What has shaped your identity and made you into the person you are? Maybe things like where you grew up, your career path, your role in your community, and the people in your inner circle. Identity is complicated. Living abroad complicates it further, but it’s not all bad.
One of my readers left a comment that got me thinking. Julie wrote, “What is it about France that allows us to slow down and really appreciate the smaller things in life? I find I get excited about things that I wouldn’t even give a second thought to at home and I find myself doing things I wouldn’t think possible.” Why does France allow us to slow down and appreciate the small things? Or does it? Will a move abroad make you enjoy life more? Should it?
You may have noticed I started doing Facebook Live broadcasts not too long ago. The response has been fantastic and I couldn’t be happier with the feedback I’ve received. Let’s talk about this Facebook Live in France thing and why I decided to try it out.
A morning walking around a French marché is time well spent. Whether you’re in a big city or a small…
Read More
Tom’s here to tell us about French workplace greetings and how they might differ from what you’re used to in the office at home. Or maybe not. Let’s get to it…
Most of the time, respecting the culture and doing the right thing are one and the same. Other times, it’s not so clear. As a foreigner, it’s hard to always know if you’re doing the right thing and if the way you’ve lived you life up until now counts in the same way it did back home.
Living abroad is full of surprises big and small. Let’s talk about some of these living in France surprises including culture, food, and stereotypes.
“Do you feel French?” someone asked me recently. I had to think about it. The question of feeling French is a complicated one.
The holidays can be a challenging time for those of us who are no longer “home” and have new traditions and places to embrace. How can you reconnect with loved ones far away? I have a few simple tips.
If you’re considering a move to France and want to add a pet to you family, read on for one woman’s story on adopting a pet in France.
Welcoming over 400,000 visitors each year, the Zoo de la Flèche not far from Angers, France, is well worth the trip for both kids and adults.
Our furry family members deserve quality medical care and I’m happy to report that my experience with French veterinarians has…
Read More
Pancakes in Paris tells us the story of how the American-style diner in the City of Light became a roaring success one pancake at a time. And what a story it is…
You don’t have to look very hard online to find a foreigner abroad looking for some of the comforts of home. Here’s where to buy American food in France. Everything from baking supplies to candy and even beverages.
Looking for some good French culture stories? If you’re new here, you might have missed these stories that have made their home way back in my blog’s archives. So pour yourself a beverage and cozy up….
I’ve been living in France now for over 5 years, and little by little, it’s been changing me. These changes have crept up on me, and now looking back, I’ve noticed some distinct areas where living abroad has molded me into a model foreigner. Why is this the case and how did it happen?
This isn’t a fluffy feel-good post on how life in France is OMGAMAZING 24/7. Nowhere is perfect day in and day out and that’s the truth. This is a post about mental health and the dark side of expat life in France (or anywhere).
A few weeks ago, Tom and I headed to the Charente-Maritime department of France and drove to the Ile de Ré for the day. Just a short drive from La Rochelle, it’s officially made my short list of my favorite places in France.
Here’s a video of our France canal cruise on the Canal du Midi. Pretty doesn’t even begin to describe it! Read on for our DIY canal cruise Canal du Midi trip!
Our long weekend kicked off in La Rochelle, a coastal city about 470 km from Paris whose history is just as impressive as its modern-day approach to life.