Hi everyone,
It has turned into July so quickly, and already we are past the middle of the month. I have returned to Florida from my six month assignment in Paris and I will say that although I missed my family and some of the benefits of life in Florida, it was a wonderful experience. I have not been told where I will be reporting to yet, but that should come next week when I am scheduled to have lunch with my boss. I am taking some vacation time and will be reporting for work after my annual August lobster trip to the key's on August 20. In the mean time, I am fishing, and working on things around the house and yard on things that need attention, and spending time catching up with Betty. We have a couple of trips planned, one down to Miami to get my visa in case I get called back to France for any length of time, (not likely, but possible) the other one is to NYC explained latter on in this update.
Betty is doing well and although she is frustrated having me around the house, I think she secretly is glad that I am home. She has been volunteering at several places, feeding the hungry at an Orlando Center and sewing pillows for heart patients. Next week we are going to be boxing up donated can goods for the Orlando Food Bank. She has also taken on the task of making new curtains for the dinning room windows. One of her cats got an ear infection and she has been nursing it back to health with all the love and attention she can give it. We are clearing the lakefront again and enjoying the free time we have until I have to go back to work.
Nick is doing well and was a huge help while I was in France. One of the projects he did was to replace our garage door when it finally died completely. He did a great job and the new one only needed slight adjustment that he did after discovering that the sensor were too close to the travel path of the door. He is still working as a life guard, but I think those days are numbered, as he is getting pretty bored of the easy life. A new shopping village is opening up soon near us and I think he is going to apply at some of the stores. There is a Lowe's so maybe he will get in there and we can get a discount. His next project will be to put a transmission in the Jeep and get it sold and out of the yard before we get evicted.
Chris is currently in West Point NY. as he was selected to help train the new cadets. Some of his friends and him went to NJ over the last weekend and stayed with one of his buddies sisters. They will be there until August and he is really enjoying the cooler weather there. His ear is doing OK, but he does say that he gets some pressure build up when he does his calisthenics. He is scheduled for more testing in August to determine if he will need surgery or not. The rumor is that the unit will re-deploy sometime in January, but no official orders as of now.
Betty, Nick, and I will be going up for a few days in August to take him to NY City to play tourist. We have tickets to see Spamalot, a play based on Monty Python's In Search of the Holy Grail, The Empire State Building, The Hayden Planetarium, and the Statue of Liberty. We are leaving plenty of time to have some free time, so Chris and Nick and go clubbing or whatever, and Betty and I plan to eat our way around Manhattan. I love NY.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Bastille Day
Well, I can no longer say that I have never attended a world class national event. Even though the national event was in France, I can attest to the fact that it was indeed world class. Bastille Day in Paris is an event that people brag about being able to attend and that rivals some of our biggest celebrations, like our Fourth of July on the Esplanade in Boston, The Macy’s Day Parade in New York, The Marti Gras in New Orleans or perhaps even getting close to being on par with New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
I have always wanted to attend something on this scale, but always found ways to “avoid the crowd” and celebrate from afar. Now that I have broken the ice, I will not be so reluctant to brave the troubles that are often associated with attending one of these gatherings. The excitement and memories that were created just by being among so many people who are just out to celebrate with others is well worth the hassles of the event.
Bastille Day is celebrated all over France, but, in Paris, Oo La La, they go all out! The party actually starts on the evening before at some of the major firehouses that are host to the Fireman’s Ball. The ball begins inside the emptied out firehouses and before long the roll up doors are open and there is literally dancing in the streets that quickly becomes a blockade for the surrounding blocks. I decided to go to Place de la Bastille, knowing that if there was a major party to be had, that would be the place it would be. Wow, I was right on the money with that one. There had to be upwards of 15 thousand people crammed into the streets surrounding the roundabout and monument. Huge LED screens showed the majority of the crowd what was happening on the stages that were put up for the live bands that had the crowd on their feet the whole night (it did help that there was no way to sit down). The surrounding streets had vendors selling sandwiches, beer and other party fare and there were so many of them that the lines moved very quickly. Warm beer for 4 Euro (about 5.30 U.S.) however was not something to brag on. As the evening wore on some of the revelers began to celebrate with fireworks and the popping noises throughout the crowd made me realize it was time to leave.
