Category: Culture

Christmas, Culture, Trees

L’arbre de Noël & A Christmas tree with a Provençal Twist

Meet "Ollie," our olive tree, who will soon be dressed for Christmas with baubles, ribbons and warm white lights. Discover the story behind this unique Christmas tree in today's post. Voici "Ollie," notre olivier, qui sera bientôt paré pour Noël avec des boules, des rubans, et des lumières blanches chaudes. Découvrez l'histoire de cet arbre de Noël unique dans le billet d'aujourd'hui. L'ARBRE DE NOËL … Continue reading L’arbre de Noël & A Christmas tree with a Provençal Twist

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Culture, Health, Travel

Il devait en être ainsi: Meant to be (predestined) in French: A Chance Encounter with some Ceyrestens

The sign reads "change of ownership". Today's story takes place in a town nearby: Ceyreste. FYI: The inhabitants are called "Ceyrestens" for men and "Ceyrestennes" for women. Are you an expat in France (or anywhere outside the US) and need to file your taxes?Good news: you have an automatic extension through June 17. I am using Expatfile again this year to complete mine quickly and … Continue reading Il devait en être ainsi: Meant to be (predestined) in French: A Chance Encounter with some Ceyrestens

Kristin Espinasse23 Comments
Cuisine, Culture, Dad and Marsha, Family Life, Heidi, Travel

Calin: A Hug in French, Family Reunions and My Break in the States

Some friendly characters encountered back in the Southwest, USA. BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE BOOK REVIEW by PERFECTLY PROVENCE"The book’s chapters weave through the realities of being a mother, wife, and daughter living in an adopted country with different rules, cultural norms and language nuances." Read Carolyne Kauser-Abbott's review of Blossoming in Provence. TODAY'S FRENCH WORD: Un câlin     : a hug Rien ne vaut le … Continue reading Calin: A Hug in French, Family Reunions and My Break in the States

Kristin Espinasse15 Comments
April Fool's Day, Culture, Paris

The French Speedo is Back as France strips down for the Climate

In France, a new law is being implemented to minimize greenhouse gas emissions caused by clothing during the summer season. Citizens are encouraged to wear less clothing, with limits falling from 1 kilogram to 700 grams by mid-June, and another 200 grams by July. Failure to comply will result in a fine or civil service. Some towns along the French coast may even require citizens to go about without clothing.
Continue reading The French Speedo is Back as France strips down for the Climate

Kristin Espinasse55 Comments
Culture, Travel

A Common Mistake + favorite English word translated to French

The Kasbah. Agadir, formerly "Santa Cruz", is located on a seismic line. Agadir was rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake that killed 17000 people and destroyed 60 percent of this city. More about our visit to this former French colony, in today's post. NEW: The audio section has moved and is now a dual-recording. Jean-Marc pronounces the French and you'll hear my Arizona accent for the … Continue reading A Common Mistake + favorite English word translated to French

Kristin Espinasse23 Comments
Characters, Culture

Les Étrennes: This French new year’s custom will have you digging in your pockets

Photo of les boîtes à lettres taken in Marseilles at Les Arcenaulx. Thank you, Jean-Marc, for recording two sound files for today's post (the second is found below the vocabulary list). Note: if you are experiencing déjà vu reading the following column–tout va bien–the story is being revived from the archives.  TODAY'S WORD: LES ETRENNES     : New Year's gift, tip, bonus étrenner = … Continue reading Les Étrennes: This French new year’s custom will have you digging in your pockets

Kristin Espinasse11 Comments
Culture, Religion in France

Culte: How I found out I was in a sect in France (humor)

Today's word: un défi     : a challenge lancer un défi = lay down a challenge A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Note: the following (humorous) story is not intended to start a religious debate, but to highlight just one aspect of French life. Please read it under the filter of cultural understanding! As always, this is a personal journal about … Continue reading Culte: How I found out I was in a sect in France (humor)

Kristin Espinasse25 Comments
Culture, Heidi

Say “Pink Flamingo” in French + Reverse culture shock

Sunflowers–and come see the exotic pink bird in our garden… at the next wine tasting here at Mas des Brun, August 6th. We hope to see you! Contact jm.espinasse@gmail.com for details. le flamant rose (flamahn rowz)     : pink flamingo Audio File: listen to today's word and example sentence, read by Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wave file Flamant Rose. En Camargues, les flamants roses sont des espèces … Continue reading Say “Pink Flamingo” in French + Reverse culture shock

Kristin Espinasse208 Comments
Culture, Heidi, Hospitality, Insects

How to say “cleaning frenzy” in French! + photo vocabulary!

Gone fishing! I'll see you in a week, when the next post goes out. Meantime, keep up your French vocabulary by visiting the French word archives. Thanks for reading and for sharing our language journal with friends and family. See you soon–with more photos and stories from a French life! Bisous, Kristin  la frénésie de ménage (fray-nay-zee deuh may-nazh)     : cleaning frenzy  … and … Continue reading How to say “cleaning frenzy” in French! + photo vocabulary!

Kristin Espinasse68 Comments
Culture, Driving, Morocco

Trajet: Drivers, travelling in Morocco, and the road to Marrakesh

In contrast to the chaos in today's story, we'll begin with a peaceful glimpse of Morocco. Read on, now, for another 'picture'! (Photo taken two years ago, on a family trip.) le trajet (trah jay)     : trip, journey In books: French Demystified…simple enough for a beginner but challenging enough for a more advanced student. Order your copy here. Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc Download MP3 or Wav file … Continue reading Trajet: Drivers, travelling in Morocco, and the road to Marrakesh

Kristin Espinasse24 Comments