Tag: La Ciotat

French Learning

No Letters to America? New Tariffs Disrupt French Mail

TODAY’S WORD: le chamboulement : upheaval / disruptionPRONUNCIATION: [luh shahn-boo-luh-mahn]EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Ce chamboulement a commencé avec le vent, mais il a fini par atteindre jusqu’à nos lettres.This upheaval began with the wind, but it eventually reached even our letters. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Le Monde à l’Envers Opening my bedroom shutters, I hold on to the dusty ledge, half afraid I’ll be carried … Continue reading No Letters to America? New Tariffs Disrupt French Mail

Kristin Espinasse15 Comments
Cassis, Heidi

“Smala” & Family Visit to Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles

Kristi Espinasse shares her joyful experiences with her American family visiting Cassis, France, for the first time. Their week has been filled with activities like beach outings, farmers market trips, and cliff diving. They explored several picturesque locations, including Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, while enjoying the cultural differences. A highlight was a family gathering at Vieux Port, where despite language barriers, the reunion was a success. As Kristi reflects on the importance of family time, she embraces the concept of “smala,” meaning big family. She cherishes these moments together, even as she contemplates obligations at home that prevent further travels. Continue reading “Smala” & Family Visit to Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles

Kristin Espinasse27 Comments
Weather

La Rafale: The Gusts of France: An Ode to the Mistral Wind

Harnessing the wind in Hyérès, South of France, a kite surfer’s paradise. More advantages of the wind in today's story. First, our word of the day:  LA RAFALE     : gusty wind, bluster, squall A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Brise, rafale, mistral…No matter how poetic it is in French, wind can be disruptive and annoying. My husband used to curse … Continue reading La Rafale: The Gusts of France: An Ode to the Mistral Wind

Kristin Espinasse27 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
Entertaining, French Expressions

What to serve our Guests? (and “Bob’s Your Uncle” in French)

The sign says “Open.” Coucou from La Ciotat. If you are visiting our city, why not stop into Jean-Marc's wineshop? Call ahead and he will be happy to see you at Le Vin Sobre  Bar à Vin. TODAY'S PHRASE: "Le tour est joué"     : that's all there is to it, and Bob's your uncle FRENCH SOUND FILE: Click below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce … Continue reading What to serve our Guests? (and “Bob’s Your Uncle” in French)

Kristin Espinasse14 Comments
Jackie, Sports

What are “les patins à roulettes”? + Embarrassment is the Thief of Joy

Colorful, vintage "quad" roller skates. Je les adore! How about you? And do you rollerskate? Also, if today's word doesn't interest you, there are a dozen more useful terms to discover in the story below. FRENCH WORD OF THE DAY: les patins à roulettes      : roller skates  FRENCH AUDIO: Click the link below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in today's post. Then … Continue reading What are “les patins à roulettes”? + Embarrassment is the Thief of Joy

Kristin Espinasse20 Comments
Uncategorized

Voir un film en VO, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Freddie Mercury’s new fan

Because I forgot to mention, in my essay below, what it was that most moved me about the biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, I'll say it now: Freddie Mercury refused to let anyone, whether a close family member or a hot-in-pursuit suitor, define him. With his bold example he won my heart. Today's Expression: voir un film en VO (version originale)     : to see a … Continue reading Voir un film en VO, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Freddie Mercury’s new fan

Kristin Espinasse35 Comments
Uncategorized

Dégouliner: the rain trickled, dripped, and poured but it didn’t keep us from touring La Ciotat

Something about these reptilian tiles tells me they are not as old as our church (built here in La Ciotat in 1603. The cement tiles, it turns out, were set down 8 months ago, during a partial renovation). I do like them, though, and you? Some say the salamander is symbolic. Of what, I wonder? My friends from North Dakota and I had hurried into … Continue reading Dégouliner: the rain trickled, dripped, and poured but it didn’t keep us from touring La Ciotat

Kristin Espinasse18 Comments
Uncategorized

Quel temps de cochon! Beastly weather in La Ciotat, Cassis, and Sanary-sur-Mer!

Out now! Jackie Clark Mancuso's latest in her much-beloved Hudson series: "An expatriate dog in Paris meets a young stray and helps him search for home…via a whirwind tour of Paris with stops at Hudson's favorite haunts." Order a copy here.un temps de cochon     : lousy weather, beastly weather,  Thanks to my friend Dominique for sharing today's expression! Audio File: Quel temps de cochon: click … Continue reading Quel temps de cochon! Beastly weather in La Ciotat, Cassis, and Sanary-sur-Mer!

Kristin Espinasse31 Comments
Uncategorized

Meaningless small talk leads to a meaningful connection! + parler de pluie et du beau temps

An invitation to talk to strangers…in today's vocabulary-packed story. parler de pluie et du beau temps     : to talk about the weather, to talk small talk, to shoot the breeze synonyms: tailler une bavette, bavarder, commérer 365 Days of French Expressions: Learn one new French Expression per Day A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE     by Kristin Espinasse "Bavardons" I'm so glad I opened … Continue reading Meaningless small talk leads to a meaningful connection! + parler de pluie et du beau temps

Kristin Espinasse47 Comments