La rentrée

La rentrée is a big deal here in France. It is the time of the year when the French return from their July and August holidays and get back into their regular schedules. And like "back to school" in the States, you see references to "la rentrée" everywhere.

For us, it was cool to really experience la rentrée firsthand. When we first arrived in Paris, our neighborhood was really quiet. There weren't many people on the streets and most of the shops had signs saying they would return on August 21st or the 24th, the 27th, etc.

We then went on our brief (by French standards) holiday to Austria, Switzerland, and Lake Annecy. When we returned and participated in our own rentrée, many things were different.

First, we felt like we were home! The apartment that previously felt small suddenly was just fine after spending eleven nights in hotel rooms. Clay went off to his bedroom, Paige to hers, and we all had some quiet time in our personal spaces.

Paris had also changed. It had come alive. The shops were all open and the streets were busy. The weather went from the sweltering heat of August to the brisk mornings and sunny days of September. It has been beautiful.

The last big piece of la rentrée for us is getting the kids back to school -- which will be great for everybody. I am particularly looking forward to establishing my day-to-day routine and having a quiet apartment for much of the day.