first time in about a year! I will say anytime we went out we masked but mostly were at the beach/outdoors. (Not crowded then). I would never have done this without the vaccine. There’s hope for the future!

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    1. It must have felt wonderful to be able to hug your grandkids (and help your daughter out)! I would have said it must be hard for those living on their own (although to be honest it didn't bother me first time round before my son moved in), but then thinking about it, it must have been hard for many couples also who maybe haven't been used to spending so much time trapped together. Goodness knows domestic violence incidents went through the roof. I haven't even been offered a vax and I'm way down the list anyway but I'm not worried as there's plenty to do round here anyway. Either way, here's looking forward to an end to this damn pandemic right?

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  13. Your English language books left on the exchange shelf have probably found a welcome home. I recall travelling in countries where the first language wasn't English and I would have been delighted to find books in English for taking in a supermarket.
    Alphie

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    1. Thinking on it, one of the books I left this time I actually picked up at my pilates class. I know there are lots of English speakers round here so it's so nice to be able to pass them on. Normally I would have taken them to our second-hand charity bookshop at work but since I haven't been there for over a year the backlog would have been a pain in the butt. And I now what you mean about how great it feels to find an English book when you're abroad. I was delighted when I found one in an out-of-the way hotel in Marrakech. The weather was pretty rotten and I would have gone stir crazy without my books!

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  14. I'm feeling the normal restlessnes of spring plus the restlessness of covid montonoy, it feels like an itch that I can't reach. I'm feeling stir crazy.

    I'll have to check out that book, it sounds good.

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    1. I suppose you're right. Spring always brings that "where can I go now" feeling anyway, and of course covid monotony is doing no-one any favours is it. Hopefully that'll soon be behind us though. And yep, I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy that book too. Can you imagine the courage it took for her to leave? I'm sure we'll both love it!

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  15. I didn't hear the Charlie Hebdo update! How horrifying! Is it wrong to be every so slightly glad that the girl and her father have to live with what they've done? That's awful, isn't it? Having said that, I sincerely hope she gets the help she needs. That is desperately wrong - the father has so much responsibility in that.

    I have 'Unorthodox' on my (very long) TBR pile. I hadn't realised there was a Netflix show, but as I no longer have Netflix, that's probably not surprising. It sounds fascinating.

    As for travel, local is fine with me. I've lost the enthusiasm for long-distance travel (crowds), although still do need to get back to Canada at some point for a visit. Likely next year at this point. Glad to see you're still well & happy (as you can be!) xx

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    1. That young girl and her father bear a very big responsibility in the death of Samuel Paty and like you I hope their conscience torments them for a good while! I also thought I'd had it with long distance travel but there are still a few places I want to go so I reckon I'll have to suck it up and get on with it, even though I hate the actual journey to get there!

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