If you've lived abroad long enough, you've surely come up against periods of frustration and struggle when you don't feel at peace with your situation in life. That's a life experience we all go through and you certainly don't have to live abroad to struggle. But those of us who do live abroad ... Read More about Struggling with living abroad? Remember this
Tips for visiting Mont Saint-Michel: Answers to common questions
Simply put, the Mont Saint-Michel will blow you away. It's the second most visited place in France after Paris, and earlier this month, Tom and I headed to Normandy for the second time together. The monument is instantly recognizable in photos and just as gorgeous in the daytime as it is at night. ... Read More about Tips for visiting Mont Saint-Michel: Answers to common questions
8 years
It's 2020 and probably the strangest year we've all ever had. The very end of May 2020 also marked 8 years since I started Oui In France, so in honor of my blog anniversary, let's take a look back. ... Read More about 8 years
Hard water in France and why I’m doing something about it at my house
Before moving to France, I never paid attention when I'd hear people talking about hard water. We didn't have hard water in my house growing up in NJ and I had zero personal experience with it. Even after moving to France, when I'd hear people talk about how hard the water was in Paris, I still ... Read More about Hard water in France and why I’m doing something about it at my house
Being vocally anti-racist and resources to help us do better
It's difficult to talk about racism. It's an emotional topic and one that can get heated and divide people even further, but it's something we need to speak up about. It's so easy for white people to ignore racial injustice, or worse not realize how by inaction we're contributing to it. But the ... Read More about Being vocally anti-racist and resources to help us do better
Why wearing a mask makes French even harder for foreigners
Wearing a mask is the new normal and shows you care about your fellow humans. More than half of the people I encounter outside in public are wearing a mask, and nearly everyone in stores has their face covered. After a couple of weeks of lockdown when I was out picking up essentials, I began to ... Read More about Why wearing a mask makes French even harder for foreigners
My favorite French social norm
Upon visiting France, you'll most definitely notice the social politeness everywhere you go. Daily interactions are bookended with chipper bonjours and au revoirs, and even still, hearing the now-familiar words makes me smile. Interactions always start off with a friendly bonjour or bonjour, ... Read More about My favorite French social norm
7 Unpopular opinions: Popular things I don’t like that everyone else does
Salut, tout le monde! Let's have some Friday fun with this light unpopular opinions post. I've made a list of popular things everyone else likes that I hate. Maybe you've seen the game going around on Facebook. So you know the types of overrated things I mean, things that people rave about and are ... Read More about 7 Unpopular opinions: Popular things I don’t like that everyone else does
What are Peloton low-impact rides and why are they worth your time? (and 2 faves)
Hey! Hi! I'm Diane, obsessed with dogs, winter, wine and PELOTON. If you're new here, welcome. If you're a longtime reader, no this isn't turning into a Peloton blog. ;-) So.... maybe you've discovered the Peloton app recently or maybe you've been using it and loving it for several years like me, ... Read More about What are Peloton low-impact rides and why are they worth your time? (and 2 faves)
Why TransferWise is the best way to send money abroad
No one likes losing money, but when you live abroad and need to transfer your money between currencies, you face two international banking problems that both end up leaving you with less than you started with. The first is the exchange rate because it's not always in your favor. The second is the ... Read More about Why TransferWise is the best way to send money abroad