It's been a beautiful day in Angers. I woke up early to go to the CAF to drop off papers to apply for assistance paying rent, which I did less out of necessity than out the fact that all the other assistants are doing it... and some extra travel moola wouldn't hurt. So maybe the next time I hear about the problems with foreigners, I'll be able to chime in. :) Ah, socialist countries. One of the other lectrices who has a baby, told me all the advantages to having three kids in France, and it was crazy (free liposuction and laser surgery, the right to take the test for any civil service job, including teachers, police, etc, without the otherwise required testing, early retirement, the list went on.) And for just one child, she receives so much money for childcare that ultimately she pays 300 euros a year for 30 hours a week, minus vacations. And all her friends tell her she should find a cheaper childcare provider! Meanwhile her family with babies in England debate between going back to work, or just forgetting about it because the childcare is too expensive. I still a free-market kinda girl too be sure, but it's fascinating to hear about the money the government spends here.
Back to my walk to the CAF. It's at the end of an old, wide, car-free boulevard lined in old mansions. Today was 60 degrees and sunny, (perfect temperature!!!) and the birds were chirping. It was neat to walk along this pedestrian street, listening to the birds, and the cute kids talking in French to their parents, and I suddenly appreciated how cars are usually block out all that pleasant background noise. The pretty walk starts at the fountain at the Parc de Maille which leads right up to the Avenue Jeanne d'Arc
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My computer has gone to the dogs lately [is that a saying? Inherited that trait from Mom...] I tried to get the pictures in a logical order but I'm finally giving up, better luck next post. At least the weather's nice!
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