We are now settling into a pleasant routine here in Le Praz. Initially life on the boat was somewhat erratic-in fact, we really didn't have a schedule. Our days in Spain often went along with the late Spanish summer hours. Overnight sails, anchoring into the night, Spanish midnight meals, caused our personal time clocks to become out of sorts. All of us in the family had been accustomed to a rather regimented schedule over the last several years. We now feel we have arrived at a routine that is acceptable to all. Ryan and Wesley have now started their French elementary school. The school is right across the street and starts at 8:45, although they try and get there a few minutes early for some extra recess time.
Dave has spent a number of hours trying to set up the Internet with French AOL. Why it is called AOL (American On Line) when the entire website is in French (with no Multilanguage interface), is somewhat of a mystery. Most of the people for technical support speak only French, and that's when Dave hands over the telephone to me. My French has certainly improved, but when it comes to French computer technical words, it is limited-hey, it's limited in ENGLISH! We've also had a few mishaps with the 110volts vs. the European 220volts, so we've had a few trips to the electrical store an hour away, (But don't forget they are closed between 12 and 2pm!) Dave's parents as well have kindly mailed us a few parts so we can be technologically set here.
We have had a number of enjoyable ski days. The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees) is E N O R M O U S! It is the largest ski area in Europe. One morning after Ryan and Wesley left for school, we decided to make the grand tour across the three valleys. The chairlifts and gondolas are extremely well situated throughout the mountain chain. It takes good map reading, fast skiing and a very early start to make it from one end to the other and back in a single day.
We have started a French class as well. We were able to alternate nights, so babysitting has not been an issue. Dave has made the challenge of learning French more tangible for him by using his techno expertise. He has made French flashcards he downloaded from the Internet, as well as downloading words and phrases onto his IPOD, which he listens to while he skis.
Luckily Ryan and Wesley (and us) have been spared undue homework from their French school, so in the evenings we review their 5th grade American curriculum. In addition, Dave works with Ryan and Wesley with his French flashcards. We all hope to have better French skills by the time we leave. Our days are filled, and we are enjoying our time together. As we look back, it is hard to believe we have already been gone six months. Check out the "Sailing Twins"http://www.sailblogs.com/member/sailingtwins/?xjMsgID=9151