Parce que c’est comme ça!

I'm a collector. Ever since I was young, I've collected things. Dolls, rocks, used stamps, keychains, cheap sets of 10 beaded bracelets from Claire's that I used to occasionally wear to school...all at once...on the same arm up to my elbow! As an adult my tastes have (thankfully) become a bit more refined. I now collect teacups, and I have a special place in my heart and soul for old books. I love used things; things that have a history and have been cherished and worn.

Living in Paris has given me the opportunity to collect all sorts of things. The first things I started to collect were doorways. I don't mean just any old regular doorways, either. I mean regal, colorful, curiously-carved doorways that just beckon you to walk through them. I'm constantly saying to Andrew as we walk through the streets of the city "Look at that door! WOW!" Sometimes I take pictures, but I more just like to notice and appreciate them.

From my experience working at Disneyland Paris, I have collected accents. That's something I've been doing for a while, but I'm getting rather good at it. Perhaps too good, in fact, because it has now become a habit. When I speak to a French guest at Disneyland, I speak to them the same way that another French person would, using the appropriate phrases, inflections, and accents. I try to not just speak the language with some word-for-word translation from English, but rather to speak as I've heard it spoken by the native people. When I meet Italian guests, my voice adopts a certain flair and personality that I've learned from even the youngest speakers of this breed. Italians, man, they know how to talk! I hardly know ten phrases in their language, but even with only these I've learned that with Italians that the way you say what you want to say is much more important than how many words you're able to say. With the Spanish I have a field-day. It's TERRIBLE, but how can I help it? I would say that 90% of the Spanish guests I've talked to speak in exactly the same manner, all with such an enthusiasm and certain spark in their eyes, yet talking very quickly and smoothly. The minute they hear Cinderella speak Spanish they shout "SHE SPEAKS SPANISH!!!!" and start pouring forth such a multitude of phrases while excitedly nudging their children, asking for "kisses! kisses!" as I'm trying to just get a word in with the poor kid and avoid as many often slobbery, face-painted kisses as possible. I've taken to speaking to Spanish kids the same way their mothers speak to them, really accentuating my vowels and questions...

"HOla, PrincessAA!!!!!! Como estAS?????? Como te llAmas? PAUla?? HOla, PAUla!!"

I also attempt to construct my phrases as quickly as possible, which starts to fry your brain after a while. Once I had 40 straight minutes of Spanish guests, with the exception of one French and one English family. When I got to the French and English, I actually had forgotten how to speak their languages! I stood there for a moment with a "Eeeuu" (French) or "uuuh" (English) on my lips, a couple faulty starts at conversation (kept starting with "como") and finally was able to get out a simple phrase, giving them the opportunity to talk while I recupperated, became myself once again, and racked my brain for words in the two languages I spoke and understood the most anyway!

I love the French language! It is so beautiful, but it is also very funny. One of my favorite pasttimes is collecting French phrases, and there are so many! Obviously, the language is a very complex construction of phrases, but I am speaking specifically of phrases which characterize the Parisian French. Phrases that give them away the same way that the use of the words "like," "totally," or "awesome" tend to give us Californians away, how we picture all New Yorkers saying "honey" in reference to every other being on the planet, while Southerners use the endearing "honey-chil(d)" or "darlin'". Basically, I'm talking about those mostly true stereotypes of language. Allow me to share some of my favorites...

