Many things are different in France from the way they are in the US…the fire hydrants are different, the electrical outlets, the potties, the bread (much better here!)…just to name a few. But I have noted during the past few weeks that children are the same. The babies cry at bedtime because they are so tired, but refuse to go to go to sleep for their parents. Toddlers scream from their strollers in the stores while their mothers hope no one is listening (or watching). Boys and girls climb and jump all over the playground equipment at the park, showing off their latest accomplishment to whomever will watch. They devour all types of sweets, treats, cookies and candies, especially anything with chocolate or Nutella. And the teenagers even roll their eyes at whatever their parents say, just like in the US! Obviously, the children here speak a different verbal language – It is really endearing to see a 3 year old speaking perfect French to his parents with a superb accent I must say! – but the language of being a child is the same here as it is in the US, and I would guess many places throughout the world.
The similarities become glaringly obvious as I watch Lucy and Kathleen play with their friend, Josepha Defaix. Josepha is Lea’s younger sister and is nine years old. The three girls met the first time when we were here in the Spring of 2007 and they got along great. We then saw Josepha a few other times in Eygalieres during that summer, and they have remembered each other fondly and have looked forward to spending time together again. Last night, Josepha had a sleepover here at our little apartment in Croix-Rousse. The girls did art in the cabana, enjoyed dessert after dinner, watched a movie and played with their Nintendo DS. They even had to be told to be quiet a couple of times when they were put to bed because they were talking and giggling…a regular sleepover with friends…except Josepha speaks French and the girls speak English!
As many French kids do, Josepha studies English at school. She knows basic things like the alphabet, numbers, and introductory phrases and questions. Lucy and Kathleen have learned similar things in French so far and in fact we practiced our learnings at the dinner table last night. “What is your name?” “How old are you?” Etc, etc. It was fun and I think Bucky even learned a few things! At any rate, the three girls share little of the same language (so far, but they are ALL learning!), but they are able to have a wonderful time together. You can imagine that they gesture and gesticulate constantly. There are lots of facial expressions and sometimes they look to me to translate, but they usually communicate successfully on their own.
Being in France is a transition and we are enjoying it immensely. My favorite thing so far is witnessing my girls develop a friendship…in the wonderful language of childhood!
The similarities become glaringly obvious as I watch Lucy and Kathleen play with their friend, Josepha Defaix. Josepha is Lea’s younger sister and is nine years old. The three girls met the first time when we were here in the Spring of 2007 and they got along great. We then saw Josepha a few other times in Eygalieres during that summer, and they have remembered each other fondly and have looked forward to spending time together again. Last night, Josepha had a sleepover here at our little apartment in Croix-Rousse. The girls did art in the cabana, enjoyed dessert after dinner, watched a movie and played with their Nintendo DS. They even had to be told to be quiet a couple of times when they were put to bed because they were talking and giggling…a regular sleepover with friends…except Josepha speaks French and the girls speak English!
As many French kids do, Josepha studies English at school. She knows basic things like the alphabet, numbers, and introductory phrases and questions. Lucy and Kathleen have learned similar things in French so far and in fact we practiced our learnings at the dinner table last night. “What is your name?” “How old are you?” Etc, etc. It was fun and I think Bucky even learned a few things! At any rate, the three girls share little of the same language (so far, but they are ALL learning!), but they are able to have a wonderful time together. You can imagine that they gesture and gesticulate constantly. There are lots of facial expressions and sometimes they look to me to translate, but they usually communicate successfully on their own.
Being in France is a transition and we are enjoying it immensely. My favorite thing so far is witnessing my girls develop a friendship…in the wonderful language of childhood!
Lucy, Josepha and Kathleen posing for the camera...
Now, they're being silly...just like all kids!!
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