It's been four months since I packed everything in UAE and moved to France. I would not really say it is completely perfect - I miss my family back in UAE and I am farther from home now - but I am happier that I am living my day to day with my husband.
Despite the difficulties in paper works to be integrated here, I enjoy the fresher air and calm environment. I had the opportunity to continue working for the same company remotely although I do not know until when can this setup will be. I guess when that time comes, I may probably have to search for a remote work setup as I am not comfortable enough to commute into Paris. I've been accustomed now to working from home and I see myself doing the same until I can't anymore.
Anyway, about routines... my husband and I have pretty much the same day to day. Wake up around 8 am (7:50 am radio alarm), shower, quick breakfast. My husband leaves around 8:40 am to work which starts 9-5pm. I have an extra 1 hour as I need to clock out at 6 pm. Then after this, we either rest for an hour (usually watch tv or internet browsing) or we go to grocery shopping. Dinner prep usually starts around 7 pm. We enjoy cooking so much that we both have "plans" or "ideas" prepared for the weekday! We try our best to make our own recipes - or at least make our own twist with it - example is that he would add curry powder into everything!
Around 9 pm, usually is spent for me to learn at least 1 page (usually a page because I easily get overwhelmed haha!) of my French language book. While my husband would either watch tv, or browse the internet or play games. 10 pm is tea time! We like to end the day with a cup of tea and lately accompanied with a chocolate date. Although he recently bought Kinder Maxi that we change it with that sometimes - depending on the mood. 11 pm is usually the time we go to bed and call it a day.
Fridays are different because it's our "Aperitif day!" where we prepare a little aperitif while watching a movie (or tv or anything!). This is exciting for us because it's our way to welcome the weekend which we do with a glass of wine and beer (for him), cheese(s), saucissons, chips(!!), cherry tomatoes, and biscuits.
Saturdays and Sundays are usually free days unless something is planned (which rarely happens because we're both lazy to go out lol). If it is sunny on Saturday, we try to go and visit Paris. Otherwise, we squeeze in going to the park while it's sunny outside. If it's raining, we just stay at home.
Yesterday was a sunny day throughout so that was very nice. We went to Paris and walked around the 2nd arrondissement. I like walking around Paris - it's always so charming wherever you look. However, I still couldn't fathom how noisy the restaurants get during lunch time. I don't know why but as much as I like watching the people in terraces of restaurants on photos and videos, but when you are there, I couldn't even imagine being seated an inch away from another stranger with smoke and noise everywhere. I guess it's something I need to try in the future days - should I dare to!
We went to a library and it was amazing. When entering, you'll be surrounded by books from all floors. I think there were four floors but you can only visit the ground floor, I think! In the centre is where you can sit and study. I told my husband that I loved it there so much that if I were studying in Paris, I would be in the library frequently. After a quick visit in the library, we went out to look for food. We ended up going back to a passage in the same arrondissement and chose a Japanese restaurant. It was almost empty inside because it was past 3 pm so that was nice. We had poulet (and beef) ramen with poulet gyoza. The food was good even though it was served (and owned) by Chinese. My husband told me that he saw the chef and thinks he is from North Africa! So while it was very good, we couldn't be sure that it was the same as the authentic Japanese ramen. Someday, I hope, we will find our way in Japan.
Going back home before the sunset was the plan because we wanted to go through the park. It's nice to walk in the park (actually everywhere!) because nature is slowly waking up from the cold winter. I see a lot of sakura trees are blooming already and they look so beautiful. Seeing the greenery and flowers around makes me happy. I can't wait to see them in full bloom in the coming weeks!
Anyway, I guess that's it for now. I just want to drop by in my little nook and write about what life has been. A few weeks left of Winter - I am happy to sort of endured the cold! Looking forward to more sunny days!
