Tag: Paris

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Cécile’s New Wheels! Vespa…Guêpe…What does a wasp have to do with the Italian scooter by Piaggio? + se faire chaler

You see two-wheelers ("les deux-roues") everywhere in France, whether scooters, mobylettes, bicycles, or trottinettes–this compact form of transportation is one way of outwitting traffic in Marseilles and Paris. Read my belle-soeur, Cécile's, story in today's all French edition. Today's word was supposed to be guêpe, but in a last-minute switch-a-roo, it is now the more interesting phrase "se faire chaler", which I bumped into while editing Cécile's … Continue reading Cécile’s New Wheels! Vespa…Guêpe…What does a wasp have to do with the Italian scooter by Piaggio? + se faire chaler

Kristin Espinasse23 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
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cafe litteraire

In the café littéraire meet-ups of yesteryear, old establishments like this may have welcomed book lovers. un café littéraire : Download MP3 or Wav Un café littéraire est un lieu de réunion où l'on parle de littérature, échange des idées, écoute des extraits de livres lus par des comédiens, assiste à des spectacles érudits tout en dégustant un café, ou autre boisson. A café littéraire is a meet-up … Continue reading cafe litteraire

Kristin Espinasse80 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
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Zipper politics in France (!)

Be not inhospitable to strangers lest they be angels in disguise. You can't help but want to snap a picture of the sign when ambling through Shakepeare and Company in Paris. But did you know it's forbidden to take pictures inside the famous bookstore? Then again, the French are not known to behave in public. Case in point: France's president–who was spotted in the wee … Continue reading Zipper politics in France (!)

Kristin Espinasse94 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
La Soupe au Pistou

bonne lecture + a newly-released memoir that will satisfy your hunger for France (and maybe even andouillette)

Today's story and photos are by Ann Mah, whose Paris memoir is out now! If you love France, language, and food, you will appreciate Mastering the Art of French Eating! Wishing you 'bonne lecture.' bonne lecture (bown-leh-ktewr)     : happy reading, enjoy the story or article or paper Audio File/Example Sentance: Download MP3 or Wav file En vous souhaitant bonne lecture.Wishing you happy reading.Exercises in French Phonics - read … Continue reading bonne lecture + a newly-released memoir that will satisfy your hunger for France (and maybe even andouillette)

Kristin Espinasse32 Comments
Dad and Marsha, Recette / Recipe

Fudging in French… + dessert recipe

Forward this post to a French friend. Today's edition, on fudge, is a reverse-dictionary entry: instead of translating a French word, we'll begin with English. This is dedicated to all of our French readers–so happy to know you're reading. You keep me on my toes! (photo of a sweets shop taken in Paris) fudge (n) (fuhzh)     : espèce de caramel mou (a kind … Continue reading Fudging in French… + dessert recipe

Kristin Espinasse60 Comments
garden, gardening

Le gazon (pelouse) – lawn, grass, turf in French

We lived and worked on this organic vineyard in Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes from 2007-2012. (See today's story column for a special memory about that time). Jean-Marc will be in SEATTLE soon, check out the latest stop in his USA wine tour, here. le gazon (gahzoh(n)     : lawn, grass, turf Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's French word as well as the list of … Continue reading Le gazon (pelouse) – lawn, grass, turf in French

Kristin Espinasse66 Comments
Cuisine

pate

Green Juice and Tomettes (tomettes, and not tomates!) It's a rainy day in Bandol, a perfect morning for some pancrêpes. Instead, Jean-Marc and I are drinking green juice (this time with fennel–and it's dill-like leaves–bergamot lemon, ginger, pomme, and celery). We'll definitely have pancakes this weekend! Read on… Meantime, put your pancake tips here in the comments and we'll keep them in mind for the next … Continue reading pate

Kristin Espinasse124 Comments