• Parce que c’est comme ça! -- Literally "Because it's like that!" ("that's the way it is!") This fabulous phrase was actually told to me by an American. I hadn't really noticed it before, but the very next day it was used by one of my French friends at work in the perfectly stereotypical context! My American friend used this phrase because he had learned it from the French. "Parce que c’est comme ça" can be used in a few ways. Firstly, it's considered a satisfactory explanation for when there is no real explanation. Secondly, it can be an answer to a question that you don't actually want to answer (i.e. because you're too lazy), or when you think that the asker is not worth answering to. Thirdly, it can be used when you actually don't know what to say. My American friend learned to use this phrase when French people would ask, for instance, why the photolocation line was now closed? The actual answer is that there has been a character up there for 8 hours that day, that the times were clearly printed on the available literature for that day, and if the guest hadn't found some point during the day with that available knowledge and information, that was their fault. But of course, they KNOW that. So, instead, "Parce que c’est comme ça!" My French friend used it when trying to explain to me the difference between the phrases "C'est bon" and "C'est bien", both of which mean "It's good", but have completely different usages and contexts. I didn't feel that her explanation was making sense, so I would give her actual situations I had been in where I needed to use the phrase "it's good," so that she could tell me which to use. Well, I gave her different situations, one where I was having someone help me with my wig, I would have to say "c'est bon". BUT, if someone would help me with my dress, I have to say "c'est bien." How is that consistent!!?!?!? It's the same action taking place, just in reference to different parts of the body!! When I pointed this out to my friend, and asked why it was like that, you know what she said! "Parce que c’est comme ça!" I like that phrase!
  
• Bah OUI, hun?! -- "uh, YEAH?!" (You know this one in English, the answer to a very obvious, sarcastic, or dumb situation/question) French people LOVE this one. And the best part is, they don't even realize it!!! The best part of this phrase is the accent/pronunciation that comes with it. I wish I could show you so you could hear just how hilarious it sounds! When I use this phrase, I really adopt the accent, and continue speaking with it until I have to stop from laughing so hard. I usually use this one when a French person hears me speak their language, and asks (stupidly) "you speak French??" "Bah OUI, hun!?!" Like yeah, you French person, you just HEARD me speaking French! They are so stunned, so caught off guard, that an American (*gasp*) could possibly not only speak French, but speak it with a good accent, that this is often the first question out of their mouth. Sometimes they even ask me "you are French??" and just for the fun of it, I still respond "Bah OUI, hun!?" Which reminds me, there's also the negative usage of this phrase. When I say it that sarcastically, it's like saying "obviously NOT!" Last week I was eating lunch with some French friends, and a girl who I didn't really know actually got upset at me for using this phrase with my accent, although I was totally joking, and said "Okee, you KNOW zee Frunch not e-use zees phraze like zat!!!" And you know what I said?? Yup, you guessed it. The best part was, I got one of my French guy friends at the table into the conversation, and he sided with ME!! hahaah!! Bah OUI, hun!?!!? That's rich.
  
• C'est pas grave! -- Literally "It's not grave/serious" in a context of "it's not the end of the world, so stop your over-reacting you high-strung moron!" Okay, so maybe that last part was a little exaggerated. After all, no one has ever told me the specific meaning of this phrase, but I've often observed that it is used as a response to someone's exaggerated/unmerrited reaction or concern. French people use this one all the time. I find it especially at Disneyland. One day, I might have a costume that is a little too short, but "c'est pas grave!" Or perhaps my wig that day is a little whacky -- "c'est pas grave" (also, it means that they can fix it, so stop freaking out!) I just think it's a really nice and cute phrase that is used to calm people down and put them in their place. Funny considered that the French can really get up-in-arms about certain very stupid situations. But what am I even saying, I am perhaps the most dramatic person I know! That's probably why I like this phrase so much!
• Super! -- Can have the same meaning it does in our language, but usually is used as a more extreme form of the word "really." Andrew and I both have noticed and love this one! It's just plain funny the way that "Super!" is used in the language, but I think more so because we hardly use this word at all in the English language. I have a very sweet French friend named Elodie at work. She was the first French person at Disney who I really became friends with. She always makes me speak French with her, unless there are other English-speakers around. She seems to have taken a certain pride and joy in my ability to speak her language, because if another French person overhears me speaking, she will tell them proudly "elle parle SUPER bien le français!" (literally "she speaks REALLY well the French!") Hearing the word like this always brings a smile to my face! The word can also stand alone, for instance if you were to propose a favorable situation or outing, a French person may respond "Super!" or even (if you're lucky) "Super-cool!" This phrase seems a conglomeration of what would be the Californian-English equivalent of the words "awesome" "really" "totally" and "seriously" all put together. It's funny to me then, I think, because the above words aren't always interchangeable, whereas in French there's one word that means them all!
  