The Parade on Saturday morning along the Champs Elysee's was unlike anything I have ever seen. Security was better than at the airports with the guards’ even having individuals open their umbrella’s to inspect them and collecting their water bottles at the check point. Everyone was scanned by a hand held metal detector, then frisked just to make sure, yes even the women were patted down (of course by another woman, don’t be silly). The line started early, about two hours prior to the first wave of the procession and although I was well back, I was admitted to the inner ring of spectators prior to them closing it off, because once the parade started, no one else could come into the inner ring, mainly because the guards that were doing the check in wanted to watch the parade too.
It was more like a military show than a parade. First the newly elected President with his mounted guard rode by. The only band in the parade by the way was the mounted guard. The crowd applauded, more politely than in celebratory revelry as he passed by. Then came the first wave of the fly over with several jet’s streaming blue white and red smoke to create a never ending French flag overhead. Then wave after wave of military aircraft of every imaginable shape, size and function flew over lasting about 20 minutes.
It was some time before the next showcasing of hardware began, but when it did start it was pretty amazing to see all the tanks, cannon’s, rocket launchers, communication vehicles and every sort of personnel transport you could imagine come out of the side streets and stream one after the other, four abreast down the road. All of the occupants looked very professional. Eyes front, stern look on their faces and those that were sitting looked just as rigidly at attention as those that could stand. The end of the ground parade was the fire department vehicles. They say that they are at the end because they are all hung over from the party the night before. This was the only part of the whole parade where people actually cheered. At the very end there was another round of fly over’s this time showcasing various makes and sizes of helicopters.
I thought that the best part was at the end as most of the spectators turned and left the areas, the troop transport buses began to leave. As they came back around, those of us that were left waved to them as they waved back, and it was the only time that there was an interaction between the crowed and anyone in the parade.
That evening, I walked down to the Eiffel Tower, and saw two concerts and then the fireworks back lighting the tower. There were about 30 to 40 thousand people there and the mood was very friendly and the crowd was very orderly. I was amazed at how courteous the crowd was, no one was pushing or shoving and no one was out of line. There were even a couple of cases of people meeting new friend in the crowd that got more and more compact as the time for the fireworks got closer.
Due to my position in relation to the tower (about halfway down the plaza) the fireworks seamed low. But they certainly were colorful and there were plenty of them. The musical backdrop for the event was a movie theme, with songs from films from around the world. The sound kept cutting out and it was very comical that the crowd would boo, hiss and call out when the sound crackled out and then cheer as the sound was restored. This happened throughout the event and will probably be how they people that come each year remember this particular event.
(of course pictures are posted, just click the link to the right of this message)
It was early morning by the time I waded through the crowd, and found my way back to my neighborhood. I went to sleep that night eager to come home, but grateful for the time I spent in France, and with deeply embedded memories of a celebration I will always remember.
I have always wanted to attend something on this scale, but always found ways to “avoid the crowd” and celebrate from afar. Now that I have broken the ice, I will not be so reluctant to brave the troubles that are often associated with attending one of these gatherings. The excitement and memories that were created just by being among so many people who are just out to celebrate with others is well worth the hassles of the event.
Bastille Day is celebrated all over France, but, in Paris, Oo La La, they go all out! The party actually starts on the evening before at some of the major firehouses that are host to the Fireman’s Ball. The ball begins inside the emptied out firehouses and before long the roll up doors are open and there is literally dancing in the streets that quickly becomes a blockade for the surrounding blocks. I decided to go to Place de la Bastille, knowing that if there was a major party to be had, that would be the place it would be. Wow, I was right on the money with that one. There had to be upwards of 15 thousand people crammed into the streets surrounding the roundabout and monument. Huge LED screens showed the majority of the crowd what was happening on the stages that were put up for the live bands that had the crowd on their feet the whole night (it did help that there was no way to sit down). The surrounding streets had vendors selling sandwiches, beer and other party fare and there were so many of them that the lines moved very quickly. Warm beer for 4 Euro (about 5.30 U.S.) however was not something to brag on. As the evening wore on some of the revelers began to celebrate with fireworks and the popping noises throughout the crowd made me realize it was time to leave.
The Parade on Saturday morning along the Champs Elysee's was unlike anything I have ever seen. Security was better than at the airports with the guards’ even having individuals open their umbrella’s to inspect them and collecting their water bottles at the check point. Everyone was scanned by a hand held metal detector, then frisked just to make sure, yes even the women were patted down (of course by another woman, don’t be silly). The line started early, about two hours prior to the first wave of the procession and although I was well back, I was admitted to the inner ring of spectators prior to them closing it off, because once the parade started, no one else could come into the inner ring, mainly because the guards that were doing the check in wanted to watch the parade too.
