Even the French elite speak English
May 9, 2010
An interesting rumination on defending the language, in defense of values.. Pardon My French by Michael Kimmelman of NY Times.read more
Poisson d’Avril
April 2, 2010
April Fool's day is said to have French origins. In 1564, France reformed the calendar, changing the beginning of the year from the end of March to January 1st. For those who resisted the new calendar and adhered to the old traditions, paper fish were playfully attached to their backs and they were fondly dubbed 'poisson d'avril.' or April fish.…read more
Say goodbye to the “bise?”
September 7, 2009
That said, there are things you can do to help avoid the flu, like obsessively washing your hands, trying not to touch your face, and avoid close contact with strangers and friends, such as the ever-present "bise." ... Some French schools, companies and a Health Ministry hotline are telling students and employees to avoid the social ritual out of fear the pandemic could make it the kiss of death, or at least illness, as winter approaches.
...The New York Times ran a story the other day ( Swine Flu Upsets Rituals of Greeting ) as well on relative risk levels of different contact, and the bise, or even Hollywood-style air kiss was right at the top, so look for less kissing and touching in the months to come as we all suffer through the season.
Culture, For tourists only, Museums and Monuments, Travel, Travel with Kids, Understand France and the French
France Miniature
September 4, 2009
Our friend Patrick Mikla always surprises us with 'inside' discoveries of Paris and France. From the time we met him some 15 year ago, I can remember each and every one of our adventures. The latest is France Miniature. He took the day off and took us Élancourt, a town about an hour drive outside of Paris, where this miniature…read more
Marie Antoinette et Hameau de Reine
September 4, 2009
Finally visited the Hameau de Reine. Expected a small garden and of course, it's fit for a Queen. It even has a little farm and a zoo. Lovely for kids to visit and the houses on the property are actually for normal people.read more
Une femme/une fille d’un certain age
September 1, 2009
This dressing your age thing is tricky, for myself and for my daughter. My daughter, who is nine, has grown too old for the 'kids' clothes at Du Pareil au Meme, Jacadi, or BonPoint, but still too young to wear truly teen age fashion. One thing is for sure, her feet has grown so much that she must wear Women's…read more
Advantage France
August 31, 2009
My husband and I were just talking about 'terroir,' and why is it that we feel healthier, and more connected to the earth, when we're in France, even though it seems we eat more cream, cheese, and desserts when we are here. Roger Cohen encapsulated my thoughts more perfectly, 'TIme bows at the altar of gastronomy in France. In the…read more
What is it? Can you tell what this common Parisian object is from the photo?
August 31, 2009
If I had prizes, I'd give them away, but this quiz has more to do with smug self-satisfaction. Extra points if you know what words the letters say. 
Chez Michel
August 29, 2009
What a find. Our friends Jean-Jacques and Jane, my husband and I had a dinner out at Chez Michel, in the 10th arrondisement. Cuisine is Breton, and the atmosphere breezy. According to our discriminating friend Jean-Jacques, Chez Michel is one of the top 10 traditional bistros in Paris, and indeed, I think it lives up to its status. My fish…read more
