“Le Puy-en-what?” This is often the response I receive when asked where I am living in France. Even many of my French friends from other regions of the country are unfamiliar with it. As I write during my return flight … Continue reading
life in France
French Etiquette 101
When I first moved to France, many things surprised me initially. Most were pleasant — you mean I can order a 2€ coffee and sit at the same table undisturbed for hours on end? I can go grocery shopping without … Continue reading
A Page from 29 Days to France: Getting the Essentials Sorted
For those of us who have moved to France, we know there’s a moment that comes right after the dream becomes reality — when the plan lands, your feet finally hit French soil, and you realize… Okay, now what? It’s … Continue reading
How to Shop at an Outdoor Market in Paris
Visiting the marché is one of my favorite weekly activities, and I especially love going with either my French husband (a professional chef) or my French mother-in-law (an incredible cook herself). They seem to know exactly where to go, who … Continue reading
The Ritual of the French Apéro
If you’ve spent an extended amount of time in France with actual French people, you know all about the ritual of the apéro — and that ritual is the best word to describe it. Consistently splitting my time between the … Continue reading
Raising Children — Bilingually? Part 2
Note from the editor: If you haven’t already, be sure to read Raising Children — Bilingually? Part 1 before jumping into Part 2. — MS Bilingual Native-Language Acquisition Children who are brought up bilingually will acquire two native languages according … Continue reading
Raising Children — Bilingually? Part 1
Language choices in a mixed native-language family or one whose native language(s) is not that of the majority culture surrounding them New country, new language, and maybe new family? Language, then, becomes an important issue. When two people get … Continue reading
Navigating a Parisian Dinner Invitation
Note from the editor: Parisian for more than a decade, ex-chef turned food tour guide Chef Tris shares his passion for French food and life in Paris on his blog Eat Like the French. Tris has recently joined the TAIP … Continue reading
My Journey to France Part 2
In case you missed Part 1, I’m sharing my unique journey from I’ll-never-live-abroad to nearly-10-years-in-France-and-counting. I’m often asked how I did it — and while several of my articles on TAIP touch on how I’ve been able to stay, I … Continue reading
The Life of a French Pastry Chef
If you’ve been following my life here on TAIP, you know that I got married last year not once, not twice, but a whopping three times (you can read about the first two times here and here). Yes, all to … Continue reading