la rentrée
Paris has been on vacation and offers no apologies for it. Starting in July, but more commonly in August, the city's permanent residents empty out. Shops and restaurants close for consecutive weeks at a time. [...]
burgundy wines
One of the places on my list to visit this year was Burgundy (Bourgogne in French). I am a red wine lover and believe Burgundy to be the center of the universe for reds. Turns [...]
Arcachon & Cap Ferret
One of the best parts of being on a sabbatical is not having much of a schedule. Most days are flexible. Somedays I wake up, scan social media and the news and let those stories [...]
Snow, school and orchids
It's been a wintery week in Paris. As the winter months go, I think we can agree February can be a month of snow and ice. The truth is, Paris has a mild winter and [...]
the covered passages
Paris’ covered passages are close to the main tourist attractions, yet cleverly tucked away. Constructed in the early 19th century, the covered passages are the predecessor to shopping arcades or even the modern day mall. [...]
les cafés
I have been doing a healthy amount of café hopping since my arrival. In part, it's my attempt to get to know my neighborhood, try out some basic French skills and also, to be social. [...]
Christmas in Paris
Before the holidays are in the distant past, I thought I would share some of the beautiful displays in the city. I have been doing some 'field work' this week and Paris, quite literally, lights [...]
Bonne Année
Happy New Year! It's real! I am in Paris. I don't have a job to go to on January 2. Huh, how about that? I feel as though I am on vacation in the sense [...]
Petite aventures
It's December and I am in the United States wrapping up work, packing my home and trying to get some details situated for a year abroad. It's hectic and then of course, it's the holidays! [...]