It was more like a military show than a parade. First the newly elected President with his mounted guard rode by. The only band in the parade by the way was the mounted guard. The crowd applauded, more politely than in celebratory revelry as he passed by. Then came the first wave of the fly over with several jet’s streaming blue white and red smoke to create a never ending French flag overhead. Then wave after wave of military aircraft of every imaginable shape, size and function flew over lasting about 20 minutes.
It was some time before the next showcasing of hardware began, but when it did start it was pretty amazing to see all the tanks, cannon’s, rocket launchers, communication vehicles and every sort of personnel transport you could imagine come out of the side streets and stream one after the other, four abreast down the road. All of the occupants looked very professional. Eyes front, stern look on their faces and those that were sitting looked just as rigidly at attention as those that could stand. The end of the ground parade was the fire department vehicles. They say that they are at the end because they are all hung over from the party the night before. This was the only part of the whole parade where people actually cheered. At the very end there was another round of fly over’s this time showcasing various makes and sizes of helicopters.
I thought that the best part was at the end as most of the spectators turned and left the areas, the troop transport buses began to leave. As they came back around, those of us that were left waved to them as they waved back, and it was the only time that there was an interaction between the crowed and anyone in the parade.
That evening, I walked down to the Eiffel Tower, and saw two concerts and then the fireworks back lighting the tower. There were about 30 to 40 thousand people there and the mood was very friendly and the crowd was very orderly. I was amazed at how courteous the crowd was, no one was pushing or shoving and no one was out of line. There were even a couple of cases of people meeting new friend in the crowd that got more and more compact as the time for the fireworks got closer.
Due to my position in relation to the tower (about halfway down the plaza) the fireworks seamed low. But they certainly were colorful and there were plenty of them. The musical backdrop for the event was a movie theme, with songs from films from around the world. The sound kept cutting out and it was very comical that the crowd would boo, hiss and call out when the sound crackled out and then cheer as the sound was restored. This happened throughout the event and will probably be how they people that come each year remember this particular event.
(of course pictures are posted, just click the link to the right of this message)
It was early morning by the time I waded through the crowd, and found my way back to my neighborhood. I went to sleep that night eager to come home, but grateful for the time I spent in France, and with deeply embedded memories of a celebration I will always remember.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
My final days in Paris
Well, my days in Paris are numbered with only a few left and my weekend ahead is all mapped out for Bastille Day. Viva la revolution! I am very much looking forward to seeing the celebrations starting with the Fireman's Ball the night before, where the drinking, music and dancing at the firehouses around Paris spill out into the streets for everyone to enjoy. Then on Saturday the military parade complete with tanks and fly overs roar down the Champ Elysees, and the evening is raised to a crescendo as fireworks accent the Eiffel Tower. Yes I will be here for it all, and I will post pictures as soon as I can afterwards, but for now you can see my recent pictures of the Towers of Notre Dame complete with gargoyles. Just click the link on the right.
It is a very weird feeling leaving Paris behind, not knowing when I will get to walk the streets of this fabulous city again, or see my new friends that I have made here. I feel like I have become a part of the city. I don't know how the Parisians will manage without me slaughtering their language, confusing them with my stopping every time I cross someones path and wave them ahead of me, or whistling down the busy sidewalks to the stares of astonished pedestrians. Yes, I am convinced they will miss me. But not as much as I have missed my wife, sons and friends back in Florida. So although it has been very cool here and wonderful for walking I head home to paradise. I have learned a lot here, and have many stories that I will surely bore people with for years to come, so get ready, stock up on no-doze and indulge me as only great friends can do.
It is a very weird feeling leaving Paris behind, not knowing when I will get to walk the streets of this fabulous city again, or see my new friends that I have made here. I feel like I have become a part of the city. I don't know how the Parisians will manage without me slaughtering their language, confusing them with my stopping every time I cross someones path and wave them ahead of me, or whistling down the busy sidewalks to the stares of astonished pedestrians. Yes, I am convinced they will miss me. But not as much as I have missed my wife, sons and friends back in Florida. So although it has been very cool here and wonderful for walking I head home to paradise. I have learned a lot here, and have many stories that I will surely bore people with for years to come, so get ready, stock up on no-doze and indulge me as only great friends can do.
