I have France on my mind these days! I've been designing my classes, working on instructions, ordering product, making reservations, and gearing up for two upcoming trips to France in March.
I can't wait to read this book I got for Christmas! Thirty-two writers reflect on their experinces in the city of Paris and how it changed them forever. I just finished reading Peter Mayle's book, "A Year in Provence," which I loved! It has inspired our next adventure...
I'll be flying to Lyon, France, the first weekend in March to teach at Version Scrap, and then I'll be going back a couple weeks later to explore Provence and the South of France with my husband before teaching in Paris. We are so excited to explore the villages and flea markets and the countryside of Provence! We have our plane tickets to Paris, our TGV tickets (the double decker high speed train) from Paris to Avignon, and our reservations at an enchanting apartment in Apt. Now all we need is to find a good rate on a rental car and to learn some French and we'll be all set!
I love the illustrations in the old book I found at Goodwill to help me!
Have any of you been to Provence and have some suggestions?
Jealous!!! I so want to go too!!! Rosetta Stone is a good buy!
Posted by: Anita Houston | January 12, 2012 at 08:24 PM
Too fun! I'm so glad you are going to France twice and one of those times going exploring with Dave. I've been looking at your schedule and you are going to be having some really great times in 2012. Blessings.
Posted by: Deb J | January 13, 2012 at 06:47 AM
Soooooo jealous! I wish I could join you. Maybe if all goes well you can do this another time?? lol Grace xoox
Posted by: Grace P | January 13, 2012 at 05:46 PM
Delightful anticipation!!! Je vou dre un sanwiche avec fromage...totally misspelled but it means "I would like a sandwich with cheese'. If all else fails, at least you could order that! :)
Posted by: Joey | January 14, 2012 at 12:23 PM
You can visit Aix en Povence, Avignon, l'Isle sur la Sorgue where "Isabella" sells the best ice cream...
I'm happy to meet you in Paris to Version scrap on 31 march at.
Bye
Posted by: Lallalie | January 15, 2012 at 06:04 AM
Park, hospital, cafe, bank...I think I could be your interpreter...looks easy!
Posted by: lois/your Mom | January 15, 2012 at 04:01 PM
Wow! I'm so happy for to teach in France and also that you get to have your hubby along for part of it! I will make it to France again some day when my boys can go with me : ) My husband will not fly anywhere so I decide that if i want to go somewhere it will be me and my two sons. I went to Paris 21 years ago as an exchange student for my first semester in England On weekends we could do whatever we wanted as long as we had our studies done by Monday morning! My younger brother had just graduated from Chapman College that spring so my parents gave him a plane ticket over to me in England. One weekend we decided to go to Paris and it was beautiful! I'm back someday : )
Love your illustrations! When I go back someday, I'll have your journal classes to reflect on for inspiration!
Posted by: Shannon Hatfield | January 15, 2012 at 08:50 PM
Hi!!
My name is Coco and i' m a french scrap addict. I'm so happy to meet you in march at Lyon!
Don't worry about your french language! I'm not good in english but i'm sure you understand me...i hope!
Have you got a "sneackpeek" for your project?
Kiss&hugs
Coco
Posted by: Coco | January 16, 2012 at 02:02 PM
Your travels sound amazing this year. Bryan and I have been to Provence twice and loved it both times, you cannot help but have a great time. Remember to take a sweater - it definitely can be chilly there even when the sun is out. Hope we can catch up sometime this year.
Posted by: Lynette Carroll | January 17, 2012 at 06:44 AM
I hope you will love our country. Provence and Paris are very very different ! Enjoy !
Welcome at Version Scrap !
Fabienne
http://www.scraprecup.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Fabienne | January 21, 2012 at 06:23 AM
Bonjour, as an American living in the Rhone-Alps region of France for over a decade now, very near to Lyon, I can tell you you're in for a treat. Lyon is in many ways more attractive than Paris. Be sure and order the quenelle when you're there or some type of sausage dish, their specialties.
As to speaking French, honestly, don't worry about it. You won't be able to learn enough to really make a difference. The number one thing you need to remember and which Americans always forget - VERY IMPORTANT - start every greeting or question you have with "Bonjour" during the day and "Bonsoir" at nightfall, then switch to English. You might even say, "Bonjour/Bonsoir I'm sorry I don't speak French..." and then ask you question. And when your question has been answered always say "Merci". It's obvious you don't speak French and no one will expect you to, but if you just remember to always say "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" FIRST and end with "merci" you'll be fine and considered a polite American.
Bon Voyage!!!
Posted by: S. Thomas | January 23, 2012 at 10:30 AM