So, that was our language lesson of the day. Just something I've been thinking about and that makes me love this place all the more! :-) We love and miss you all, and wish you all were here! But, c'est pas grave, parce que c’est comme ça! If you could be here though, it would be Super!! Bah OUI, hun!?!?

You know what they say...

A picture is worth a thousand words! This one certainly is no exception! This is Fiona...


I came to work today and saw the woman who I had worked with the day that I was with Fiona. She told me that the family had sent her this photo, along with an email expressing their gratitude. I am so very thankful to have this beautiful photo!! It is the visible expression of what will always be a fond memory for me (she was telling me about the picture she drew when this photo was taken). Thank you again for letting me share it with you. (Note: please be careful with this photo and do not post it anywhere or send it around at all, in respect to the family and my job. Thanks!)

Moments of today:

• I had a lovely day today, and the chance to be Cinderella today! I was having a conversation with a sweet and shy little British girl, about 5 years old. I asked her all about her day at Disneyland, and she seemed to have been having a lovely time. She seemed hesitant throughout our whole conversation, until she finally asked "Um, Cinderella...can I have a kiss?" So sweet!! Definitely the quote of the day! Of course I said yes! :-) In Europe, it's expected that kisses and "cuddles" (hugs! I like their word better though) be given to and received from the children. I wasn't very used to it at first, being that these children are complete strangers and no job at home would EVER allow such interaction, but now it's one of my favorite customs!!
• Speaking of cuddles...later on today, a French family came who had two daughters, one of whom was very young, perhaps just two years old. I always squat down with children so small so that my size does not intimidate them. This little doll of a child came running up to me, but instead of giving the expected "cuddle," she plopped down on my dress and laid her head on my knee, as if in a dream. I think she would've stayed there all day, perfectly content, had there not been other children around. It was just so cute!! Everyone around was "aww-ing" and smiling. She came back to visit me later and sat down on my dress again, and snuggled up under my arm. What a cutie! I love these special moment with kids.
• I met the most talkative child in the universe today. She was American (of course!) and extremely eager about everything. She just about talked my ear off, which is actually a welcome change when you've been taking photos all day. She told me she had me in the parade yesterday..."Remember, you waved at me?! And you know what else??? Right now, I'm going to go in my stroller, and take my pass[ifier], and have a nice nap, and then I'm going to watch you in the parade again!!" Haha! I love it! She told me that she went on "it's a small world" and "Saw all the countries and states!" and that she didn't like the teacups "because they give me dizzies and make my tummy hurt kinda."
  

I seriously have the dream job! :-)

Oui, Cendrillon aime le chocolat!

Please excuse me for this very long entry, but the story that it contains is just so very special, I could barely wait to share it with all of you after it happened today...

Her name was Fiona, and at just four years old, she has a serious and impeding heart-condition. When I got to work this morning, I did not even know Fiona existed. But when I checked in, I was told I was going to be Cinderella for this very special little girl today! I was thrilled, and a little nervous.

My knowledge of Fiona before our meeting was very limited. I knew only her name, her age, and that she had some type of heart condition. Whether or not it was curable, I still do not know. I was told that it was her dream to meet Cinderella, and that today I was being employed by the "Disney Make a Dream Foundation" as Cinderella to make her dream into a reality! What a pleasure and blessing for me!

All done up in my beautiful gown, I nervously went to meet the little princess. I was meeting her in the Disneyland Hotel, in a lovely room, usually reserved for VIP's, that overlooks the castle and park. Only when I was taken to this room was I told that Fiona did not know that she was about to meet Cinderella, and this whole set up was a total surprise for her, arranged by her family and the "Make a Dream" team! They would leave me in an enclosed side-room, and then bring Fiona and her family into the VIP room. While they were admiring the view and the castle, Cinderella would come out to greet them, to Fiona's utter surprise and (we hoped) joy! So off went the two French members of our "dream team" to find Fiona, leaving me alone with my thoughts and anticipation.