Friday, July 6, 2007
On the Bright Side July 6, 2007
Hi Everyone,
My assignment with Project Lumiere here in France is drawing to a close. I can’t believe that six months have gone by and it is now time to pack my bags and return home. There have been various elements that have made the six months pass very quickly and others that have made the time drag out, and as always, my frame of mind at any given moment changed my perception not only of time past, but of time remaining.
The time really felt like it was dragging whenever I thought about Betty, or the people back home. When I thought about the ease of the life in Florida, the simple things that you don’t even have to think about, buying toothpaste, shaving cream, frozen dinners, going to a movie, or just sitting on the porch reading, time slowed down. There were also whole days that it seamed like time was almost standing still, especially in the mornings (Paris time) when I knew everyone back home was sound asleep, and I would have to wait six hours for them to catch up. The week prior to visitors arriving seamed like they were a month long and I would plan, and re-plan every moment of their arrival. The few weekend days that I had no goals for my time off, were almost painfully slow, especially if I just stayed around the apartment, doing housekeeping or research. At work, if a project was stalled, or during the fourth meeting of talking over the same things we did the previous three, I would sometimes think it would be more interesting to watch grass grow, or paint dry or perhaps the annual migration of snails. I found myself with a blank expression and a far off look in my eye and at times, I swear that the second hand on the wall clock skipped backwards.
These last two weeks have been the ones that have dragged the most. Most of the plans are in place for the initiatives, and some are already being implemented or tested and all of them now have owners here to carry them forward. So that leaves most of us with open calendars and little left to document. Betty reminded me the other night it is like the last week of school, when no one wants to be there. I was thinking it was more like the government in the last stages of their administration, full of lame ducks. But whatever way it is compared, it makes the time go slowly.
On the Brighter Side
Knowing that time drags when you have little to do of interest, it is easy to help the perception of time to accelerate. All we have to do is find something that we enjoy doing that is productive. To me there is nothing worse than lost time, as stated in this quote, it can’t be replaced.
“Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.”
Samuel Smiles
So I resolved not to waste the open time that has been given me. I have taken time this week to visit with the people here that have helped me. Just sitting and chatting about my experiences, learning more about them as individuals and setting up plans to keep in touch. I have also started jotting down some of the things that I learned that I want to share or that will impact me personally or professionally as I re-enter my role back in Florida.
From a cultural perspective, many things have happened during the time that has past. I have gained insight into a culture that is rich in history, tradition and beliefs. I am constantly amazed as I have explored those beliefs, how they are the fruits of the history and traditions of France. Through centuries of trial and tribulation the French have come to this millennium with very firm convictions, and I have come to understand that no one that is born of different ancestry can truly understand what it is to be French. I have come to the conclusion that here, as well as any place, the best position to take when you are learning the culture, is that there will be obvious differences, as well as some that at first may not be so obvious, and you should judge only after you fully understand (which, by the way is never, because without being someone you can never fully understand what it is like to be them anymore than anyone will fully understand what it is like to be you).
From a business perspective, having time to truly understand the implications of an initiative and understanding the nuances of the organization and personnel can make a big difference in the outcome of the change. I now better understand that performing due diligence on the business reasons and results expected prior to making the final decision is directly linked to the success and sustainability of the plan. I was amazed at how much I learned about my own company the two weeks in February that I spent in the states benchmarking Florida and California and as a result, I will dedicate more time to learn others businesses and management styles.
From a personal level, I feel I have come to appreciate what I have at home much more. How important my family really is, and how supportive they have always been with everything I do. At work, how lucky I was to work with some great leaders, and to have their support and positive outlook on the business world. I also feel very fortunate to get to know a lot of Cast Members who have become close friends as well as great co-workers. I have gained an increased empathy for people who may not speak the local language as well as they would like. People who are visiting and don’t know the area, or what is available to them, will have my full support. I have discovered how quickly and slowly time can pass and how my frame of mind contributes to the perception.
So if you find yourself with time dragging by and want to make it pass with more meaning, take a few moments of reflection and see what the last six months has been like for you. Discover what you might otherwise overlook, and share them with someone who you think will be interested. Visit with people who have helped you and let them know that you recognized their efforts. Set up your plans for the next six months to be even more meaningful and remember to….always look on the bright side of life.
