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French History – Shaking Things Up Posted by Tim Hildreth on May 19, 2020
The French have had more than their share of revolutions. They’ve never had a problem when things weren’t working, just scrapping it all and starting over. There’s a reason that the current political administration is the Ve République (Fifth Republic). Une histoire révolutionnaire / A revolutionay history Most students of French language and culture are familiar with…
French Culture – A New Day Posted by Tim Hildreth on May 12, 2020
As of Monday, France has started the slow process of opening up for business. And while travel within 100 kms of home is now permitted, foreign visitors will still need to quarantine for 14 days if they travel to France. So no trips for me anytime soon … but the news did get me thinking…
French Culture – Opening Up Posted by Tim Hildreth on May 5, 2020
As I’ve covered in my blog posts these past several weeks, France (like much of the world) has been on lock down. Starting at midi le 17 mars (March 17 at noon) the French could only leave their homes for a strictly defined list of déplacements dérogatoire (exceptional outings). That may all be about to change. Le…
French Vocabulary – Working Out Posted by Tim Hildreth on Apr 28, 2020
While some countries are starting to relax their stay at home orders, people living in others – including la France, l’Angleterre, and many parts of les États-Unis (including where I live) – are still trying to find ways to pass the time while confinés chez eux. Virtual tours are great for the mind, but what…
French Music – Let’s get out of town Posted by Tim Hildreth on Apr 21, 2020
Let’s take another trip this week. This time, to a charming little corner of province. The French musical group Trois Cafés Gourmands(Three cafés gourmands) celebrates their own little coin de province (corner of the country) in À nos souvenirs (To our memories). Comment puis-je oublier How can I forget Ce coin de paradis? This corner of paradise?…
French Opinions – Covid Confinement Posted by Tim Hildreth on Apr 14, 2020
As many French people head into a fifth week of confinement, only able to leave home for necessities dans le cadre de la lutte contre la propagation du virus Covid-19 (as part of efforts to battle the spread of Covid-19), how are they feeling. For many, the challenging times are taking a toll. Fortunately, the…
French Culture – Explore Posted by Tim Hildreth on Apr 7, 2020
Malheureusement (Sadly) the world is still at home. If you are one of the many people still looking at the world from inside the safety of your own home, I hope this week’s blog will being you a little divertissement (diversion) and un peu d’espoir (a little hope). On reste à la maison … If you are staying at…