Tag: travel

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
Jackie

Indice: Jackie’s Airport Layover + A “flighty” Hint or Clue Regarding Something I’m Up To

In this blog post, the author shares reflections on their daughter Jackie’s travels after graduating with her UI degree. As Jackie flies to Paris, the author muses about lengthy airport layovers and the temptations of expensive food and retail options at airports, particularly Charles de Gaulle. They express concerns about their blog’s declining readership due to the rise of social media and ponder ways to adapt to changing times. The author is also dreaming up a side gig while finding enjoyment in simple activities like dog watching at the airport. The piece blends personal anecdotes with insights on modern airport experiences. Continue reading Indice: Jackie’s Airport Layover + A “flighty” Hint or Clue Regarding Something I’m Up To

Kristin Espinasse43 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
Travel, Village Dogs

Doggone it! A Travel and Dog Lovers Edition

Millow, an 8-year-old French bulldog, enjoying the salty air en route to Minorca, Spain From Toulon to Minorca Jean-Marc and I sailed across the Mediterranean sea with dozens of wonderful dogs. Enjoy all the photos of these seasoned traveler-toutous in my column below. First, meet a cherished reader and dog lover… OUR CHÈRE NATALIAYou may know Natalia from the cheering and affectionate comments she’s left … Continue reading Doggone it! A Travel and Dog Lovers Edition

Kristin Espinasse15 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
Travel

Boui-boui: Jackie and I lick windows in Miami while Jean-Marc gets stuck in immigration

Keeping this French language journal going is a joyous struggle: there is joy in writing it and there is a struggle in maintaining it. Your help is not only appreciated–it keeps me employed. One very helpful way to support this site is to buy a book for a friend, via this link. Or scroll to the end of this post for other options. Now on … Continue reading Boui-boui: Jackie and I lick windows in Miami while Jean-Marc gets stuck in immigration

Kristin Espinasse25 Comments
Health

Fourmillement: Restless Legs Syndrome in French

Restless leg syndrome affects men and women and, when it strikes, my face looks very much like this dog's face: Oh no! Not again! (Those legs belong to my friend Tanja. That's her wonderful dog, Ricard. If you like her espadrilles, they are found here, by Soludos.) TODAY'S WORD: le fourmillement       : pins and needles, tingling (sensation), itch, numbness      : swarm, swarming EXAMPLE SENTENCE … Continue reading Fourmillement: Restless Legs Syndrome in French

Kristin Espinasse13 Comments
Uncategorized

faire d’une pierre deux coups

Pictured here: The Welcome-Home Committee… headed by Smokey R. Dokey, left. And that's his mama, Braise (brez, like "Pez"), right. I'd say the Comité de Bienvenue could use a good bath! (Yet one more way for this time-challenged traveler to stay awake during le décalage horaire. Read on!) faire d'une pierre deux coups     : to kill two birds with one stone  Audio File: listen to … Continue reading faire d’une pierre deux coups

33 Comments
Uncategorized

What to do in the Loire Valley? / Que faire dans la Vallée de la Loire?

  Featured Community Question: What to do in the Loire? / Que Faire dans la Loire? Chère Kristin, Could you please ask your readers for their suggestions for staying/visiting the Loire Valley?  My sweet brother plans a visit there from Phoenix (Scottsdale) in August.  Thank you in advance! Warmly, Jan Patterson (Wisconsin) Ps…I am linking him to your blog.  🙂 Bonjour, Jan, Find answers to … Continue reading What to do in the Loire Valley? / Que faire dans la Vallée de la Loire?

Kristin Espinasse24 Comments
Aix-en-Provence

Que Faire a Aix-en-Provence? / What to do in Aix-en-Provence?

 "Empty Niche Syndrome." Photo taken in Caromb. What To Do in Aix-En-Provence?I received the following letter from a reader and hope you can help by submitting tips on what to do and see in Aix!  Kristin, If you have a moment, please…  I am thinking about planning a trip to France in late August of this year and would really like to visit Aix-en-Provence as part … Continue reading Que Faire a Aix-en-Provence? / What to do in Aix-en-Provence?

Kristin Espinasse76 Comments