Author: Kristin Espinasse

Italy, Travel

Louche: A Shady, Sketchy, and Suspicious Encounter at the Airport

Beautiful, innocent Italy, where seemingly nothing could go wrong. Do you ever let down your guard when traveling to charming places? Read about our iffy airport transfer after midnight in today's update… Stay connected with me on Instagram or Facebook or LinkedIn. It’s a great way to keep in touch, especially when this blog takes a break or faces technical hiccups. I’d hate to lose … Continue reading Louche: A Shady, Sketchy, and Suspicious Encounter at the Airport

Kristin Espinasse17 Comments
Health care

A Visit to the Kiné: French Healthcare with a Cozy Twist

Today’s story unfolds here in La Ciotat, near this lush, green former agricultural estate, now the Parc du Domaine de la Tour… A Note About Your Subscription:From time to time, readers are automatically dropped from my mailing list by a system that flags inactive emails—this isn't something I control! To ensure you stay connected and don’t miss out on these weekly updates, please click on … Continue reading A Visit to the Kiné: French Healthcare with a Cozy Twist

Kristin Espinasse17 Comments
Birthdays

Essayer: Celebrating 22 Years with French Word-A-Day: From Trick-or-Treaters to Timeless Tales

"Woman With the Purple Hair in L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue." Her yellow skirt, red-trimmed bag, black tights, and violet highlights–she makes me want to trade my trusty jeans for something electrifying. Indeed, on the eve of the Day of the Dead, this lady is alive! For me, her tenue speaks of creativity, freedom, sweetness, and determination. Notice, also, the jack-o'-lanterns streaming in the sky… Joyeuse Halloween! TODAY'S WORD: … Continue reading Essayer: Celebrating 22 Years with French Word-A-Day: From Trick-or-Treaters to Timeless Tales

Kristin Espinasse34 Comments
Cassis, Writing

Laquelle? Choices, Drama, & Everyday Life in France

Colorful buildings along the port of Cassis. Also, below, in the first six lines below, I am trying a new format for the word of the day. How do you like it? Do you have other suggestions for this weekly journal. Thanks for letting me know in the comments box. TODAY'S WORD: Laquelle, Lequel Pronunciation: [la-kell, le-kell]Meaning: Which one?  Example Sentence:Je ne sais pas laquelle … Continue reading Laquelle? Choices, Drama, & Everyday Life in France

Kristin Espinasse15 Comments
Dad and Marsha, Family Life

Papa Chéri: Our Father-Daughters’ Reunion at Sea

Bubbles in Barcelona: Enjoy the story of our father-daughters’ Mediterranean reunion in today's entry “Papa Chéri.” TODAY’S WORD: PAPA CHÉRISweet Dad, Darling Dad A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse It’s 4:15 a.m., and I’ve just hugged my sister, Heidi, goodbye. She is on her way home to Denver. In another three hours, it will be time to send off our other sister, … Continue reading Papa Chéri: Our Father-Daughters’ Reunion at Sea

Kristin Espinasse32 Comments
Uncategorized

Return from Vacation & Dépaysement

Bonjour les Amis et les Amies! I'm back from a wonderful meet-up with my father and sisters. While this column will resume in one week, I wanted to check in briefly and see how everyone is doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the hurricane in Florida and beyond. Please stay safe. In moments like these, we often feel a mixture of … Continue reading Return from Vacation & Dépaysement

Kristin Espinasse7 Comments
Uncategorized

Raplapla & A Visit to The Hairdresser’s

Enjoy today's story about my appointment at the neighborhood salon as I get ready for an upcoming Mediterranean cruise with my dad and my two sisters. Leaving for a mini family reunion soon…See you in a few weeks!  TODAY’S WORD: RAPLAPLA   : flat, lifeless; tired-looking A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse This fall, my dog and I are in a competition … Continue reading Raplapla & A Visit to The Hairdresser’s

Kristin Espinasse24 Comments
Birthdays, Wedding Anniversary

Voile: Uplifting Thoughts to Start The Day

There's a sailing theme in today's essay as well as a nod to our 30th wedding anniversary. The term "voile" neatly captures both…so let’s begin! TODAY'S WORD: VOILE     : sail (la voile)    : veil (le voile) A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse It’s the start of a new work week, and Jean-Marc, Ricci, and I have overslept. Perhaps Sunday’s … Continue reading Voile: Uplifting Thoughts to Start The Day

Kristin Espinasse30 Comments
Uncategorized

Rally vs. Râler & The Wisdom of Une Nuit Blanche

Photo taken at Le Couvent des Minimes last spring, during a road trip with my best friend, Susan–alias Rouge-Bleu. Perhaps I was dreaming of this ethereal place when something suddenly jolted me awake… TODAY'S WORD: UNE NUIT BLANCHE     : sleepless night; all-nighter A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse The first week of fall had me tossing and turning like a … Continue reading Rally vs. Râler & The Wisdom of Une Nuit Blanche

Kristin Espinasse4 Comments
Uncategorized

Entertaining Angels & French for “Time to eat!”

Une cabane in La Ciotat Discover the earliest stories from this journal in Words in a French Life: Lessons in Love & Language in the South of France. It's the perfect read for anyone who loves heartwarming tales and French culture. Pick up a copy for yourself, or share the joy with a friend—and help us spread the love! TODAY'S WORD: À table!     … Continue reading Entertaining Angels & French for “Time to eat!”

Kristin Espinasse11 Comments