I’m not the only person who is baffled by French Washing Machines. I know this because I googled it, and there are YouTube videos and blogs dedicated to trying to figure them out.

At my last apartment, it was a top-loader, and the drum had to be spun around and unlatched to add or remove the clothes. It seemed circa WWII, or something. I pushed buttons till the LED read-out seemed logical. This one? Front loader, meaning once you set it, it locks. There’s no going back. I marveled at the time settings: 3h, 6h, 9h. Surely they didn’t mean HOURS, right? Wrong. After doing some online research, I found out these machines heat the water once added, so all of this takes longer. Plus, the rinse cycle is longer in order to make sure all the soap is rinsed out, after the long wash. I basically selected what I thought was correct and hit the « play » button.

Ok, well, it was time to have some tea and breakfast, while this wash cycle continued. Fingers crossed.

I ate lightly, not wanting to spoil my lunch, then I showered and used my new hair conditioner. Very nice. Good product! The machine was still going strong in the kitchen, but after awhile, it came to a stop. When I checked, I noticed the “locked” indicator light was off, I assumed it was safe to open and removed he articles of clothing.

Now it was time to open up the drying rack. Hmmm… Once I figured that out, I had to find a place to put it. Talk about unwieldy. It ended up next to my bed, but blocking half the closet, so I have to stand on my bed to get to my things inside. I tried to fit it in the dining room, but it blocked the front door. And no way would it work in the kitchen. The thing definitely falls under the category of “contraption,” and unfolds like a giant metal piece of origami.

Sundays tend to be quiet in Paris. Unless you’re doing laundry. I ventured out to walk down Rue de Rennes.

I met my friend, and we walked further, trying to decide on a place for lunch. We ended up at one of our favorite restaurants/bistros near Le Bon Marché.

We met last year at L’alliance française and were in the same level of French, but she could always understand spoken French better than me. I figured since she’s been living here for awhile now, she’d be quite fluent, so I thought I’d better let her do the talking with the waiter.

As it turned out, I handled the waiter and our order. And when I ordered our wine, she stopped me, saying something about a bottle. I said incredulously, you want a bottle? No, she said, “…but you ordered two bottles.” No, I didn’t. I ordered two glasses. I looked at the waiter. No, he said, “deux verres de vin rouge.” This was new for me. I felt so quietly confident and calm in the exchange. The waiter and I nodded at one another. It felt more natural than victorious.

I don’t know how, but somehow my friend’s French has gotten weaker in the past six months. I guess she’s not been using it when out and about? And here’s a reversal, I’m finally able to understand spoken French way more than before. It’s as if it has all slowed down a little bit for me. I can’t quite believe it, but that’s what has happened. Now, mind you, I’m not saying I’m 100% here, but it’s an improvement, for sure. (We’ll revisit this after my classes begin. French has a way of keeping you in your place. Lol!)

From this point, I ordered my own meal, penne chorizo, which was to die for. No large dinner ce soir. We took our time and enjoyed every bite — and the accompanying bread. Heaven!

Afterwards, we walked, because that’s what people do here. We looked in the windows of Le Bon Marché where an Indian sculpture artist, Subodh Gupta, was being featured. Cool work. Very unique. My friend had gone to listen to him give a presentation earlier this morning. If I didn’t mention it, my friend is an artist and fashion designer.

We spoke only in English, my native tongue, but not hers. I’d rather not do that while here, but with friends, of course I do. All I can say to account for my comfort level with the French is that I’ve been doing my Duolingo French lessons without fail every day. True. I have a 425-day streak going, and honestly, I work hard at those lessons. I have risen to the highest level (Diamond League), and I’ve even “won” their tournament three times for whatever that’s worth. Some time ago I reached a conclusion about Duolingo. If you already know French (grammar and structure), you can absolutely improve/strengthen your WORKING knowledge/usage with Duolingo. I’m just not sure how a complete novice would do, or if they could advance to the higher levels without having had a solid background in French grammar. Maybe. Someone please let me know, I’m curious.

Once again I walked past my old apartment. The bench outside was full, but no David.

Sundays are family day here. Lots of stores and some bistros are even closed, and you always see families walking everywhere together — children leading or following on their scooters. And dogs. I saw two large dogs walking through Le Bon Marché! So amusing how they blend in so effortlessly in all the glamour, when I barely do surrounded by all those high-end designer labels.

Once home, I made myself a small pot of coffee, and took to my art journal.