As I sat there, I realized just how special this meeting was for this little girl. It dawned on me that out of all the wishes she could have, she wished to meet Cinderella. And not only that, but now she actually was going to meet her, living, breathing, real Cinderella. And at four years old, she would probably remember this meeting for many years to come. I wondered what she would look like, what would be her countenance. What could I say to this little creature? I thought of as many French phrases about "Cendrillon" as I could; could I tell her about my prince? My dress? My mice friends? Could I ask if she liked Disneyland, had she met other princesses, how long would she be here? I sat there waiting and wondering...

All too soon, my French companions came back to get me saying "She's here!" and out came Cinderella. Fiona's mother looked delighted, and kept looking towards her daugher's face, anticipating her reaction to seeing Cinderella. Fiona had not yet noticed, as she was being shown the castle and the view of Disneyland on this rainy but happy day. I had just a quick moment to observe little Fiona...I actually didn't realize at first that this tiny creature in my co-workers arms was a four-year-old. At first I thought she was an infant! She was so small, she barely stood above my knee, and weighed next to nothing. Everything about her was petite and yet adorable, especially her round brown eyes, framed by her blonde bob and straight bangs.

I walked over to the family and greeted them with a pleasant "Bonjour!" "Qui est ca?" (Who is that?), my French host asked the little girl. "Cendrillon!" she whispered, almost in disbelief, as her eyes grew wide at the sight of her dearest yet previously unknown friend! They introduced me to the family: mother, father, and older brother, each one with a camera or video camera. They all beamed at me over Fiona, and I assured them that I was "enchante" at having the pleasure of meeting them! Fiona seemed slightly dazed, but as my co-worker put her down, she walked slowly over to me with outstretched arms for a "grand embrace" (a big hug). With her head on my shoulder and arms round my neck, she smiled shyly at her mother, content to just be with her "Cendrillon." Her family and the team gently asked her questions, "Are you excited to meet Cinderella? Do you like her?" And she just smiled and nodded, shy little thing that she was. I told her that she had on a beautiful princess dress, and what lovely shoes! And was she enjoying Disneyland?

The team leader suggested that we sit down, as Fiona was just a tiny thing and I'd been kneeling down the whole time. Would Fiona like to sit on Cinderella's lap? Yes indeed, and not only that! Fiona went to her stroller, picked up a well-loved copy of her favorite storybook, Disney's Cendrillon (yes, in French), and proceeded to bring it to me as I lifted her into my lap. "Cendrillon--mais oui, c'est moi!" (Cinderella--why yes, that's me!) I said as I opened the book. "Et regarde, mon petit chaussure!" (And look, my little shoe!) as we glanced over the inside cover.

By this point, I must say I felt just a pure joy, and also an awe. I felt blessed that God could use me to help make this little girl's life special today. And ever-grateful that I not only knew "my" story well, (after all, Cinderella has always been my favorite fairy tale), but also that I had lots of experience reading and acting out this story back home, with my little girl friends from church and my students at summer camp. And now I was reading, as Cinderella, my story, to a dear little girl who wanted nothing more than this! What a dream come true this must truly have been for her! I proceeded to read the whoe story, stumbling multiple times to be sure, but excusing myself with a "Pardonez-moi!" and a responsive giggle from the family and my team! I was especially confused by a phrase reading "Cinderella was delicious..." I thought, surely this is some other word that looks like the word "delicious" in French. After all, while I can speak the language fairly well, I've never read out loud for an audience in French, and didn't know half the words and animal noises that appeared in the book. I discovered laster that Cinderella truly was "delicious," because when the word is used to describe a person, it means they got all dressed up and looked lovely! And all that time I felt awful, as I assumed I must be saying something rather naughty...I did my best to make the appropriate voice influctions, to really tell the story, to interpose with personal anecdotes when I could..."Oh look, there is my handsome prince! I love him!" "Who is that lady there, with the magic wand?" (by the way, "wand" in French is "baguette"! I had to surpress a chuckle at that one!)

