Time for another language lesson update! I debated for ages whether to share this story, but since I promised you the good, the bad, and the horribly awkward, I feel like I can't hold back on the embarrassing stories front. Anyway, I was at discussion group shortly after my trip to Switzerland with friends Beth … Continue reading Not that kind of friend!
Travel
How to be a good tourist
The past two months have been more or less continuously filled with visitors. While it's been wonderful to share our life abroad with so many friends and family members, it is a relief to have our tiny apartment back to ourselves. (For reference: 18 square meters is comfortable with two people, cozy with three, and … Continue reading How to be a good tourist
A quiet realization
I know you're all anxious for an update on my secret identity - and I promise I'll get to that soon - but the prelude to that update is actually my recent trip to Italy. I know, I know—after having just written about how this fall is jam-packed with visitors, how did I have time … Continue reading A quiet realization
A few days in Montpellier
Like the rest of the Parisians, Colin and I skipped town this week for somewhere more scenic. We're in Montpellier, soaking up the last of summer with seafood, sun, and - hopefully one day soon - a trip to the shore. Colin's here for an evolution conference so we aren't totally in vacation mode, but … Continue reading A few days in Montpellier
Six months in
Today marks six months since we boarded the plane for Paris, and I can't believe it. Where has the time gone?! We have simultaneously done so much and so little, and although we've seen a ton, our list of places to go and things to do just keeps growing. I can’t even bring myself to … Continue reading Six months in
How to move to France: Part II
See Part I – which includes everything from scheduling your consulate appointment to actually applying for and getting your visa – here. Bienvenue en France! It’s tempting to think that you’re done with paperwork now that you’re here, but unfortunately that’s not the case. The second half of the process of moving to France requires … Continue reading How to move to France: Part II
How to move to France: Part I
While orchestrating our move to Paris, I relied heavily on blogs and other online resources to figure out what to do and how to do it. Unfortunately, I discovered that info can be pretty limited, so I decided to write a few informational posts detailing what I’ve learned. Apologies if these aren’t as interesting to … Continue reading How to move to France: Part I
France-Belgium
On Tuesday night, France played Belgium in the semifinals of the World Cup. I’m telling you this because, if you’re American, you probably have no idea that the rest of the world has spent most of the past month riveted to their TVs, drinking beer and wearing silly hats in their country’s colors. You’re missing … Continue reading France-Belgium
Three days in Tel Aviv
As I've alluded to in previous posts, Colin and I took a very quick trip to Israel after my mom left. Colin wanted to attend a conference on mediterranean lizards at Tel Aviv University, and I jumped at the chance to see a new country—and a new continent, since neither of us had ever been … Continue reading Three days in Tel Aviv
By the numbers
Hey guys! Hello! Hello? ... Anyone still there? I never intended to take such a long break from blogging, but I guess that's what happens when you work sunrise-to-sunset as a field assistant for three weeks, then your mom falls in love with Paris and decides she's going to move in with you forever but … Continue reading By the numbers