I have a surprise for you. I finally did it. I am writing this blog from my apartment in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (SGL), France. I rented the apartment for two months, May & June. Yes, dreams can come true!
I’m often asked “What is the difference between learning French in France versus online apps or Google Translate?” My answer: the best fig in my life will always be the fig I tasted in France. Apps can provide the French equivalent word for fig (figue), but it will not create the smile I had when I ate my first fig in France.
For many years, I started (and usually quit) the French language programs into which I was enrolled.
The result: thousands of dollars and time wasted without progressing on my “French journey”.
Please learn from my mistakes!
For me, learning to navigate a French menu has been a process. I know, just seeing the words “La Carte” a few years ago would send shivers down my spine. What was I ordering? Would I make a mistake? Would I embarrass myself (my biggest fear)?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live outside of Paris? I don’t mean in a little village where the boulangerie and cathedral are the village. No, I mean what it’s like to live just outside of Paris. Why would you do that?
If you are like me, you love Paris BUT, after awhile, the desire to lunch in a small village, enjoy a chateau visit on your schedule or visit the Abbey where Eleanor of Acquitaine is buried is calling you. When the desire struck me, I rented my first car and off I went. To this day I enjoy driving in France. However, there have been some fundamental teaching moments that I want to share with you.
As I continue my French journey, I speak/practice my French every opportunity I can get. I have found my efforts are appreciated and, in fact, there is surprise that I am trying to speak their language. As a result, my tension is reduced and suddenly we are conversing……..
Have you ever wanted to converse in French over coffee? Have you ever wanted to order your lunch in French? Have you ever wondered if you could travel outside of Paris if you weren’t fluent in French?
The answer is a resounding YES! I have the same goals with my French language journey.
I have a surprise for you. I finally did it. I am writing this blog from my apartment in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (SGL), France. I rented the apartment for two months, May & June. Yes, dreams can come true!
I’m often asked “What is the difference between learning French in France versus online apps or Google Translate?” My answer: the best fig in my life will always be the fig I tasted in France. Apps can provide the French equivalent word for fig (figue), but it will not create the smile I had when I ate my first fig in France.
For many years, I started (and usually quit) the French language programs into which I was enrolled.
The result: thousands of dollars and time wasted without progressing on my “French journey”.
Please learn from my mistakes!
For me, learning to navigate a French menu has been a process. I know, just seeing the words “La Carte” a few years ago would send shivers down my spine. What was I ordering? Would I make a mistake? Would I embarrass myself (my biggest fear)?