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From Rice and Lentils to Salmon and Champagne

December 4, 2016 by Sonia Marsh 9 Comments

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From rice and lentils to salmon and champagne, life is good in Paris.

I left my rural village in Lesotho, last week, flew to Johannesburg with a stopover in Abu-Dhabi and finally Paris.

It’s amazing how fast I’ve adapted to nice showers, a washing machine, a clean gym, and good food.

Jill, my Father’s wife celebrated her 80th birthday with 48 relatives and friends who flew in from Denmark, Italy, Brazil, and me from Lesotho.

catherine-and-jill
Jill and her daughter Catherine

We celebrated at “Le Fruit Defendu”  the perfect restaurant for a cozy evening with a delightful Christmas feel located on the banks of the river Seine, west of Paris.

jills-empty-restaurant
Le Fruit Defendu

My charming, 91-year-old father, has not changed, still in good health, and I am always happy when I spend time with him and Jill.

They reserved the entire restaurant several months ago, and as soon as we entered, we enjoyed the inviting fireplace, candles, champagne, friendly guests and an evening of unforgettable speeches.

granddchildren-and-adrien-kissing-mormor
Jill and her grandchildren who made a great speech for her. A family picture.

An elegant three course meal started at 9 p.m., and ended at 12:30 a.m with an ice cream cake and “fireworks” as well as more champagne.

Jill's ice cream "fireworks" cake
Jill’s ice cream “fireworks” cake

I loved catching up with old relatives and friends, and in particular, Anette, a Danish friend who has read and commented on all my FaceBook posts about my life in Lesotho, and been very supportive.

My Danish friend Annette who knew my mother and we've stayed in touch.
My Danish friend Annette who knew my mother and we’ve stayed in touch.

It’s so strange to feel like you can be two different people, one in Lesotho, living a simple life with no luxuries, and another person enjoying the comforts of a western lifestyle.

 

 

 

Filed Under: People, Travel & Adventure Tagged With: family visit

Comments

  1. Barbara says

    December 4, 2016 at 7:44 am

    If anyone deserves a luxe party, you do, Sonia! Have a wonderful time and enjoy every moment of the Holidays!
    xob

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      December 10, 2016 at 5:36 am

      Thanks Barbara. Back in California this weekend. So nice to be here and see my sons.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..From Rice and Lentils to Salmon and ChampagneMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Suellen Zima says

    December 4, 2016 at 11:32 am

    Proves how flexible you can be to find at least a small sense of belonging in very different environments. I’ve often felt I lived many lives in one. During my years of living elsewhere, I sometimes felt like a bridge between very different cultures. And sometimes I felt like a sculptor carving out niches for myself in other worlds I lived in.

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      December 10, 2016 at 5:37 am

      Yes, Suellen,
      I can understand what you felt. It seems unreal to be living such different lives.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..From Rice and Lentils to Salmon and ChampagneMy Profile

      Reply
  3. dkzody says

    December 5, 2016 at 9:28 am

    This looks like a wonderful time, and you certainly deserve a break after all of the hard work you’ve been doing. Your dad and step-mom look wonderful. They must be living a very good life. Just like you!
    dkzody recently posted..Too many books, not enough timeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      December 10, 2016 at 5:38 am

      dkzody,
      They enjoy life and have grandkids who visit them often. They are a modern couple.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..From Rice and Lentils to Salmon and ChampagneMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Carol says

    December 9, 2016 at 9:03 am

    What a great time you must have had.It would be interesting to know which language you all chose to speak! What an incredible life you’re leading, Sonia.

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      December 10, 2016 at 5:38 am

      dkzody,
      They enjoy life and have grandkids who visit them often. They are a modern couple.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..From Rice and Lentils to Salmon and ChampagneMy Profile

      Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      December 10, 2016 at 5:40 am

      We spoke Danish, French and English at different tables. I’m in California now and enjoying the beach. Merry Christmas Carol, and thanks for following my adventures.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..From Rice and Lentils to Salmon and ChampagneMy Profile

      Reply

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