I’m so sorry I haven’t been keeping up with my blog.

With the Olympics about to start, and tourists in town, I’ve been avoiding any monuments or museums. I’ve just been cavorting with friends.

And I’ve had and arranged another tutor session. I’m thinking of diving in for an intensive week one-on-one.

And on that note, I have two new friends: Nathalie and Stefan. They’re a couple that my other friend Nathalie and her husband met whilst living in Hong Kong. They’re visiting Paris for the Olympics, and are staying with me and Luigi here in the apartment. So lovely! We’re sharing quarters and conversation easily – and they’re busy with sporting events surrounding the Olympics.

And lucky me – Nathalie is a French professor! She teaches French to both French students (in Asia) and English-speaking students. You can’t beat this type of interaction, knowledge, expertise! I’m over-the-moon!

And on THAT note, I was able to somehow secure a ticket – a seat, not a luxury package – for Opening Ceremonies. I have a seat to watch the athletes from around the world arrive via La Seine. None of it is too far from where the apartment, so I’m excited.

I secured one other ticket. I bought insurance for it, in case I can’t go – or in case my stay here is shortened. But that ticket is for the Gold Medal round of women’s basketball here in Paris.

That’s something a lot of people don’t know. These are the Paris Olympics, yes, but the events are being held all over FRANCE. There are some events I’d need to be a rail ticket for, and possibly an Airbnb stay. So, I searched for tickets in PARIS, specifically.

I splurged on two tickets, instead of getting a smattering of this and that.

I can’t even believe I’m here during all of this. Remember, I had no plans to travel here during the Olympics, despite my relationship to the city and its people. I had zero plans. And then, my friend Jennifer needed someone to watch her apartment, and that’s what started this. I added the Taylor Swift concert in Amsterdam, and thought I would be coming home after that.

But Luigi needed a Nanny!

And here I am. I didn’t even think it would be possible to obtain a ticket and started searching and found plenty for re-sale and otherwise. I’m lucky because I’m just searching for SINGLE tickets, and they’re easier to find.

Here’s the stressful part: Luigi. He’s an imp. He’s been jumping the rail here like crazy. I’m losing my mind. The birds kind of taunt him, which doesn’t help. And he goes for the bees the fly by, as well as the birds. But it’s a serious drop, people, and my heard can’t take it. I now only let him out on the terrace when I’m there, too. And, as soon as I turn my back – he’s over the rail, along with my stomach. I’m STRESSED.

Nathalie knows he’s been doing this – since the night before they left on vacation. The next morning he did it a lot. And the other morning, I nearly lost my mind with worry. So, the window/doors are SHUT at all times. I don’t want to disrupt Nathalie’s vacation in Ibiza, so I’ll wait to tell her.

More photos and stories to come!

Bisous! XOXO