When we finished reading the story, Fiona's family asked me to sign the title page. I signed it "To Fiona, from Cinderella, with many kisses" and she loved it. She had drawn me a picture, and did I want to see it? Why of course! I opened up the precious little drawing, and asked her what it was. Flowers, she said. And what was her favorite color of flower? Red, and green. I liked those colors too, I told her. I pointed out her name, written on the bottom of the picture. "And there, a heart." She said! How sweet!! I almost had tears by this point, just at the thought that this little girl was giving me a heart, though her own heart was pained.

Fiona's "coeur" (heart), which she pointed out to me

This drawing will always be precious to me! The family proceeded to give me a large bag of M & M's, which I gladly and laughingly accepted. I asked, "What is this? Is this chocolate? Because I love chocolate!!" Fiona said that she wanted to take a promenade with Cinderella around the hotel, and as she was such a tiny and frail thing, I asked if I could hold her during our walk. That worked better anyway, because I couldn't hold her hand without having to bend down significantly. She was thrilled at the thought of being "carried in Cinderella's arms," as she said.

My cherished drawing and (now half-eaten) M & M's!

We went all around the inside of the hotel, looking in gift shop windows, and out the hotel windows at the castle. All the hotel employees beamed at us; they could see that this was a precious girl and a very special circumstance. Fiona's parents told her that Cinderella would be saying goodbye soon. She asked if Cinderella could please put on her jacket? Of course! I put on her jacket, and took her outside where we would say goodbye "just beyond the door." She did not want me to leave, though her parents, myself, and my co-workers tried to persuade her that I must go so that I could see her when I danced in the parade later today! Finally she said alright, but couldn't she visit me again after the parade? No, but she was going to play in Disneyland, and see many other wonderful things and people and friends! Finally it was time to say farewell, and as I waved goodbye and told her I would see her later in the parade, I watched the little angelic face gaze back with a shy wave, and as her family turned to go I said "thank you." No, thanks to you, affirmed her mother, and then they were off.

Going back to the costuming building, I was on cloud 9! Everyone asked "Wow Mary, did you have a good day or something?" I could not wait to share my joy with others around me! I had a memory that would last forever, and some chocolate that would not. I offered to do this again...everyday, I said, if the "dream team" needed it. My two co-workers laughed, saying they would have me anytime! They were still amazed...they had not realized that I spoke French until I entered the room to greet the family! Who knows what we would've done about reading the story, and walking round the hotel, and all the special things we talked about, had I not known French!!? I felt like the experiences I've had in the past had all in some way contributed to the knowledge that I would need to make this day a special and a success. Whether I will have another such meeting, and whether it will be such a success, I don't now know. But I do know that I will remember today, and I will remember Fiona, forever.

And they all lived "happily ever after. The end."

First Week Working for Disney

Well, week 1 is finished! WOO! I made it!

This job is so much more difficult than I would've ever thought! It's also much more fun, and I'm discovering that there is lots of opportunity during my stay here...

Everyone who works at Disneyland Paris as a performer plays Atmosphere/Fuzzy Characters (Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, etc...) So even though I was hired as a Face Character (i.e. Princess), I don't find out until Monday if I even will officially be approved to play any of these characters, and if so, which ones. Being employed in the Character and Parades department here at Disneyland Paris means that you perform as an Atmosphere and/or Face Character, doing Meet-N-Greet sets in the park, Photo-Location sets, Dining experiences, Parades, and sometimes shows (there's a Sleeping Beauty show that I really want to be a part of!!!) At this point, I just really want to be a Face Character...every time I see a Princess, I think "I cannot WAIT to do that job!" I sincerely hope (and even pray!) that I get the opportunity to. Otherwise, I'm in for some REALLY toasty work over the next 8 months. I had a mandatory medical exam today and discovered that I've already lost 5 pounds...I hate to think what I'll look like in 8 months at this rate! There might not be enough of me left to return to California, as I will have sweat it all off.

