Category: Bilingual Story

Bilingual Story, Health, Marriage, Walking

“Bidou”: A Do-It-Yourself Tummy Tuck in French (Bilingual Story)

Today, learn a tummy tuck trick my husband and I use on our morning walks. Passing by historic sites, such as the Eden Theatre–the oldest cinema in the world–is a helpful distraction as we do our "standing situps." Are you an Expat who needs to file your tax return? Don't sweat it! Get $20 off when you use Expatfile software to begin the simplified process. … Continue reading “Bidou”: A Do-It-Yourself Tummy Tuck in French (Bilingual Story)

Kristin Espinasse24 Comments
Bilingual Story

Engagement is a “faux ami” + Welcoming a Pet into the Family & Responsibility

"Adopt Don't Shop"… is that even debatable? And yet the decision between adopting from a shelter or choosing a puppy from a breeder isn't always straightforward. Read Jean-Marc's essay about our current dog dilemma, and we welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments. (Picture taken at one of the animal rescue centers we visited this month). Today's word is a faux-ami or false cognate … Continue reading Engagement is a “faux ami” + Welcoming a Pet into the Family & Responsibility

Kristin Espinasse27 Comments
Bilingual Story, Friends, Jean-Marc, Marseilles, wine business

A Fun Word for Wine + Jean-Marc’s Epic Farewell at Chateau Beaupin

Jean-Marc and Kristi, center, surrounded by longtime friends. Tuesday Night was my husband's big night and this was no time to stress. So I took a deep breath, asked readers for ideas about how to chill before a social event when you are an introvert and you don’t drink, and received some excellent tips in return. Next, I dressed to the nines and headed to … Continue reading A Fun Word for Wine + Jean-Marc’s Epic Farewell at Chateau Beaupin

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Bilingual Story, French Destinations, Jean-Marc

La Grande Randonnée: Jean-Marc’s GR 20 trek in Corsica: Part II bilingual story + full audio recording

Did you know that "GR" of  “GR20” is an acronym for “Grande Randonnée” or “long hike”? Today, Jean-Marc recounts his recent adventure along this mythical footpath, one of the most difficult treks in Europe—located on the beautiful island of Corsica.    In books: Granite Island: A Portrait of Corsica. TODAY'S WORD: la randonnée     : hike, trek, ramble, walk OUR GR 20 TREK IN … Continue reading La Grande Randonnée: Jean-Marc’s GR 20 trek in Corsica: Part II bilingual story + full audio recording

Kristin Espinasse23 Comments
Bilingual Story, French Destinations, Jean-Marc

Le Défi: An upcoming challenge for Jean-Marc + full story recorded in French

One of the many "points d'eau" Jean-Marc talks about in his update, below. The English version follows and the entire story is available on sound file, below. Today's French Word: "le défi"     : challenge, dare Sound File: Click below to listen to Jean-Marc read his story.  Note:  Jean-Marc repeats a few of the sentences in this long recording (where an error was made). … Continue reading Le Défi: An upcoming challenge for Jean-Marc + full story recorded in French

Kristin Espinasse65 Comments
Alps, Bilingual Story, Driving, Jean-Marc

Le Ravin: Jean-Marc’s car accident in the French Alps

Today's Word: le ravin     : ravine, a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm… Audio File: Click here to listen to Jean-Marc read the last sentence in his story, below.A BILINGUAL STORY  by Jean-Marc Espinasse (English version follows, below) Puisque que la météo avait prévu de la neige dans les Alpes, je me suis décidé à partir tout seul ce weekend pour faire de la … Continue reading Le Ravin: Jean-Marc’s car accident in the French Alps

Kristin Espinasse44 Comments
Bilingual Story, Encouragement, hope, inspiration

Rien qu’aujourd’hui (Only for Today): A “How To” for difficult times

During 10 challenging years at two vineyards (before moving to this peaceful, postage-stamp garden where our wine memoir is underway), I kept a copy of today's mind-centering thoughts in my purse. In uncertain times, such words may be helpful to you, to your family, or to your friends.ONLY FOR TODAY…RIEN QU'AUJOURD'HUIOnly for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to … Continue reading Rien qu’aujourd’hui (Only for Today): A “How To” for difficult times

Kristin Espinasse41 Comments
Bilingual Story, Max

Dazed in Reims: A boxing incident lands Max in ER

The following sentence is from the French translation, just below. "Knockout (KO) is the term, in combat sports, for the action of putting out a fighter as a result of a blow carried by his adversary and making him temporarily lose his abilities (the person is called "stunned")."(photo, by Max, of his boxing ring in Reims)  Today's word : sonné(e)    : stunned, dazed Example … Continue reading Dazed in Reims: A boxing incident lands Max in ER

Kristin Espinasse23 Comments
Bilingual Story, mother-in-law, Recette / Recipe

Rondelle + Recipe everyone’s asking for! My Mother-in-Law’s Summer Pizza!

Michèle-France's Pizza d'Ete. Summer Pizza. TODAY'S WORD: une rondelle     : slice Note: rondelle, in this sense, is used for slices of tomato, zucchini, lemon, sausage etc. Careful not to ask for a rondelle de pizza! Instead, ask for une part de pizza. ECOUTEZ – hear Jean-Marc pronounce today's word and read his mother's recipe. First, listen to the soundfile, then check the text (in … Continue reading Rondelle + Recipe everyone’s asking for! My Mother-in-Law’s Summer Pizza!

Kristin Espinasse34 Comments
Bilingual Story, Dual-language Story

Bilingual Post: se sublimer (and more about the creative process)

  The painted sign reads: "To live well, love well, and let the others say what they will!" Pour bien vivre, bien aimer, et laisser dire. (Picture taken during our family vacation in Aosta, Italy. I repost this photo often because the message is so good and a needed reminder!)  se sublimer (seuh-soo-blee-may)     : to transcend oneself, to go beyond one's limits Example … Continue reading Bilingual Post: se sublimer (and more about the creative process)

Kristin Espinasse58 Comments