At French class last week, Laurine asked each of us about our plans for Christmas, specifically what we’d be eating. (The French really love food.) She started with me. I told her I’d be staying in Paris and eating Christmas dinner with some French and Belgian friends. I said that we’d decided to eat all … Continue reading What we ate for Christmas dinner
Month: December 2018
Casse-noisette
Although I love living in Paris, the language barrier means that daily life is often baffling. I never quite understand what's going on around me, and my brain is usually a minute or two behind where the conversation is. When I try to speak, I find that my vocabulary sounds like that of a kindergartener. … Continue reading Casse-noisette
Countdown to Noël
Well, it's been a week since my unfortunate tête-à-tête with a pigeon, and I've only had one nightmare involving birds since, which seems like a win. I haven't had anything quite as interesting to talk about at French class, but that's a price I'm willing to pay for personal space. Also, thanks to all of … Continue reading Countdown to Noël
Les pigeons
Yesterday was a beautiful day in Paris. It was sunny, not too cold, and bustling with holiday spirit. I left for French class early to soak up the sun, and as I walked, I brainstormed blog topics for this week. I had just decided on a photo-laden post about the holiday lights strung up across … Continue reading Les pigeons
Les Gilets Jaunes
Paris has been in the news a lot lately and not for good reasons. I've received a steady stream of worried messages from family and friends. Although I am wholly unqualified to discuss the political issues at the heart of the protests, I can reassure you that Colin and I are safe. The protests of … Continue reading Les Gilets Jaunes
Back in Belgium
Well, that whole regular-routine thing didn't last long! Colin and I are traveling again, but this time we're only gone for a long weekend. He's giving a talk at the University of Antwerp, so we decided to stay in Belgium for the weekend to see our friends here. Coming back to Belgium reminded me that … Continue reading Back in Belgium
American cuisine, according to the French
For the holiday season, our local department store (the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville, or BHV) has added a few displays of international cuisine. Here's the American one: French's mustard, Hellmann's mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Tabasco sauce, popcorn, pancakes, Star Wars potato chips, Reese's peanut butter, and Marshmallow Fluff. I'm so disgusted that I don't know … Continue reading American cuisine, according to the French
Practice Makes Parfait 