Me, the spy, the journalist

I'm eavesdropping.

This is something I've done all over France, with varying degrees of success because often people talk too quickly or use words I don't understand. Today, however, I'm listening to a French voice I've heard many times before and have almost gotten used to: The Professor's.

He's talking to one of his students. And, I have to tell you, this is the first time I've actually seen his professorness in action. It's cute. Endearing. And I actually think my presence is embarrassing him a little. It's hard to be unselfconsciously skilled at your job when someone you care about is watching, but I like knowing that this man is a little more of a boy when I'm around. I like feeling important to him.

He's never seen me at my job -- even though he'll have a chance at it this weekend. I'm working as a TV reporter for the second time in France... now that I've been slowly making connections.

My first bit of work came in the form of a surprise (to me!) interview with the mayor of Antibes during the yacht show. I only learned I was doing it at the last minute and I had to ask three people how to say the word "yachting" in French as I ran with my microphone in hand and my non-English-speaking cameraman in tow. But I did it. And I did it in French. Ha! Yes, I did a little curtsey-type move when I apologized, blushing, for not not being French, but I got the footage.

That, I'm really glad the Professor wasn't watching.

I don't think I'm yet ready to work in French, while knowing someone who is important to me is watching. But that doesn't mean I can't spy on him...