AlohaBeth in Paris

[paris]

RichardMeltMyHeart,   will you go rescue her if she isn't all right??     

[RichardMEL]

Sure I'll risk being dubbed non complaint by missing sessions.. I will explain it's all for rushing off to Paris and getting her and I'm sure my unit will understand... I think they're dying for me to get a girlfriend!!! 

[Bajanne]

The french computer keyboard is slowing her typing down a little! 

I can't stand the French computer keyboard.  I touchtype and if you type without looking, you are in the stew!  They don't have a QWERTY keyboard.  Do you handle it well, Monrein?

[monrein]

Heck no, I'm a terrible typist, as in one handed awful even on a regular keyboard.   In my last career as a social worker I hand wrote all my reports with a fountain pen until I was forced to switch to the computer.

[paris]

I am glad you understand what she is talking about!  I have had people say that there shouldn't be any difference.  Of course,it is different.  We use the letters of our language differently.  so Beth is using the hunt and peck method.  Once your fingers know QUERTY it is hard to retrain them. 

[paddbear0000]

I am SO jealous!   26, and in Paris!!  Wow!!

[By the way, my soon to be 26 year old was conceived when I was studying in France!]

Bajanne, well, I hadn't thought of this one!   Marriage has been in the back of my mind----but I hadn't jumped ahead any farther than that!!

She is having a lovely time.  She is very comfortable with the city and is visiting a couple of her favorite spots before exploring more and finding new favorite spots.  The french computer keyboard is slowing her typing down a little!  I was never this brave and I am thrilled she has the confidence to have these adventures.   Thanks for supporting me (and holding my hand). 

What's wrong with not being married when you are young?! I didn't marry until I was 30 and I wouldn't change that for the world. I felt more mature and able to make a smart and informed decision about something that was going to affect the rest of my life! During my 20's I was able to discover who I really am. I just wish I had been able to travel like Beth. Unfortunately, I had to work full time so I could have benefits. She should enjoy her life and what she's doing! She is very lucky to be able to relish the experiences she's been having.   

[paris]

No Paddbear---nothing to do with not being married now.  There is a history with Paris and that is a big part of the reason she is there.   That is why "marriage" is in the back of my mind.  There is a lot more to the story than just a trip to Paris.    Also, she works very hard so she can take adventures.  We do not support her financially at all. She has her own health insurance, car, and pays her way for everything.  She is choosing to do things that allow her to live in different areas while she has no responsiblilities.   Several events in our family life have prompted her to live life large right now.   So, nothing wrong with being in your 20's and single!   

[paddbear0000]

I wholeheartedly agree! I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!  Please tell her we would like though, so we can live vicariously through her!!   

[RichardMEL]

I totally support what Beth is doing. As you say Paris things in the family have given her the wisdom to live life while she can. I absolutely support that. Why not? She's not tied to anywhere and she's living LIFE in the most exciting way!! She's getting out there and doing what she wants - but responsibly. I think it's sensational. I did all the travel I could while I could because I knew what was coming up for me (ie dialysis). Now of course we home and assume that isn't in Beth's future, but you just never know what may happen in the future - if there's anything CKD has taught me it's to live in the here and now and never die wondering. If you can - do.

As for foreign keyboards... I am totally onto that. I used to pass through Copenhagen quite a bit.. those Danish keyboards were something else!! LOL

Reminds me of the James Bond flick when he's in Vietnam and winds up in a spy lair thing with the hot chick. Being a chauvanist male he decides to take charge and goes to the computer to send a message or something. He looks at the keyboard and it's all vietnamese characters and he relents "uh maybe you better send the message" :p

[drinkboy]

I agree RichardMel...travel is the most rewarding thing you can do.  Seeing other cultures, wonderful historical sites, and experiencing new places and adventures is so exciting.  Like you said, do it while you're healthy and able to do it because you never know if and when travel will become a burden or a hassle.  The worst thing is to have had the chance to do things (travel or whatever) and pass them up and then no longer be able to do them.  So enjoy life while you can! 

[paris]

No day but today------- 

[kellyt]

I am SO jealous!   26, and in Paris!!  Wow!!

[By the way, my soon to be 26 year old was conceived when I was studying in France!]

Bajanne, well, I hadn't thought of this one!   Marriage has been in the back of my mind----but I hadn't jumped ahead any farther than that!!

