Okay this is it. The first day of the rest of my life (I’ve decided that I now speak in tired clichés). Transatlantic launch is in about 5 hours. I’m here at an airport hotel, homeless, carless, bedless, broke but determined. There is no turning back now however, as we all know, an Air Canada delay would not come as much of a surprise. So, passport, check. Year supply of MAC and Lancome products, check. Hockey bag jammed full with essentials from Rapid Release Tylenol to the riveting 501 French Verbs Book, check. Husband, check. Fear and panic, check. At least my hair gives the illusion of courage.
First I have to actually survive the whole travel business. I’m great at arriving but getting there, not so much. Neil loves to fly, what a bizarre creature he is. He eats then falls asleep, it drives me wild. There aren’t enough drugs on the planet to put me out on a flight. We have about 16 hours travel time to Paris, then a 2 hour drive to the B & B where we will be 5 hours ahead of our usual time zone. I look forward to the effect on my already completely wacky sleep pattern.
But never mind, when we land there will be the fun of trying to wade through the paperwork of obtaining residency permits, alerting the local police to our presence (required) and then the medical exams that I hear are quite comprehensive. Maybe they give you wine and croissants before any orifice probing takes place, just to add a little class to the whole ordeal.
Anyway, it’s all part of the process and there’s no getting around it. All this means that I may have some disruption in posting, I’ll do my best to keep the rambling silliness going for those who sign on regularly. Speaking of that, if you are reading and haven’t put up a comment, please do. Doesn’t have to be long or witty, just a quick word to let me know you are out there. I’m about to go off into the wild blue yonder which may be a lonely place for some time. Every time I get a comment it makes my day and keeps encouraging me to write these doodles. Jeez, if I’d known that a haircut was all it took to get you all up I would have hacked it off sooner (thanks to all for the lovely comments).
So fade to black on the Canadian part of the journey. Who know what’s in store for us on the other side? Only time will tell. Success, failure, laughter, tears, financial ruin, riches? Your guess is as good as mine. My friends, wish me luck as I step to the edge, as I walk away from this life toward the next chapter. And that is the question I hope to answer, walking away or walking toward? I hope you’ll be around when I find out…
I hope it is all you are hoping it will be..and more. How ominous can it be…France! for the love of the lord…and not 1914.
Speaking of which, I expect you will, if you have not already, get a chance to see the “boys” in the North and the wonderful statues of Caribou to honour them. It is truly a moving experience.
In Rouen, I found my great-uncle’s grave and next to him a Wheeler from Tizzard’s Harbour.
On his stone it was written:
“Tell Newfoundland
We who died fighting for her
Rest here content”
I hope you live there, contentedly, Bobbi;that every day you find something to smile about.And I’ve no doubt you won’t forget your roots.
Bonne Chance to you both lovely lady. Have the pilot tip his wings as you fly over us as you will most assuredly will.
Best of luck to you! I’ve been following your journey, but not posting comments. One of your former colleagues, a fellow paediatrician, told me about your blog and I’ve been fascinated since. I’m amazed by your courage and look forward to reading all about your adventures. Your hair looks amazing! I hope that you’ll share some photos of your French paradise.
Have a good flight. Looking forward to your next post!
my heart is in my stomach. I am so excited for you and this journey you are beginning. Know that I think of you often and that all answers will be found (and about a hundred other questions too)
Monique
I’m with you baby.
good luck! and enjoy every minute :)
have a great flight… try and get some sleep at least….
new home, new life… good for you!!!
love, love, love your blog!!!
Good luck on your exciting adventure Bobbi – I so envy you – you are doing something that a lot of people (ok, me, but I am sure there are others) wouldn’t have the guts to do. Bonne chance and surely if they give you croissants beforehand any probing of orifices would be well worth it…
ditto
Hi Bobbi, you’re still keeping me entertained on the Great Northern Peninsula. I look forward to reading your blog everyday. You look stunning with your new haircut. Jamie Lee Curtis eat your heart out! “All the Best” to you and Neil. You both deserve a medal for bravery! Be Safe.
Still following your adventure from Petrolia, Ontario!!! All the best to you and Neil, I so look forward to hearing about this incredible step you are both taking, bon voyage, bonne chance et amusez-vous bien!!
Sarah
to the wild YONDER and beyond!!! Go go girl! love ya
Maybe you were meant to be French all along and you will sleep like a baby in your new time zine. Well it’s a vain hope but somebody had to have it for you.
I stumbled upon your blog (wish I could remember exactly how) and I have been enjoying your posts. Love the hair. Love the brave and daring life-changing experience you and your husband are undertaking. I will catch up to your present-day posts eventually. Until then…congratulations and good luck!