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Fêter Halloween, en France et aux Etats-Unis
J’ai déjà fait un article sur Halloween à Baltimore, et combien les enfants étaient enchantés. Ici en France aussi nous essayons de fêter Halloween, plus encore depuis notre retour des USA, essentiellement parce que les enfants adorent se déguiser. Nous avions donc acheté des nouveaux costumes pour chacun des 4 enfants, alors que l’an dernier ils avaient réutilisé leurs anciens costumes. D’ailleurs ils adorent mélanger leurs costumes et en créer des nouveaux. Mais cette année ils avaient choisi chacun un nouveau costume. Ils s’étaient déguisés et nous nous sommes rendus au parc des Poussins, LE parc de Lille avec des manèges et des attractions, où ils encouragent les…
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Chronicle of departure: D-286
Two weeks have already passed! It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the small issues of the everyday life. July 2017 seems so far but I know deep inside that this will happen very quickly. Yet French school holidays (from October 19th to November 2nd) took me much of my time last week since my kids were at home. But this week they are enrolled in Holiday Camps so I can pick up the thread of my activities. Current issues During the past two weeks, we have somehow conducted some tasks related to our scheduled departure: – Banking and financial issues On the occasion of our “Banking fees” issue…
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French Cafeteria vs American Lunchbox
(First Published October 24th 2016) You can’t have missed that this Thursday September 1st was back to school in France! Indeed, unless one has neither any kid herself nor among her relatives, turned off the TV and the radio and didn’t read the press, and avoided driving or walking close to schools (where all of a sudden there was lots of excitement again) she/he couldn’t escape this great event! And unlike the United States where back to school schedule depends on each State and spans almost the entire August, in France back to school is at the same time for everyone. Obviously with 4 kids from pre-pre-K (3 years old)…
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Where are you from?
(First Published August 5th 2016) There is a question some people still ask me (even after having spent almost 30 years in France) that makes me swing between resignation and irritation. This is when people ask me “where are you from?” Here is a story detailing some usual circumstances: I took my daughter to the appointment with a new pediatrician. And exactly one minute after we crossed the door, the second question she asked me was “where are you from?” Let’s be clear: I am French, living in France for many years but I have no problem with my origins. I spent most of my life in France (and all…
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Little Free Library
(First Published July 27th 2016) a LFL at Towson near Baltimore Do you know “Little Free Library” or LFL concept? These are small boxes which look like birdhouses where are stored self-service books, anywhere in the city. The first time I saw (several) LFL, it was in 2014 in Baltimore. You can pick up one or more books, take as much time as you want to read them and take them back (or not). The boxes have usually very creative design and each one is different. The idea is great and you can find more details on their website. These small libraries work mainly thanks to volunteers called “stewards”. They…
