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My Inner French Girl

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Last week it dawned on me that it has been a little over a year since my last trip to Paris.

*Sigh*

It is sad. I miss the city, I miss my friend, I miss the food and the language.

So, I have to get creative in order to bring back that lovin' French feeling. To get in touch with my inner French girl, if you will.

Here are some of my favorite ways to keep France alive in my heart:

Pop in my favorite French movie, Amélie, for a tour around Montmartre, like no other.

Practice speaking French.

Throw five French CDs in the stereo, hit shuffle, close my eyes and allow myself to be transported.

Make some crepes. Anything with Nutella.

Splurge on some expensive French wine.

Drool over a slideshow of my hundreds of Paris pictures, pausing to savour memories.

Delve into a new French Memoir.

Buy a bouquet of all-white roses or tulips for the kitchen table.

Visit one of my favorite local French cafés or restaurants for an authentic French meal.

Treat myself to some French skin care, Caudalie is my favorite.

Leaf through my many French Décor books and magazines, longing to make the changes in my own home.

Visit The Paris Apartment- she always has the best trade pictures.

Go shopping for stylish chic clothes, with that French flair.

Throw on a black trench and a scarf and go for a walk in the rain.

By a new French cookbook.

Take a trip to my local flea-market and scour it for Frenchie finds.

Visit gourmet markets, scooping up all the French products I can find.

But,the most exciting thing I am currently doing is planning a new trip, but not to France. I am going to Montréal and Old Quebec City. Three weeks and counting.

It's not France, but hey, it is French. French-Canadian counts right?!

yle="font-family: Georgia;">It is only a six hour drive, the dollar is actually worth something, I'll have no airline stress to deal with and it will be a great way to get in touch with my inner French girl. And hopefully it will hold me over for yet another year.

Hopefully.

***

So, what do you miss most about France? What are some of the things you do to keep your Frenchness thriving until you can visit again?

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Foodie Froggy
October 6th, 2008
Hi Robin !
I miss you too !!:-(
I want to go to Quebec City with you ! I am sure you will love it !
Anne

My Mélange
October 6th, 2008
Anne: Aw, glad to know the feeling is mutual. You and A. are more than welcome to join us!! I am sure I will love it too. Not as much as Paris, though Maybe we can see each other next year!!

janie
October 6th, 2008
I’ve never been and a, sorry that I didn’t make this trip when I lived in Boston. Can’t wait to hear about it!

Claudia
October 6th, 2008
Hey Robin,
I love your list. I’m going to check out your cds and get in the mood. Thanks for making me one of your escapes, that made me really smile! Can’t wait to see pics of your trip to Canada, it’s supposed to be magnificent, and the shopping, well, we’ll just see when you take us along!

KC
October 6th, 2008
Mmmm, crepes! I can’t remember the last time I had them.
To keep my inner French girl thriving I dress my baby in French-made clothes. They’re the most stylish!

anne
October 6th, 2008
Certainly are great ways to keep your inner French alive….:-)
I read alot about France and Italy…visit delicatessens …buy french/Italian food…
Have a great trip to Montreal, yes not quite France but as you say French-Canadian!!

Angie
October 6th, 2008
Quebec sounds fabulous and a wonderful way to catch up on some Frenchiness. I put on Edith Piaf and indulge in some yummy fresh croissants and strong coffee!!! Perfect on a cold Colorado morning. I can’t wait to see and hear all about your trip.

City Girl
October 6th, 2008
The Paris Apartment is a great site Also, check out CDs from Hotel Costes — they have a great vibe

My Mélange
October 6th, 2008
Janie: Don’t worry girl I’ll give you a first hand look
Claudia: Thanks mon cherie- and I am glad you liked it!!
KC: Hey there- welcome back- bet the bambina looks cute in those French fashions!!
Anne: Thanks- I’m looking forward to it!!
Angie: Mmmm, croissants, coffee and Piaf- when can I stop by?
City Girl: Love Claudia. Thanks for the tip- have to check it out!

Melody Platz
October 6th, 2008
I love the movie Amelie. If only life could be that sweet and exciting all the time.

Milanese Masala
October 7th, 2008
I know what you mean about Paris. From the very first time I visited when I was a teenager, there was something about that city that took hold of me. I knew I had to live there. And wouldn’t you know it, I met my husband in the Ville Lumière! I love listening to Gainsbourg to get in that French mood.
Have a super time in Montréal and Québec! I went to university in Montréal so I know it pretty well. The shopping is great and you have to check out rues St. Laurent and St. Denis. The Plateau is cool too and is home to a great restaurant, Au Pied de Cochon (http://www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca/). It specializes in foie gras.
As for Québecois French, well, the accent is rather different from French French and the slang is incomprehensible. But if you speak standard French, you should be ok. And most of the shop assistants in Montreal speak English too. Not so much in Québec City.
Have fun!

My Mélange
October 7th, 2008
Melody: Yes, if only!
Linda: Heard all about Au Pied de Cochon, but we don’t eat foie gras:(. Since we are going to Quebec City, I think it’s time we brush up on our French