Ever since my mom landed in Paris, we've been running around trying to see and do all of the things. Well, not all - that would take at least two lifetimes - but several big-ticket-must-sees plus some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path places. And we're not the only ones! Since I left in early May, the … Continue reading Touristing around
Author: Claire Santoro
Google Translate et moi, nous sommes fatigués
Yesterday, after a long day of flights and trains, I arrived back in Paris. Unfortunately I had one time-sensitive errand to run since Colin's collaborator Anthony needed a piece of research equipment for his own fieldwork starting today. So I dragged my suitcase up the four flights of stairs to our apartment, caught my breath, … Continue reading Google Translate et moi, nous sommes fatigués
Here and back again
I've now been in Greece for three weeks, although - and I mean this in the absolute best way possible - it feels like twice that. It's hard to imagine not being in Greece anymore, although I'm going to have to get over that because I hop on a plane back to Paris tomorrow: my mom is … Continue reading Here and back again
Leapin’ lizards, we’re done!
Update from the field: we’re done! I can now say that my first foray into field ecology was a success, and I earned rave reviews from the boss on my lizard-catching and lizard-spotting abilities. Also: fieldwork is hard. I tease Colin all the time about his plush job, in which he kayaks to deserted islands … Continue reading Leapin’ lizards, we’re done!
Home away from home away from home
We made it to Greece! I’m currently writing this from Cafe Kitron on the island of Naxos in the Cyclades. Stepping off the ferry from Athens last night felt a little like coming home, or, I guess, home away from home away from home. Colin has been coming to Naxos for seven summers now (you … Continue reading Home away from home away from home
Fête du Muguet
Happy belated Fête du Muguet! In addition to being France's Labor Day, May 1st is also Fête du Muguet, or Lily of the Valley Day, when people give small bouquets of Lily of the Valley to friends and family to show their love and appreciation and to wish them bonne chance for the year ahead. I love this! As … Continue reading Fête du Muguet
House tour
Bienvenue chez nous! When people hear that I've moved to France, their first question is usually whether I speak French (un peu). Their second question is where I'm living (le Marais). But once they hear that this dream life comes with an 18-square-meter apartment, their reaction usually shifts to laughter, horror, or both. Even the Europeans … Continue reading House tour
Mirror, mirror, on the wall
Most of the French I encounter on a daily basis is a little over my head, but this sweet sentiment truly was. "Mais oui, tu es belle!," the mirror reads. ("But yes, you are beautiful!") Non—I think it should say "mais oui, tu es petite!" instead.
Fit for a king
Last Friday, Colin skipped work to go with me to Versailles. We knew we wanted to avoid le week-end in hopes of it being slightly less crowded, and the grounds are closed on Mondays and there were transit strikes on Wednesday and Thursday, so Friday it was. Versailles is only about 12 miles outside of Paris on the RER, … Continue reading Fit for a king
The Parme-marathon: How to make parmesan baskets, sans magic
On Sunday, Colin and I hosted his boss Anthony and partner Anne-Claire for dinner, to return the favor after the eventful evening at their place a couple weeks ago. Now, cooking is pretty much my least favorite household chore; I would much rather clean bathrooms and vacuum every day of the week than spend more … Continue reading The Parme-marathon: How to make parmesan baskets, sans magic
Practice Makes Parfait 