This week, we are experiencing our first French rentrée, which is just about the most French thing you could possibly imagine. Quite literally, la rentrée means "the return." Philosophically, however, the phrase goes much deeper into the French psyche. La rentrée (scholaire) is probably first and foremost associated with the return of children to school after summer vacation. But this time of year signifies a return to normal life for the adults as well, following the long and leisurely August break. Back to Paris from the beaches and countryside, and back to work. There was a palpable difference in the atmosphere at work yesterday - yes, it was the first day my boss was in after a month away, but it was more than that. People were at their desks earlier, dressed more formally (hello black suits), and talked less in the hallway. Email traffic probably tripled from what I received on Friday, and it will continue to escalate as we work like crazy over the next few months - just in time to prepare for the Christmas holidays... Ah, France.
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AuthorBecause why not get married and move to Paris to really kick off your thirties? Archives
December 2016
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