NewsletterAugust 2012

Southern Burgundy Food & Drink

This is a sample of what we tasted during my tour on July 7th. Thanks to those who came! Along with great weather we saw a 'straw house' being built! Next tour is planned for September. Tentative agenda: farm visit and short walk in the Bresse Bourguignone.

112 Gripes about the French

Thanks to this blog post I discovered 112 Gripes about the French. A handbook written in 1945 for American GIs in France. It's a fascinating read updated just a few months ago - opens a pdf file. It was even translated into French with the diplomatic name Nos amis les Français - Our French Friends.
It essentially goes about disproving 112 urban legends about France and the French. Including why we had to bailout the French in two World Wars and my favorite - why the French talk so much. The updated version mentions the 2003 Iraq War and compares it to the Suez Crisis in 1956.

Podcast

Latest podcasts are with Jeanette Malleval in Montélimar and Tony Paschall in Paris. Both are longtime residents of France but with difference experiences. Jeanette talks in part about finding work in France (it's not easy) and what's changed over the years. Jeanette is a familiar name to newsletter readers: last year she co-hoisted France 101 with me. Jeanette is multi-talented and coaches expat among her many activities.
Tony is the founder and chair of the Union of Overseas Voters. Tony talks about his organization's activities and helpful tips for oexpat voters. Tony also talks about what it's like to live in Paris.

Bastille Day

Paris gets all the attention but Bastille Day, what the French call fête nationale or 14 Juillet is celebrated thought out France. Every city, town and village will have some kind of celebration. Here's a video of my town's parade. Unfortunately there was rain so no fireworks afterward. Second year in a row that's happened! Good to know: often Bastille Day is celebrated on July 13th!

Mail Box

American Art: Private art gallery in the heart of the Old Dijon. Selling American works from the 1920s to 1960s. The owner - Jacques Protat is also a musician.
Photographic Walks: Good friend Teresa Kaufman continues with her walks in the Chamonix Valley.
Job Offer: Global Experiences is recruiting a part time location coordinator to be based in Paris. Contact Jessica Burns directly if interested - jessica at globalexperiences dot com.

Advertisements

Joie de Vivre Unlimited: Two beautiful 18th Century houses to rent in the South of France, in the beautiful chic hillside stone village of St Maximin. Each sleeps 8/9 people and can be rented together or separately; This is a first-rate French holiday rental with a walled garden covered with vines, outdoor terraces, swimming pool and private BBQ facilities.
Located in the middle of rows of grape vines, sunflower fields, cherry and apricot trees this is a picturesque setting but only 5 minutes from the Pont du Gard and 4 kilometers from the medieval town of Uzes, that boasts designer shops, restaurants and bars and a famous Saturday market that people come from miles around to shop at.
There are many places to visit within an hours drive of St Maximin: Les Baux de Provence, St Remy de Provence, Arles, Nimes, Avignon, Rousillon and Gordes, Isle sur la Sourg, Fountain de Valcluse, the Camargue with the famous wild horses, St Marie de Mer…

Currencies Direct: With increased protections and restrictions being put on the transfer of the US dollar, many companies are unable to help American clients transfer their funds. Currencies Direct is proud to be one of the few companies which has acquired a license to trade American clients and their funds safely and quickly; the only condition is that the funds must come from and go to the client's own account. We are happy to put the comfort back into currency for American clients and have an office in France with a team who is always there to help answer any questions.

Follow @jeffsteiner