Is it a type of shoe?

 

 

                     Who puts a middle-aged woman in acrylic when it’s 36 degrees!

 I spent 7 days working as a volunteer in Paris for the Olympics. I was a driver for the fleet of cars that were taking officials and guests around Paris. I visited Versailles, The Olympic Village, Roland Garros, the Aquatic Centre, plus lots of hotels and train stations but I didn’t get to see inside of any of them as I was just dropping and picking people up. We were based at one of the Hippodromes to the West of Paris and in the middle was a rugby pitch and a football pitch which were full of cars. 

Paris had a target to cut emission by 50% on the London 2012 Olympics, so all the cars were either electric hybrids or hydrogen. I was reluctant to use the aircon in case I had to recharge the car (should have payed more attention in the training).

My only gripe was the complete lack of toilets for the volunteers. It was easier for the men. If you have spent any time in France you will have got used to men just stopping and peeing by the side of the road (pipis sauvages) so it was ok for them. I managed to find a McDonalds that took pity on me and gave me the key to their toilet. 

 The whole experience was heartwarming- everyone was so helpful and friendly; the Police could not do enough to help and the metro was crowded with families on their way to events. Paris looked stunning in the sunshine and the bars and restaurants were heaving. 

  A ship is always safe at the shore- but that is not what it is built for - Albert Einstein

I was the only English-speaking person out of all the volunteers that I met. The training was all in French and the morning de brief was in French too, but I am pleased to say that I got most of it (I think).

Sometimes you’ve got to get out of your comfort zone - easy to say but not easy to do. I did have some stressful moments, especially when the GPS did not work but overall I was happy with the way everything went. I got to see parts of Paris I’ve never seen before and I got a lovely bum bag as a momento (not that I’ll be using it again)

It’s been a very mixed Summer here in Normandy and my favourite open air heated pool in Bagnoles closes at the end of August until next May. There is a local pool in La Ferte Mace which is good but it does not compare with swimming outside. 

I loved swimming as a child and we used to go with the School but they always took us in the Winter so it was freezing cold when we came out with wet hair.  I like it so much I also used to go at the weekend (actually I liked the look of one of the young lifeguards). One morning as I went in someone said to me “ through this door please son" Son!!!  what the heck !! Not the sort of thing a 13 year girl needs to hear.

 

Not sure what got me out of my comfort zone more - the driving around Paris or the outfit!