Search Results for “french lessons”
French Lessons: Quand les Poules Auront des Dents
It’s not everyday I get the chance to draw a chicken with teeth. Then again, living in France is not your typical everyday experience. There are many days when I feel like I have seen chickens [les poules] with teeth [les dents] after I’ve finally completed a bureaucratic challenge. Miracles do happen. In English we either say “when hell freezes over” or “when pigs fly.” Still, there is a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to chickens, non? P.S. Speaking of chickens, I bought eggs at this market... Read The Rest →
FRENCH LESSONS: une planche
There are not many words in any language that can apply to the swimming pool + food at the same time, but in French, anything is possible! The day that I discovered that a kickboard and a meat/cheese plate served on a board both go by une planche, I had to smile. I suppose it’s one of those cases where the two wouldn’t get confused too easily. I just know I for one would be highly amused to see some saucisson [sausage] + fromage [cheese] served on a kickboard! For... Read The Rest →
French Lessons: Des Baguettes
Much like un éclair, I love the double meaning of the word baguette. Not only is it the thin, long loaf of bread beloved in France, but it also is the word used for chopsticks. So next time you’re in an Asian restaurant in Paris you can ask, “Avez-vous des baguettes?”, but you’ll likely be full on rice rather than bread after the meal. French Lessons is an ongoing series where I teach you French words and cultural lessons while beefing up my Illustrator skills.
French Lessons: Tenir la chandelle
There are certain phrases that are just better in a foreign language. Tenir la chandelle is one of them. Think about it, what does “being the third wheel” actually mean? Tricycles exist. But the French version of the same phrase – tenir la chandelle – makes me chuckle because if you’re the odd wo/man out when hanging out with a couple, then you are “the one who holds the candle.” How romantic! French Lessons is an ongoing series where I teach you French words and cultural lessons while beefing up... Read The Rest →
French Lessons: Le Pediluve
This week I decided that if you ever want to know what it feels like to be an Olympian you need go no further than the French swimming pool. Each time I go my mind is a bit blown by the sheer lack of speed and innovation in swimming strokes that witness visit after vist. It was so awesome to watch the French swimmers medal at the Olympics, because on the rarest of occasions (ok, twice) have I found anyone who can challenge me in the pool. In any case,... Read The Rest →
French Lessons: Toucher du bois
Toucher du bois as the French say translates to “touch wood” or in U.S. English “knock on wood.” (Le bois = wood). With the roller coaster of finding an apartment in Paris (thank you for all your amazing comments and sympathy!) I definitely need a little luck on my side. But thanks to yesterday’s post I received my best apartment lead yet. But before I jinx it, je touche du bois! P.S. Did you see last week’s animated gif lesson? One of my favorites! French Lessons is an ongoing series... Read The Rest →
French Lessons: le bronzage cycliste
Down in Nice, where there was actually sun (le soleil) and not enough sunscreen (la crème solaire), I learned an important term for summer: le bronzage cycliste. Given the Tour de France is on now, there is something charming that the French have dubbed these unfortunate tan lines after cyclists, rather than the English equivalent of a “farmer’s tan.” I’m surprised I don’t see more bronzage cycliste (as in Il a le bronzage cycliste) at the Paris swimming pools – where speedos are required for men – but then again,... Read The Rest →
French Lessons: Santé
Santé! To health. It’s the French version of “cheers,” and a very important word as you’ll likely find yourself in many situations involving wine or champagne with any time spent in France. The main key rules are to always make eye contact with the person you are cheers-ing with, and when it’s a group of people, arms should never cross – just be patient and let each moment happen. Speaking of drinking etiquette, don’t miss Joanna Goddard’s How to Drink Wine guide illustrated by Gemma Correll. p.s. I’m currently in... Read The Rest →
French Lessons: Les Soldes
Last week’s lesson was all about window licking (lèche vitrine), but today is all about buying. In fact, today officially marks the start of les soldes, the twice yearly sales that take place across France (think France’s version of “Black Friday”) over the course of a few weeks in order to make room for next season’s stock. Seeing as this month has felt more like fall than summer, for once I actually am in the mood to buy up some sweet summer pieces. I’ve also been eye-ing un sac à... Read The Rest →
French Lessons: Lèche Vitrine
If there is one thing the French have made me that I was not before, it’s a window shopper. With their adorable displays, items and prices listed (required by law, yet oh so practical, so I know if I should even bother going inside) and their signs that say “vitrine en cours” [window in progress] when either element is not yet up to par, there is a certain attention to detail and je ne sais quoi that pulls me in. But in France one doesn’t just window shop, you lick... Read The Rest →
