We made it! And we’re so happy to be back. Saturday’s flight deposited us in Nice on a grey Sunday morning. It’s pretty quiet here since the weather is grim and the tourism is at its lowest point of the year, allowing shopkeepers and market sellers to take their holidays while they can.
Monday, I ventured to the antique market and was reenergized by the onset of french treasures to be found-an adorable kids abacus(not worth the 98€), a set of oyster forks with mother of pearl handles(worth the 50€), and a french opaline dish for candy or pacifiers(worth the 20€).
I’ve had fun getting to revisit my favorite spots now knowing our baby and her gender and the kinds of things we need here. It’s funny, we had the nursery set up before we left but I also had no idea what I would really need with her at this age. We’re adapting and making changes in our space accordingly.
My sweet sister and mom wrote me letters for every time times here get tough or I’m missing home, and they just make me cry every time. We had a good day, and then a bad day, and then a better day. And that’s just life. But getting used to the time change means not overlapping with loved ones in the morning hours, and usually by the time they’re up in the afternoon I’m finally out and about.
I’m also getting used to life here with Charlotte. I am relearning my regular routes to accomodate elevators and slopes instead of stairs, and door handles that slide open for you. Our apartment has one step upon entry and then another three up to the elevator. let’s just say charlotte has been a great sport along for the ride. Her eyes are just wide-eyed as I bump her into corners and curbs or very ungracefully push her down steps.
There’s also the re-entry into French culture. As I hurried to bag my groceries while pushing a stroller and shopping cart, the man behind me just about plowed me over the second I had finished paying so he could use the space for bagging his own groceries. I find myself smiling at strangers and quickly remembering that is not how things operate here.
Neilson and I took a walk one morning to get coffee which is the surest way to scout out the other tourists in the city, since finding cafés to take a coffee to-go while wearing workout clothes is not very French. I couldn’t help but hum to myself provincial life from beauty and the beast as the shopkeepers were airing out the rugs before setting up for the day.
I listened to this Ezra Klein podcast about finding your style and it’s really made me start thinking about defining my style and what makes me dress the way I do. Settling into a different climate and lifestyle here has made me rework my daily uniform. Usually jeans, a long sleeve tee and sweater with a coat over and tennis shoes. In Texas, I had a little more flexibility with wearing impractical shoes and less warm clothes. Then add on top of that dressing a baby for the cold and just getting out the door feels like a miracle everyday. I love seeing different culture’s styles and trends and have noticed lots of sheepskin, adidas in any and every color, and longchamp. Upon returning, I bought this little green purse and it’s the perfect pop of color to my otherwise neutral winter staples. Another example of something deeply impractical in the states, but very useful here since I push a stroller with extra diapers and grocery bags below.
After surviving this transatlantic trip with Charlotte aged 3 months, I can’t say I’ll be running to do it anytime soon on my own. In the past, I felt so centered off of planning my life around travels. And I think I’m just being called to lean into this new season of motherhood, worrying less about where I’m going next, but enjoying the journey that is right in front of me. Sometimes it takes looking back through old photos to realize just how quickly Charlotte is changing in front of my eyes and I don’t want to miss a second of it, hurrying her along.
happy to be back to:
our home! I spent a year and a half making this apartment a haven. A space that gave respite from the hustle and bustle of being outside, surrounded by strangers in public spaces. A combination of french antiques and a scandinavian contemporary minimalism.
french pharmacies- tried this avène face cream, and restocked on my absolute favorite body wash and body lotion that work for the whole family
an entire winter wardrobe I forgot about!
monoprix/zara home baby clothes are just next level baby chic and a great price
built in walks everyday-no more need to go out for a “walk”
my favorite family owned flower stand
monday antique market!
my french coiffeur-does a mean haircut for half the price it would cost stateside
pain au chocolat from the boulangerie on our street
missing:
zipper clothes- apparently french baby clothes rarely include zippers so we are back to every baby onesie snapping, much to Neilson’s chagrin
spontaneous teatimes with my mom, sister, niece and nephew throughout the week
friendly strangers who hold doors open 😅
adjusting to:
a completely new rhythm
colder temps and spending more time outside
a jetlagged baby who’s also adjusting to a new place
the size of european coffees-they’re so tiny!
not smiling at strangers, we aren’t in texas anymore
filling my stanley cup requires an entire brita here
reading:(substack edition)
the cereal aisle by leandra cohen
remotely by lucy williams
what I put on today by megan strachan
the pig pen by heather
postcards from paris by allison crawford
reading&eating by shauna niequist
Until next week! xx
Really enjoy your Substack - would love a guide on the best of Nice from you :) Cheers!
I am so thankful Karissa introduced me to your substack!