In A Fog (And Nautical Metaphors)
I have dreams, projects, ideas, the whole shebang. But when? When do I get to tackle them?
Author Zhu
Zhu
French woman in English Canada. World citizen, new mom, traveler, translator, writer and photographer. Looking for comrades to start a new revolution.
That Night, Six Years Ago
Happy birthday, Mark. You’ve been looking forward to being 6 for almost a year now. No, we can’t pretend you’re ten. Sorry.
The Cool Kids (And the Rest of Us)
Who are those people who look back at their school years with nostalgia?
We’re Not Strangers, After All
The couple, a man and a woman, were sidewalk experts. That alone was noteworthy. But then, something strange happened.
Important Things to Note Before You Move (To Canada)
Adult life can be stressful at times and the option that many people take is…
After the Tornadoes – Power to the People
Turned out we weren’t hit by two tornadoes but six.
After Tornadoes Struck – Powerless Without Power
I reached over to grab my phone, plugged to the charger because surely, the power must have been restored at one point during the night.
The Day a Tornado (Or Two) Hit Ottawa
There are events you know you will recall vividly years later—what you were doing, where you were, how you dealt with the situation.
How NOT to Switch Cellphone Provider
At 7:01 p.m., the line went dead and I started swearing in both official languages.
8 People Every Immigrant Should Have on Speed Dial
You’re leaving your family and your friends behind to start a new life in a…
Licking My Wounds
Maybe it’s not too late to pick up another harmless activity—knitting? Rock climbing? Blogg—oh, never mind.
The most amazing architecture in Canada
Canada is home to some of the world’s most eye-catching sights, both natural and manmade,…
Tips for Renting Out Your Home While You Travel
As a travel addict, you’re always thinking of your next trip. These thoughts are always…
And This Is How Grade 1 Started (With the First “WTF Moment” Of the Year)
I check the lunch box to see if Mark enjoyed his “nutrition break”—no kidding, that’s how the school calls it (classes are “instructional blocks”). There are a couple of flyers inside.
The Slightly Unusual Things a French Brings Back From France
Since I have room in my bag after gifting what I bring from Canada—typically clothes, sweets, maple syrup and a few North American goodies—I do a bit of shopping in France.
Are We There Yet?
I feel pleasantly numb and it makes me smile. My evil plan worked—a four-hour night’s sleep to disconnect from reality. Take that, stupid brain!
People of Nantes – August 2018
It’s time to fly back to Canada.
I don’t even want to analyze how it makes me feel.
Don’t Copy American Culture (Or at Least, Make It Better)
I’m not going to complain about the influence of American pop culture in France. After all, why not? However, I hate the fact that many French decision-makers are seeing America as a blueprint for success.
All Over the Place
I can’t stand these last few days when it’s almost over but not quite yet. I don’t know who I am anymore, nor where I belong or where I want to be.
7 Weird Things French Say
It’s funny how exotic French can sound when you’re no longer immersed in the culture. Here are a few expressions and words I rediscover when I go to France.
The Migrants Saga – Riot Control (But No Riot)
Suddenly, there were riot police officers walking behind me, in front of me and blocking side streets.
French Chores
“Mademoiselle? You can sit down. Oh, it’s funny, you have goosebumps… is it too cold in there?”
Art That Moves You
What kind of art moves you the most? What’s the creative discipline you enjoy best? Literature, performing arts, visual arts?
And “Bon Appétit”!
Even if the world was collapsing around them, French people would first clean their plate and finish their drink.