French is often known as the ‘language of love’, whilst Latin languages (the group to which French belongs) are generally considered to be particularly romantic – in fact, an alternative term for ‘Latin languages’ is ‘romance languages’. However, French isn’t just romantic – it can be highly practical, too. Echoing the directness of its native... Continue Reading →
Paris is Closed
Paris in August is a strange phenomenon. The holiday allowance is so generous for most people working in France, that it’s perfectly common to take three weeks, if not a whole month, of leave in the summer. I’d hazard a (completely unsubstantiated and non-scientific) guess that about 90% of Parisians depart from the city for... Continue Reading →
Oh La, La Police
At the time of beginning this post, I am sat in the "Commissariat de Police du 7e" - i.e. the police station. I specify at the time of beginning, because I'd bloody better not be here long enough to write a whole one of my novella-posts. It's pretty dingy; I can feel the slatted aluminium... Continue Reading →
Pique-Nique Parisien
I have a new favourite activity in Paris: picnicking along the riverbank. It's no particular secret that Paris is great for picnics in general; there are beautiful parks left, right and centre, not to mention the myriad of the other attractive and/or secluded spots scattered across the city. But whilst cruising down the Seine... Continue Reading →
Paris ‘Sans Gluten’
My mother came to visit recently (yes, we had a fabulous time, thank you), and as she is one of those numerous gluten-intolerant people who seem to be taking over the world of late* (in a household of six, I was the only one to escape), the prospect of this visit posed an interesting challenge.... Continue Reading →
Fête de la Musique
Last Thursday (21st June) was the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere - i.e. the longest day of the year. It’s a day which holds diverse significance for different countries, cultures, religions, and sects; accordingly, the range of ways in which it is celebrated across the globe is vast. But this is a blog about... Continue Reading →
These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things
A little while back, I wrote a post in defense of that which is dismissed as too ‘touristy’ and therefore shunned. I don’t know what’s prompting me to do so now, but I’ve decided to make a brief list outlining examples that support the argument I was making in said post: "...just because something is... Continue Reading →
Biting The Bullet
After months of dithering and beating around the bush (yes, both), I FINALLY bit the bullet - and signed up for an acting class. Just a short course, four weeks or so but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. This isn’t a new thing for me, exactly: I have been passionate about acting... Continue Reading →
What Is This “Concise” You Speak Of?
I’ve gotten so lax with posting regularly. It’s more difficult than I thought, this blogging malarkey. Certainly, it’s far more time-consuming. I keep telling myself that I should write shorter posts – if I spend less time writing them, I’d surely write more. And they’d be quicker to read, which, I’m told, is The Key... Continue Reading →
