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When Are Stores Open in France? Posted by John Bauer on Aug 5, 2015
People quickly notice the difference in les horaires de travail (working hours) between the US and France. Even being aware of the holidays doesn’t always mean you’ll know how to faire le pont (make the bridge). Knowing when things will be ouvert (open) and fermé (closed) is important no longer how long your stay. A…
How To Write A Polite Formula in French Posted by John Bauer on Jul 29, 2015
In France the art of the handwritten letter has not been lost. I was surprised when I read the requirements for a school application or contacting a bank and saw une lettre manuscrite (a handwritten letter). I hadn’t written une lettre manuscrite since third grade! I couldn’t believe that I would have to handwrite a…
How To Find A Hardware Store in French Posted by John Bauer on Jul 22, 2015
My computer problems quickly led to hardware problems, which meant finding a hardware store. Les problèmes were that my hardware vocabulary isn’t very good in English never mind in French, and that it was still incredibly hot. I needed a very small screwdriver to take off the screws on the bottom of my laptop and…
The 14th of July: French Fireworks Posted by John Bauer on Jul 15, 2015
Cette semaine on fête le 14 juillet ou la fête nationale or Bastille Day as it’s known in English speaking countries. Le 14 juillet is something like la version française (the French version) of the fourth of July. Pendant le 14 juillet there are a few big celebrations: le défilé militaire (the military parade) during…
The Computer Magasin: Getting Technical Posted by John Bauer on Jul 8, 2015
Last week mon ordinateur était en panne (my computer was broken) and I had to go to le magasin d’informatique (the computer store). I was worried that mon vocabulaire d’informatique (my computer vocabulary) wasn’t good enough and that I wouldn’t be able to explain the problem. On top of that, with la canicule, it was…
La Fête De La Musique – World Music Day in France Posted by John Bauer on Jul 1, 2015
Pendant le moi de juin (During the month of June) there’s a big event that’s worth talking about that’s not mon anniversaire (my birthday) or du gâteau (cake). Every year on June 21 there is a huge party across all of France. C’est la fête de la musique ! Une fête (a celebration/festival) with all…
Let Them Eat Du Gâteau – French Cakes Posted by John Bauer on Jun 24, 2015
I recently celebrated mon anniversaire (my birthday). I had a nice time with un gateau (a cake) and des cadeaux (presents). However, The first time I celebrated mon anniversaire in France, I was surprised by quelque chose (something) that was a little different. When I tried to find a birthday cake, all I could find…