French word of the day: mi-Avril
Published: 18/4/2024
I feel like every time I write you a newsletter, I’m writing that it is school holidays. Well it is mid-April and school holidays again. I’m on “driving back and forth from tennis camp” kids’ duty, exciting times let me tell you.
The rain and wind in Paris is still schizophrenic, coming and going several times a day. Although we did have a couple of excellently sunny days this past weekend. So good in fact, we had to wait in a 45 minutes line on Saturday for a €7 takeaway ice cream cone in the Marais. (In French, this would be called “une arnaque“, aka “a ripoff”.)
Anyway, with the school holidays on we’ve been hosting a neighbor’s dog, and that reminded me of an odd quirk about living in France vs North America, about being fully presentable. In other words, in France it doesn’t matter if you are walking the dog at 11pm at night, you better change out of your pjs and wear proper clothes before heading out the door.
The same dress requirements go for that morning 7am walk. Because of course you wouldn’t want the dog to judge your attire and/or any neighbors peaking out that window at sunrise.
The dog, for his part, is very cute, even though he doesn’t understand a word of English and refuses to be taught to “shake a paw”. (I have yet to figure out if he doesn’t understand my English or if there are some magical words in French to make him do so.)
He also refuses to stand still enough for me to take a photo, as you may be able to tell from the blurry picture above.
Anyway, the school vacation winds down this weekend and it is back to normal next week. Until all the May holidays hit, that is. Until then, à biêntot!
In other news:
- It is a 100 days out from the Olympics, and the torch relay has started. The big ceremony in Greece included a homogenous-looking group of women acting as temple priestesses lighting a torch in series of dance-like movements. The torch was given to a French athlete and will now arrive after a 12-day crossing of the Mediterranean into Marseille on May 8th. (Not coincidentally, May 8th is WWII Victory day in Europe).
- The Mayor of the French town of Janvry is planning on holding a camel protest in Paris this weekend, with a variety of 50 camels including 4 of his own. The protest is about animal rights and has nothing to do with the city of Paris, but I’m here for it. Maybe there will be camel rides around the Eiffel tower?
- April 8, 2024 marked the 120th anniversary of the “Entente Cordiale” (meaning “Cordial agreement”) between the U.K. and France. The former-enemies-turned-allies marked the occasion with French soldiers guarding Buckingham Palace and British at the Palais Elysée. (I thought the Scottish soldiers was a particularly nice touch.)
And in the blog:
Luxembourg gardens: 28 Interesting Facts and history
Get the facts on the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris and find out why it is so famous. From its history, interesting monuments, the palace on its grounds, and more.
Listen to the top songs about Paris in French and English. From legendary singers and songwriters who have fallen in love with the City of Lights.
Apple feta salad with red onion
Combining sweet and savory, this apple feta salad with red onion is a light summery delight. And best of all, it can be prepared in 10 minutes or less.
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