She is having a lovely time.  She is very comfortable with the city and is visiting a couple of her favorite spots before exploring more and finding new favorite spots.  The french computer keyboard is slowing her typing down a little!  I was never this brave and I am thrilled she has the confidence to have these adventures.   Thanks for supporting me (and holding my hand). 

What's wrong with not being married when you are young?! I didn't marry until I was 30 and I wouldn't change that for the world. I felt more mature and able to make a smart and informed decision about something that was going to affect the rest of my life! During my 20's I was able to discover who I really am. I just wish I had been able to travel like Beth. Unfortunately, I had to work full time so I could have benefits. She should enjoy her life and what she's doing! She is very lucky to be able to relish the experiences she's been having.   

I, too, got married at 30!  I feel, for me, it was the best decision!  I loved living alone in my 20's and answering to no one!  I didn't "sew wild oats" or anything, but I enjoyed being single and hanging out with my single friends immensely!

[Wenchie58]

  As usual I did things backwards.....I married young...had kids and then started my travels and whatnot!  I'm partially jealous of Beth, partially proud of her and partially living vicariously through her..for now.  I need pics!!

  Hope she has the BEST time and tells us all about it!
 

[monrein]

Ha, my plan was to get married around 30 but I met my husband in university when I was 16 in first year, started living with him at 17 (he's six years older than me) and still haven't managed to ditch him.  LOL.  Fortunately the only person I've met who's more adventurous than me is him so he waited for me to do my academic thing and we did a lot of travels together.

[thegrammalady]

  we're starving here

[Chris]

I was just tinking about this for a couple days since reading one of the post about beth. I want to see that French keyboard I'm odd, I know, but I never been out of the country yet and want to see how things are done differently.

[monrein]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout

Here you go.  Check them all out. 

[Chris]

Thanks Monrein, that was informative.

[drinkboy]

I never knew there different keyboard layouts until I read this thread;  thanks for the link Monrein

[RichardMEL]

I was just tinking about this for a couple days since reading one of the post about beth. I want to see that French keyboard I'm odd, I know, but I never been out of the country yet and want to see how things are done differently.

This is one of the great pleasures of travel for me. Sometimes I love just going to some place and even going to the local supermarket or something. Yes, that sounds very boring I'm sure, but for me it's VERY interesting. What products do they have that are the same to ours? What are different? How much does this stuff cost compared to home?

If I meet up with friends overseas (which is the best way to travel IMHO, because you get a very personal and local view of wherever you are - as opposed to the tourist bus thing. OK you may not go to the "must see" things in some city, but you DO get a unique view.. their local bar/pub, their family/housemates/friends whatever, the things they like to do etc) I love that not only am I seeing people I know and want to hang out with, but I get their view of their home city or part of it. For example I've been to Seattle any number of times, but usually I've gone and met different people in different parts of the area and seen such totally different sides of the same city it's amazing! For example I've been with a UW student in dorm, up in a very nice house in a beautiful well off area, down in communal public housing, up visiting Boeing offices, hanging around the suburbs and drinking coffee in a local coffee house... etc etc... or the time in Houston I met with some friends and we wound up at a scary biker bar (but their little dog charmed the big leather clad guys!). All experiences money and tours can't provide... and I wouldn't swap that stuff for anything

Beth Rocks!!!! 

[paris]

The best way to see any place is to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the city.  Some of my favorite trips to Europe, we stayed at Zimmers.   A little sign by the front door will say "zimmer frie'  - meaning they have a room to rent.  We have stayed in lovely old farmhouses, flats in the city, etc.  Usually for just a few dollars and they serve breakfast; hot chocolate, sliced hard meats, boiled eggs and breads.  It is always an experience!    Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy the Sheraton also    But I love staying with the locals.     

Beth wrote a long email today and she is loving living in Paris!  The apartment is nice and she is settled in.  She did catch her sleeve on fire while making eggs  -- would have loved to watch that!  I am waiting for pictures.   She does seem to be appreciating every day there; catching up with old friends and exploring new neighborhoods.    I miss her 

[RichardMEL]

You tell her we miss her too.. specially her IHD Boys!!! 

[okarol]

I love hearing about her adventure - thank you for giving us a glimpse Paris!  Tell her I am ready for some pics!

[Sluff]

Paris could you let Beth know I haven't received my Plane tickets to come over there yet. I thought for sure she said she would send them. 

[paris]

She told me she sent them C.O.D.