“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

A Strange Coincidence, “soul-daughter”, and wonderment in French

Pictured: Jean-Marc, who does the sound files for this journal, and our daughter, Jackie, whom today's story is about ♥ (here, she is making "The Lady B" one of the drinks she mixed for Baccarat). Today's Word: émerveillement    : wonderment, amazement Audio/Listening: Click the link below to hear all the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to the vocabulary list to … Continue reading A Strange Coincidence, “soul-daughter”, and wonderment in French

Boulot: Guess who found a job in Bandol?

The port of Bandol where our story takes place, among the old wooden fishing boats, or “les pointus”…. TODAY’S WORD: boulot         1.  job, work 2.  chubby, plump metro, boulot, dodo = the daily grind, all work and no play EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Hear Jean-Marc read the following sentence in French Notre fille, Jackie, a trouvé un boulot en tant que “runner.” Le runneur est un … Continue reading Boulot: Guess who found a job in Bandol?

Flâner: Francophiles love this word (and so do the French)

A whimsical journey through Marseilles, highlighting the charm of the city and the absurdity of daily experiences. Kristi shares moments of humor and connection, symbolized by a heavy sack of pétanque balls, as she navigates errands, engage with locals, and reminisce about family, ultimately embracing creativity and spontaneity. Continue reading Flâner: Francophiles love this word (and so do the French)

c’est le monde à l’envers + Malta!

An unexpected twist on our romantic Valentine's getaway… to Malta. Read on in today's story column. c’est le monde à l’envers    :  the world's gone crazy (or: it's an upside-down world) Audio File: click the following links to hear today's word and definition Download MP3 or Wav L'expression "c'est le monde à l'envers" c'est quand les choses sont dans le contraire de ce qu’on attend. (from Wikipedia) … Continue reading c’est le monde à l’envers + Malta!

How to say kleptomaniac in French?

La Grotte – the restaurant at the end of Marseilles located dans les Calanques de Callelongue (les Goudes) un kleptomane (klepto-man)     : kleptomaniac Audio File: Listen to the sentence below: Download MP3 or Wav file Un kleptomane ne peut se retenir de dérober des objets, la plupart du temps sans aucune valeur. A kleptomaniac cannot help himself from lifting objects that are, for the most part, … Continue reading How to say kleptomaniac in French?

Homesickness strikes during passport renewal at the American Consulate in France

The wind and sea in Marseilles…. French Quote: Les larmes sont les pétales du coeur. –Paul EluardTears are the heart’s petals. Audio File: Reread the above quote, then listen to it here: Download MP3 or Wav file A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse Coming Home   Standing before the great iron gates of the American consulate in Marseilles, I was surprised by a barrage of … Continue reading Homesickness strikes during passport renewal at the American Consulate in France

mal barre = up the creek, in big trouble, screwed

When Paris looks a little like Provence. Note the subtle details: the outside-the-window cloth blinds, the "pigeon discourager" (can you see those sharp little pins on the window ledge?) the peek inside the stylish interior…  TODAY'S WORDmal barré (mal-baray) DEFINITONup the creek, in big trouble, screwed AUDIO FILE: listen to Jean-Marc read the French words below: Download MP3 or Wav file c'est mal barré = it's not looking … Continue reading mal barre = up the creek, in big trouble, screwed

mener a la baguette

Courtship at La Cloche à Fromages restaurant in Marseilles. The year was 1993 (the handwriting is my husband's). Little did I know the adoring Frenchman, was really the authoritaire Frenchman! But that is only my side of the story. According to him, I'm the bossy one. What's sure, is neither of us has a lot of patience. Read on. mener à la baguette (meuh-nay-ah-lah-bah-get)   … Continue reading mener a la baguette

Oreiller (Or how to say “pillow” in French) + My Mother-in-Law teases me about my husband’s past love life

I couldn't find a picture to illustrate today's word (oreiller) so how about a snapshot of a favorite summertime libation? Also a great way to recycle these Domaine Rouge-Bleu wine bottles!   oreiller (oh-ray-yay) noun, masculine     : pillow prendre conseil de son oreiller = to sleep on it (re decision making)une taie d'oreiller = pillowcaseune bataille d'oreillers = pillow fight les confidences (f) sur … Continue reading Oreiller (Or how to say “pillow” in French) + My Mother-in-Law teases me about my husband’s past love life