A bientôt (see you soon)
Robert
My assignment with Project Lumiere here in France is drawing to a close. I can’t believe that six months have gone by and it is now time to pack my bags and return home. There have been various elements that have made the six months pass very quickly and others that have made the time drag out, and as always, my frame of mind at any given moment changed my perception not only of time past, but of time remaining.
The time really felt like it was dragging whenever I thought about Betty, or the people back home. When I thought about the ease of the life in Florida, the simple things that you don’t even have to think about, buying toothpaste, shaving cream, frozen dinners, going to a movie, or just sitting on the porch reading, time slowed down. There were also whole days that it seamed like time was almost standing still, especially in the mornings (Paris time) when I knew everyone back home was sound asleep, and I would have to wait six hours for them to catch up. The week prior to visitors arriving seamed like they were a month long and I would plan, and re-plan every moment of their arrival. The few weekend days that I had no goals for my time off, were almost painfully slow, especially if I just stayed around the apartment, doing housekeeping or research. At work, if a project was stalled, or during the fourth meeting of talking over the same things we did the previous three, I would sometimes think it would be more interesting to watch grass grow, or paint dry or perhaps the annual migration of snails. I found myself with a blank expression and a far off look in my eye and at times, I swear that the second hand on the wall clock skipped backwards.
These last two weeks have been the ones that have dragged the most. Most of the plans are in place for the initiatives, and some are already being implemented or tested and all of them now have owners here to carry them forward. So that leaves most of us with open calendars and little left to document. Betty reminded me the other night it is like the last week of school, when no one wants to be there. I was thinking it was more like the government in the last stages of their administration, full of lame ducks. But whatever way it is compared, it makes the time go slowly.
On the Brighter Side
Knowing that time drags when you have little to do of interest, it is easy to help the perception of time to accelerate. All we have to do is find something that we enjoy doing that is productive. To me there is nothing worse than lost time, as stated in this quote, it can’t be replaced.
“Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.”
Samuel Smiles
So I resolved not to waste the open time that has been given me. I have taken time this week to visit with the people here that have helped me. Just sitting and chatting about my experiences, learning more about them as individuals and setting up plans to keep in touch. I have also started jotting down some of the things that I learned that I want to share or that will impact me personally or professionally as I re-enter my role back in Florida.
From a cultural perspective, many things have happened during the time that has past. I have gained insight into a culture that is rich in history, tradition and beliefs. I am constantly amazed as I have explored those beliefs, how they are the fruits of the history and traditions of France. Through centuries of trial and tribulation the French have come to this millennium with very firm convictions, and I have come to understand that no one that is born of different ancestry can truly understand what it is to be French. I have come to the conclusion that here, as well as any place, the best position to take when you are learning the culture, is that there will be obvious differences, as well as some that at first may not be so obvious, and you should judge only after you fully understand (which, by the way is never, because without being someone you can never fully understand what it is like to be them anymore than anyone will fully understand what it is like to be you).
From a business perspective, having time to truly understand the implications of an initiative and understanding the nuances of the organization and personnel can make a big difference in the outcome of the change. I now better understand that performing due diligence on the business reasons and results expected prior to making the final decision is directly linked to the success and sustainability of the plan. I was amazed at how much I learned about my own company the two weeks in February that I spent in the states benchmarking Florida and California and as a result, I will dedicate more time to learn others businesses and management styles.
From a personal level, I feel I have come to appreciate what I have at home much more. How important my family really is, and how supportive they have always been with everything I do. At work, how lucky I was to work with some great leaders, and to have their support and positive outlook on the business world. I also feel very fortunate to get to know a lot of Cast Members who have become close friends as well as great co-workers. I have gained an increased empathy for people who may not speak the local language as well as they would like. People who are visiting and don’t know the area, or what is available to them, will have my full support. I have discovered how quickly and slowly time can pass and how my frame of mind contributes to the perception.
So if you find yourself with time dragging by and want to make it pass with more meaning, take a few moments of reflection and see what the last six months has been like for you. Discover what you might otherwise overlook, and share them with someone who you think will be interested. Visit with people who have helped you and let them know that you recognized their efforts. Set up your plans for the next six months to be even more meaningful and remember to….always look on the bright side of life.
A bientôt (see you soon)
Robert
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