(Not the best light, but I couldn't wait to post this picture...)
And now we have one. Okay, my eldest daughter has one -- and more than a room. She is gradually moving into a darling, old, one-bedroom apartment right in the center of Rodez.
A year ago, we weren't expecting her to end up in Rodez for university. But various factors led to that decision, and we all couldn't be more pleased. Eldest daughter is thrilled to be going to a small university, because she has heard plenty of horror stories about Toulouse Le Mirail, which is the closest university besides Rodez that offered her chosen major.
The apartment is a bonus, in a way, but when faced with buying third car, having her do a 34 km commute every day, and her having nowhere to go during her big breaks in her schedule, the downtown living quarters appeared as an obvious choice. Besides, maybe it's my American background, but I like the idea of students gaining some independence.
My youngest daughter, back from the USA, has of course bought into the concept heart and soul. Her high school is less than a five-minute walk from the place, so she will stay there a few nights a week when transport, or the notoriously late French school days, pose a problem for us.
(Downtown Rodez abounds in funky, hidden courtyards. We get to look out on this one.)
And another great thing: Mom has unlimited access to the place! So now I finally get to use a little pied-à-terre in town. I won't be there constantly or anything, but at times it is going to be very practical.
A new chapter is opening up in our lives, and it's coming at a good time. I feel like I need a little change of routine -- and it's so fun to be a part of Rodez's inner sanctums.
A new chapter is opening up in our lives, and it's coming at a good time. I feel like I need a little change of routine -- and it's so fun to be a part of Rodez's inner sanctums.
11 comments:
I dig those hidden courtyards, adds some character.
Oh, and maybe it's just our strange American server, but the top photo isn't appearing. :)
I am so happy for you. Your daughter gets to be independant and you are close by. What is she studying?
Betty C.,
How wonderful for you all! It's so fun to move into a new place and not have to leave EVERYTHING behind but, rather, take a little bit of it with you. I love the building and it sounds like a very practical and creative solution to a variety of problems. Congratulations to you all!
Sounds like a solution that makes everyone happy - well, at least the women in the family! What does your husband have to say?
I love the second photo, but cannot see the top image. But I can imagine! Great arrangement for both daughters - almost an extension of home. Betty, I am already visioning what your autumn will be like with this neat little change.
And I am imagining what it would be like to have a little bolt hole...
Mimi, and it seems like Walt mentioned this too, must have been on his own blog: the photo was visible on Firefox but not on IE. I accessed Blogger through IE, and even on my own post it didn't show up! Weird. Anyway, I have reposted it using IE, I hope it's visible on Firefox!
Tinsie, The girls and I figure my husband will mainly be useful for DIY stuff in the apartment, otherwise it will be kind of a girl place! Lol -- actually he is interested but doesn't seem quite as into the idea of spending a little time there. I suppose we may use it occasionally to crash after dinner parties in Rodez or some such...but it is pretty much for the daughter/s. I just have squatting rights.
Randal -- This one has a view onto who knows how many buildings. There is also a cool open commons part that unfortunately no one seems to do much with.
Nadège - -My daughter will be in a foreign languages program.
Fran -- Yes, it is a fun and new feeling. I'm kind of a town/city person, so I have really enjoyed setting this up. It will be hard to let go of when the time comes!
Awesome! I love reading about you and your daughters...and wondering if we'll be doing the same thing in a couple of years. We live about 25 minutes outside of Aix en Provence, 45 minutes from Avignon and 50 minutes outside of Marseille...the three university towns close-by, and we'll probably do the same as you when our oldest chooses her studies.
poppy -- I had never thought about that, how my blog gives you a glimpse of what the future could hold for your girls. Of course for a while it seemed like mine would never get to the ages they are, but time does pass. It's all been fun, though -- and still is.
Here I've really noticed how kids don't seem to search to go that far afield for school - unless they want to do something very selective or some weird "option." None of my daughter's friends have gone any further than Montpellier or Toulouse (about 2 hours away.)
Oh, our fmaily wrote the same chapter some years ago ... It's a chapter that tells how our children become adults ..
Wish her a great year in Rodez.
Thank you Laura for your comment and it was great to hear from you again. I have struggled to keep up with blogs the past few months and have cut down to just this blog, so haven't been on cooking blogs that much...I'm going to put my favorites on my Google Reader though, because I need some inspiration!
Yes it's an interesting but exciting time of life for all of us...
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