Well, Disneyland here in Paris is quite different from Disneyland at home. I really, really like it though! I have yet to see the whole thing, and even to learn my way around, but so far, there are many parts of it that I actually prefer to Anaheim. Some comparisons...

1. Attention to detail here (on the attractions and around the park) is incredible! The buildings, roads, decor, landscaping...everything seems just perfect and so very artistic! It's very clear that a lot of thought and effort was put into making this park aesthetically pleasing for a specific yet broad audience. At the same time, I feel like the detail put into the performers and their performances are not as good of quality as at Disneyland in Anaheim. I'm really interested to see how a handful of Americans with a very different work ethic will affect this type of presentation. As a newcomer to Disney and to Paris specifically, I was not necessarily expecting to be coming in somewhat on top. Yet from what I've seen, it seems like a lot of people do this because it's a job, and not because it's something they love or even enjoy. I'm hoping that I can keep a positive attitude during the duration of my contract, and remember why I'm here in the first place!

2. The size! It's fabulous, and really perfect! Andrew and I went to Disneyworld for our honeymoon, and we agreed that the Magic Kingdom there was just sort of, well, clumsy. As if they had a mentality of "bigger is better", when in reality, bigger is just bigger! We're used to Disneyland, which is quaint, original, but also bursting at the seams!! Disneyland Paris is much more spacious than Disneyland in Anaheim, and understandably so, being only 17 as opposed to 55 years old. I feel that here though, one has room to breathe, to navigate, appreciate, and enjoy all aspects of the park. While I have yet to experience a truly "packed" day, I don't think that this place could ever seem overcrowded, as Disneyland Anaheim has seemed to become over the past couple of years.

3. The interesting thing about Disneyland Paris is that it really has to cater to a certain type of audience...a people with a history. Now you may not realize, but Disneyland Paris is set up in the same way as Disneyland Anaheim, complete with Main Street USA (very UN-French), Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Discoveryland (the same as our Tomorrowland). So, while it has the same basic outline, what is inside each of the lands provides the contrast from what I'm used to. At Disneyland back home, I've always experienced a kind of whimsical "other-world" feel from the each respective land/area of the park. But in Disneyland Paris, one experiences a kind of whimsical "other-time" in each land, where history seems to have left a mark on each and every aspect of that area in a unique way. In the Castle walk-through, for instance, instead of looking at animated scenes made with mirror tricks (like at home), the story of Sleeping Beauty is told through stained-glass windows and tapestries! VERY French! These things will have meaning for and affect a European audience in ways that Americans would react very differently to. Fantasyland itself feels like an actual Medieval town! The Carousel, rather than boasting the gallant white horses of Anaheim, shows off fully armored and ready-for-war Steeds, surrounded by coats of arms! I expected knights in shining armor to appear at any moment...

I hate to admit (especially on this "happy Disney" post) that I'm a fan of Eddie Izzard, who is a rather crass but also extremely hilarious British comedian. However, he brings up a good point and perspective when talking about the Disneyland Paris park, and that's what I'll leave you with so you may better understand what I'm trying to say:

"I grew up in Europe, where the history comes from.  Oh, yes.  You tear your
history down, man. "It’s 200 years old, let's smash it and put a car park
here."  I have seen it in stories. I saw a program on something in Miami.
"We've redecorated this building to how it looked over fifty years ago!"
People are going, "No, surely not! No! No one was alive then." We've got
tons of history lying about. Big old castles.  They just get in the way.
"There's a blasted castle, I'll have to drive around."  Disney came over and
built Euro Disney.  They built the Disney castle there.  Everyone was like,
"Make it bigger, they've actually got them here…and they're not made of
plastic." We've got tons of them. You think we all live in castles and we do.
We've got a castle each.  We're up to here with castles.  We just long for a
bungalow or something."