Category: Paris

April Fool's Day, Paris

Bougeotte = Wanderlust, the need to move about + A New Attraction The Paris Airport

Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Photo: Dmitry Avdeev TODAY’S WORD: BOUGEOTTE : wanderlust, travel bug : restless, ants in your pants, move about A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristin Espinasse Special thanks to those who have signed up for one of Jean-Marc’s Provence Wine Tours. For anyone interested, there are a few places left so don’t delay.  And now, … Continue reading Bougeotte = Wanderlust, the need to move about + A New Attraction The Paris Airport

Kristin Espinasse64 Comments
Paris, Susan, Uncategorized

Punaise! Our Hotel in Paris had a little bug (and not the kind you’re thinking)….

Punaise! When I heard about the bed bug epidemic in Paris, I almost canceled plans to see my best friend. I’m so glad I didn’t let those punaise reports destroy this joyful reunion. TODAY'S WORD: Punaise!   : Darn! Oh no! Oh dear! Punaise also means bug or “bed bug”. The exclamation may have been born of the horror of seeing the crawly creatures, i.e. … Continue reading Punaise! Our Hotel in Paris had a little bug (and not the kind you’re thinking)….

Kristin Espinasse32 Comments
Food and Drink, Paris, Travel

La Fringale: At what hour do the French get the munchies?

On a train journey back from Paris, Kristi reflects on feeling hungry and shares insights about social norms surrounding food in France. She contemplates the appropriateness of eating at unusual hours, specifically her craving for gourmet leftovers after missing lunch. During her trip, she observes fellow passengers enjoying snacks, which fuels her internal debate about breaking cultural norms. Ultimately, she decides to embrace her hunger and eat her meal, finding relief in the absence of judgment. The piece highlights the author’s humorous struggle with societal expectations and includes a lesson on the French vocabulary word “la fringale,” meaning hunger or cravings. Continue reading La Fringale: At what hour do the French get the munchies?

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
Jackie, Paris, Travel

Every Francophiles Favorite F Word + 2 Days in Paris!

In the enchanting evening of Paris, the author reflects on the joy of flânerie—strolling without a specific destination. Surrounded by Montmartre’s beauty, particularly the Sacré Coeur Basilica, the author’s journey with her daughter Jackie unfolds as they ponder their limited time in the city. While planning activities like dinner and a cabaret, uncertainty arises about their options. Ultimately, they embrace the idea of wandering, highlighting the allure of exploration in the City of Light. The author contemplates the importance of savoring moments together before Jackie’s departure, expressing a desire to share more stories about their experiences in Paris. Continue reading Every Francophiles Favorite F Word + 2 Days in Paris!

Kristin Espinasse42 Comments
Paris

Paris story + How to say “locked out” in French?

View from Jackie's studio in Paris. More about this canyon of French windows you are viewing, in today's missive. And félicitations! to our 17-year-old daughter, who has completed her 4th internship in fashion design. enfermé dehors     : locked out AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jean-Marc read today's example sentence:Download MP3 or Wav file Un jour, en descendant la poubelle, il s'était enfermé dehors en pyjama. (H.-F. Blanc, Combat de … Continue reading Paris story + How to say “locked out” in French?

Kristin Espinasse29 Comments
Paris

Serendipity in French: un heureux hazard

Serendipity – it is just the word to begin the summer edition of this journal sentimental. Only, do the French even have a word for serendipity? Et oui! “UN HEUREUX HASARD” : serendipity, serendipitously AUDIO: Listen to Jean-Marc read today’s example sentence: Download MP3 or Wav Mais, heureux hasard, au détour d’une rue bruxelloise, une affiche crayonnée fait de l’oeil au passant : “Discover the freedom of … Continue reading Serendipity in French: un heureux hazard

Kristin Espinasse33 Comments
Paris

bibliotheque + American Library in Paris & Ann Mah and Patricia Wells!

Authors and journalists Patricia Wells and Ann Mah are as down-to-earth as dandelions–something these culinary divas could appreciate–sauteed with lardons fumés (and a glass of Mas des Brun rosé bien sûr!)  la bibliothèque (bih-blee-oh-tek)     : library Confession: I still mix up the terms bibliothèque and librairie, but une librairie–no matter how misleading name–is still a book store as we noted here. Audio File & Example Sentence: Will … Continue reading bibliotheque + American Library in Paris & Ann Mah and Patricia Wells!

Kristin Espinasse58 Comments
Paris, Susan, Writing

Bonjour. It’s good to be back!

The writer reflects on their recent sabbatical in Paris, expressing initial nerves about potentially not returning to writing. They recognize their belief in being an “all or nothing” person but acknowledge a more adaptable nature within themselves. Gratitude is extended to readers who joined a recent cruise from Paris to Normandy, highlighting the experience and the beauty of the region. The writer recalls meaningful encounters, including moments spent with friends and the touching visit to Omaha Beach. They conclude by inviting readers to enjoy a holiday CD featuring French Christmas songs and share images from the cruise experience. Continue reading Bonjour. It’s good to be back!

Kristin Espinasse250 Comments
France City Guide, Paris

Things to Do in Paris – 2013

Le vélo = popular transportation when in Paris. Bonjour!  We are working on another city guide and when I say “we” I mean you and me! If you have been to Paris recently please help us out by sharing: hotel or apartment or B&B suggestions restaurants, cafés,  bistros nightclubs, theaters, shows unique shops, bookstores… kids or teens – fun stuff and ideas for young ones … Continue reading Things to Do in Paris – 2013

Kristin Espinasse296 Comments