On my way

I am getting ready, tying up loose ends, doing a lot of work, and making lists. There is so much to get done, and I am glad we are not leaving tonight. I mastered how to say "Merry Christmas" in German this week. I will just repeat it over and over.

A funny thing is when I discuss Paris with people who have been there, they tend to all advise me to eat a chocolate croissant. At least 3 people on seperate occasions have gone out of their way to tell me that. So I shall have a chocolate croisssant. I am prepared for its lifechanging effect!

My main goal this week is avoiding illness from the stinkers I see. This is a major challenge. One of my parents called to say her child had a fever, but she could give him motrin and come out (into the pool nonetheless). Wow, am I glad she asked instead of showing up. I have developed OCD this week (more than usual), and I have been treating kids at arms length.

It will be interesting to travel somewhere more expensive than NY. I am accustomed to feeling like food, etc are bargains elsewhere. I will be rooting for the lowly dollar for the next week. We do have some Euros here, but we have to figure out how we are going to do money out there.

So, I will have a blue Christmas without all of you! Here are some scenes from past celebrations.