Five Ways French People Describe Rain
It doesn’t rain in Nantes—or rather, few locals just say “il pleut” when they see water falling from the sky.
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.
2018 “Journey to Nantes” Art Festival
It’s been six years that every time I go to Nantes in July or August, the first thing I notice is the annual art festival with installations scattered throughout the city.
When North Americans Eat This, French Eat That…
French eat croque-monsieur, Parisien sandwiches, mayonnaise and Prince cookies, for instance.
Possibly the Most Cliché French Day Ever
At 9:30 p.m., watching a Celtic circle dancing the An Dro in the public square in front of Saint-Michel’s lighthouse, I realized I had the most cliché French day ever.
A Few Roadblocks but Finally, The Beach!
“I don’t have my driver’s licence either. I didn’t take anything with me,” my dad admits. “Papa! Okay, let me speak.”
Trottinett-ing Around Nantes
I freaked out when 24 hours before flying to France, Feng suggested—apparently, it was just a suggestion—we should travel without Mark’s Chicco stroller.
Good Thing We Have Fountains
Not all fountains are clean and I don’t recommend taking a dip with your swimsuit on, especially if you’re older than ten (you will draw strange looks from locals).
The Migrant Camp Saga Continues
On Monday morning, at 9 a.m., the infamous French CRS (“Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité”), the French national police force specializing in crowd and riot control, swarmed into square Daviais.
Switching to French (is Trickier Than It Seems)
I used to miss speaking French. I remember how exhausted I felt at the end of the day, my brain working hard to decipher English and to find an acceptable way to put words on my thoughts.
How is France Doing 7 Days After Winning the World Cup?
Last Sunday, just seven days ago, France was winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup after beating Croatia 4-2 in the final.
The Migrants
It didn’t take me long to see one major difference in Nantes compared to last year.
Trudeau International Airport, Montreal, 8:30 p.m.
“Are we in France, already?”
We walk by a couple kissing passionately outside the departure hall, in front of gate 12.
The Big Argument
I chose to live several thousands of kilometres from where I was born but I never meant to hurt anyone. I paid the price for my decisions.
“Love, The Tooth Fairy”
If Mark’s wobbly baby tooth was going to fall out, I was fairly sure it was going to happen at camp.
Summer Camps? A+, Canada!
Mark gives me a weird look, one that says, “I can’t take you seriously as a mother if you’ve never had a freaking marshmallow”.
Penises and Vulvae 101
Thanks to me French upbringing, I’ve been blessed with the ability to say “penis,” “vulva” and “vagina” without giggling or blushing. I can answer any question.
10 Signs It’s Definitely Summer in Canada
It’s summer in Canada. I have proof: 10 unmistakable signs.
Canada Day 2018 – Hot and Deserted
What went wrong? The weather, of course.
The First Millennial Trophy
“Mommy! Look what I’ve got! METAL!” “Metal?” “No, medal!” Mark shouts, barging in to my…
The Chinese Food Misunderstanding (Zòngzi, Anyone?)
Here is the paradox with Chinese food—it’s not as weird as you think and it’s probably not what you imagine.
That Baffling Cultural Mystery I Can’t Crack
To me, Mark’s school is some kind of mismanaged charity with inconsistent guidelines where the presence of kids is an inconvenience and volunteers are always needed urgently because made-up reasons.
I’m Bad (You Know)
Sometimes, I say ONE thing ONCE and it will be remembered forever. Problem is, I never know what will stick with Mark. If I did, parenting would be easier, right?
5 Learning Experiences All Newcomers Should Embrace
What did you learn as a traveller or as an immigrant? What learning experience was the the most useful to you?
Ottawa’s Legendary Downpours
Remember when I explained you didn’t want to get caught in an ice storm? Well, you probably don’t want to get caught in the summer version of these ice storms either—Ottawa’s legendary downpours.