Chez les Ch'tis 2

Well the title came from the famous comedy French movie “Bienvenue Chez les Ch’tis” (“Welcome to the Sticks”) ! A person from the North of France who does have a strange accent. Since relatives are from there, we also have the touch of Ch'tis :D !

Visiting relatives is also nice because it would mean traveling. We don't do it every year since we used to travel by car which is becoming tiring. Our parents thought why not take the train. And Hop, bright idea and time saving ! We were obliged to wake up early as 5:00 in the morning not to miss the train at 6:09 in the morning. The train station is 15 minutes away from our place. The earlier the better, no traffic only we were half asleep.

My brother who's keeping the luggage while Mom takes photo.

Our Mom bought coloring stuffs for us to be occupied while traveling. It's fun and a need to avoid idle moments in the train. I made colorings while my little sister was sleeping.

We visited Papy who has a personal playroom and we get to play with our big cousins.

Mayumi got to see her Marraine Caro (Godmother or Ninang)


We had the chance to visit Belgium too.

We went to visit the beach from the North Le Touquet but before visiting we went dining in a restaurant specializing in Mussels and fries ! A treat from our nice Tonton Stephane and Tata Françoise, thank you very much! We had fun :D!

Having fun on the grayish fine sand with thick clothes

But the people from the North are into sun bathing already, this make us say brrrrr!

An old abandoned little bunker made to protect antitank gun. Made by the Germans during World War 2 enable to engage any tanks or light ships from the effective distance of 500 meters.

View from afar

3 candles and growing !

Today is my BIG day. A wonderful day for a child like me.... a perfect day to be thankful. To my parents who have brought me into this beautiful world and their never ending love, support and understanding. To my Kuya Basti who is always very patient and kind with me (I know I am naughty). To all my grand parents who always think of me despite of the distances that separate us. To all my relatives and friends, my godparents....and to YOU UP THERE...THANK YOU !

Chez les Ch'tis

The sea, the sand, the sun, great company, good food more of this in a short while !

Off to North

We have two weeks vacation this spring and we intend to visit our grandparents and relatives in the North of France (Nord pas de Calais Region). Going there is a bit tiring and would take 10 to 12 hours drive (including stop). So this time we opted to take the TGV (train à grande vitesse) or high speed train. Though Maman has her driver's license already and she's indeed a big help to our Papa but 10 to 12 drive is a waste of time. Whereas taking the TGV would only take us 4 hours maximum and arriving in Lille families have the car to lend us. Pretty practical! It's also good for us to experience traveling without depending to our car. Knowing to adapt with different traveling means or transportation like buses, trains, ships and airplanes is a part of learning a growing kids. For us children it quite exciting to experience other means of transportation.Maman had already prepare our luggage ahead of time so as not to forget important things we need. We were also advised by the family that we should need to bring thicker jackets and clothes as the weather is warmer than Marseille. We will be away for exactly 9 days and we can't wait to tell you stories about our travel and the things we are going to discover there. Happy spring !

The Results

My parents just received my bulletin scholaire (report card) and they congratulated me for having good results. My Mom told me concerning my teacher’s opinion. They commented that I made a great progress, that I listen a lot and get to follow instructions, very sensitive to others and that I can be a leader! My Papa and Maman are happy to have read the feedback. In my report card I was graded with 1 and 2. This time I have no 3 unlike my previous years, I did get few 3’s. We are noted from 1 (highest grade) to 5 (lowest grade).

At school, I really learn a many things. I start learning the alphabets and write them slowly but surely. I learn colouring and identify its colours & shapes, to classify different animals, recognize the 4 seasons, poesies, songs and its dances, to listen and be attentive to teacher’s directives and socialize more and more with my colleagues. Happy and proud with myself and I am sure my parents are.

Now, it’s me Mayumi talking. My Maman had a conversation with my teacher. According to my teacher, I am very discreet. My teacher told my Maman that I understand instructions which I participate in every activity. The only worry is that I talk very soft wherein they couldn’t hear me. Maman explained to my teacher that she’s surprise to hear that I am comporting discreetly at school whereas at home I am very naughty, loud and smart. Yes I confirm I am completely different at school because I observe a lot and because I am the youngest amongst us. Nonetheless, I still love going to school for the reason that learning is very important and will benefit a lot from it. I will tell you more about the progress I will make at school in my (our) future post. For now we’re out hiking ! Happy Sunday !