Destinations
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A Coastal Drive in Brittany
The days are growing longer, reminding us that spring is just around the corner. Spring is my favorite season, as it is always full of the promise of new life. This year, I think that rings even more true. With some encouraging news about vaccines, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief, knowing that we may see some sense of normality yet this year. Those of us with a serious case of wanderlust are beginning to imagine – and dare I say plan – for the day that starts with an early check-in at the airport, and ends with our feet touching the soil of a foreign land.…
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Spend a Day with Me in Dinan, Brittany
It is the beginning of February, and we are midway through the “grey days of winter”. The days are getting noticeably longer and the promise of spring is within sight. Today, we happen to be blessed with clear, blue skies and plenty of sunshine. While I need to put on several layers on from head to toe just to take a brief walk with my dog, I am happy to breathe in the brisk air and feel the sunshine on my face. As often happens, my mind drifts off to my beloved Brittany, and what I would be doing if I were there today. I imagine that I’m in the…
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Best of 2020
Yes, I know, the title is somewhat …. interesting. Did we have a best of anything in 2020?! Like many of you, I had goals and plans for the year that went, shall we say, a little off course due to a little thing called Covid 19. For one, I planned to spend spring break and the summer holiday in Brittany. I would have taken you along on my many adventures, we would have tasted delicious cuisine, and we would have learned some useful French phrases along the way. Alas, this was not the year for adventure. No, this was a year to just keep going, and some days, even…
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Interview with Christine Todd, Teacher and Entrepreneur (in English and French)
The most important things in life are the connections you make with others. – Tom Ford Les choses les plus importantes dans la vie sont les connexions que vous établissez avec les autres. – Tom Ford I had the immense pleasure recently to meet up with une amie, Christine, who is embarking on a new adventure that brings people together for the purposes of language learning, cultural understanding, cooking, connection, and, most importantly, fun! Christine and I met through the graces of social media at the beginning of 2020, and had plans to meet in person over the summer. While our get together wasn’t quite as we had originally planned…
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Why Brittany?
If Paris is the heart of France, then I dare to say Brittany is its soul. That is a rather bold – and perhaps controversial – statement given Brittany’s history with France, but I’m going to say it anyway. At least that is how Brittany feels to me. While it would take considerably more time and pages than one blog post to say why I believe that to be true, I’ll try to summarize it here in a few paragraphs. The Climate Brittany is green and lush, thanks to its moderate oceanic climate. It just feels good, like you’re wrapped in a warm green blanket. I have visited Brittany at…
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A Dreamy Day in Brittany
Facebook and Instagram love to remind me that for the last several years I’ve spent my summers in France. My “memories” pop up of the places I’ve visited, people I’ve been with, things I’ve eaten. It’s usually a treat to look back on those photos, but this summer it has been both bitter and sweet to do so. I’m sure many others can relate. Today, just before slipping into full-on longing mode, I realized that I can go anywhere, anytime as a mental traveler. I can take snippets from my years of travel and piece together a beautiful day. In fact, since this is a daydream, I can go for…
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A Visit to Saint Suliac, Bretagne, France
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12 Day Itinerary: Brittany, Normandy, and Paris
I don’t know about you, but I miss traveling. I miss it like one misses an old friend. I’ve had a sense of wanderlust for decades, and while I am capable of being happy at home, I long for adventure. I miss my friends and my beloved Brittany. I miss hearing French in the streets and in the shops. I even miss the airport, and that’s saying something. To travel is to be pushed out of our comfort zone, to discover new places, and meet new people. There really isn’t anything better, in my opinion. I know this too shall pass, and, like many, I’m dreaming of the day in…
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A Visit to Josselin, Bretagne, France
Brittany is a region full of warm people, delicious cuisine, and fascinating culture. Its beauty is unmatched, in my option, with its rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, lush forests, and charming villages. Today, I want to introduce you to a little gem of a town called Josselin. Josselin, located in the Morbihan department of Brittany, and just an hour from Rennes, is designated as both a Petite cité de caractère’ and ville fleurie (floral town). While its fairy tale castle is a “must-see”, the town itself – founded in the 11th century – is as worthy of a visit as the château. Josselin hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes…
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A Visit to Saint Suliac, Bretagne, France
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An Interview with Artist Mona Cauret (in French and English)
Today’s post is particularly special for me as I’m going to introduce you to a wonderful woman – and talented artist – named Mona Cauret. As I’ve spent more and more time in Dinan, and know that Brittany will be my forever home, I am thrilled to have made some good connections with people who work in town. Mona is one of the people that I look forward to seeing again, as soon as I can get back. She always has a big and welcoming smile and her artwork just makes me happy. Le poste d’aujourd’hui est particulièrement spécial pour moi car je vais vous présenter une femme merveilleuse –…
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Beyond Brittany: Souvenirs de Paris
Ah, the City of Light. The City of Love. The Fashion Capital of the World. Whatever name you choose to call her, it fits. It’s PARIS, and she truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is just something so enticing, so mysterious, so moving about Paris that I would recommend it being at the top of everyone’s Bucket List. Now, I don’t say that lightly. I was a single mom for a few decades, working at least 2 jobs at a time for a good chunk of those years. I know that it’s not as simple as just deciding to go to Paris and buying…
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A Visit to Saint Suliac, Bretagne, France
