So it seems my little virtual jaunt through Rimes recently to explore the champagne houses, vineyards and underground caves stocked with champagne came in handy. While YouTube can only go so far in firing up my imagination, there comes a time when you simply need to “do it for real”. So it wasn’t exactly a […]
French Markets in Melbourne
Our weather in Melbourne has been wet, cold and miserable. As an indication, I’m wearing a scarf and beanie at the moment – unheard of at this time of the year. The constant grey dampness is affecting my mood. I don’t mind cold weather – it’s when it just constantly rains for days that affects […]
My French Journey
It’s been interesting to be learning French these last few years. It’s now well and truly ingrained into my life. I cannot go a day without listening, watching, writing or talking French. When you learn a language, you pretty much should make a pact with yourself that it should be part of your life. And […]
Another Second Hand Book Haul
I bought some more second hand books yesterday. Here they are:
Achievement Unlocked: I Speak French
In the last few months, I changed from one University of the Third Age French class to another. It was unfortunate that I left the first one even though I enjoyed the class however, it reached a point that I realised I needed MORE conversation than grammar classes. Don’t be under the illusion that you’re […]
Virtual Trip to Lyon
It’s unlikely we will be travelling anywhere overseas for at least another few years but thankfully, we have an abundance of wonderful videos, programmes and other resources to do virtual trips instead. Some time ago, during the pandemic lockdowns I created a Virtual Tour of France where I created an itinerary for 5 days that […]
La Bohème
Annoying my neighbours by playing this song in the house quite loud. I dare you not to shed a tear. (For the song, not me).
Hier Encore
La chanson nous allons étudier la semaine prochaine. Dis-moi. Aznavour a raison. Une chanson triste à commencer mon jour. Où est passée ma vingtaine?! 🤣
I Shouldn’t Complain About Work…At Least I Didn’t Make A Lot of Holes….Les Petits Trous
This is the song we studied in French class so now I can’t get it out of my head…. Puis, I started to think if I did a search en francais about songs that have been created by AI, je l’ai trouvé ça. (Heureusement, il n’y a pas de chansons de Gainsbourg. Phew).. I’m mixing […]
I Wagged School Today
I did a Ferris Bueller. I wagged school. I didn’t feel like going to the U3A classes today because I had been playing the ukulele and practising French in my own time all weekend. Those classes could wait another week. Instead I wanted to walk the city streets and have some time to be in […]
Become Fluent in French in 8 Hours a Day
I stumbled upon this video on YouTube and it was an eye opener. First of all, I thought to myself that I can easily do this now that there is time in my day. Devoting 8 hours a day to language learning is achievable especially if you don’t work, have no family commitments and want […]
Nothing Wrong With Starting with Grammar When Learning a New Language
I watched this interview with D’aria talking about how she learned French and it struck me that we both started the same way. Many people on YouTube and other articles online advise NEVER to start with grammar. However this is wrong. I started like her. I bought the Practice Makes Perfect books and methodically over […]
My First Day of Summer School
This morning was my first day of Summer School and I was like a little kid. I did all my morning chores and even went into the garage to pump up my bike tyres. I hadn’t cycled in years but as the University of the Third Age in nearby, it seemed wrong to use the […]
A Frenchie Afternoon
Well what a lovely day. Well, the weather was shite. It was 15 degrees and rained in the morning but there were bursts of sunshine at various times. For the last year or so, I have been going to a local cafe for my French conversation group. I love having this weekly catch-up with them […]
Trying Out French Classes at the U3A
I was looking forward to today. The University of the Third Age is near our home and when I was there last to take some photos for their newsletter, I was invited back to observe the French for Intermediate class to consider registering for next year’s classes. I’ve been going to weekly conversation classes at […]
I Spoke French
Today I caught up with my good friend for lunch and a bit of a natter (chat). We usually meet halfway between our respective homes and tried out a pub meal which was delicious. However before our meeting, I had to stop and take a photo of two P&O cruise liners which were at Station […]
Au Revoir Tristesse
I’ve recently finished reading Viv Groskop’s book Au Revoir Tristess: Lessons in Happiness from French Literature and loved it. It’s got me back into my reading mojo! Here’s my review of it and below it are direct quotes from the book that made an impact on me. Marcel Proust There is something very wise, almost […]
My French Learning Update
I’ve written many posts here in my blog about how I’ve been learning French then integrating this language into my life as much as possible. It’s immersion by stealth. If you can’t visit or travel overseas to the country, we are spoiled for choice using technology and other ways to ensure we are surrounded by […]
Jouer Au Golf et Apprendre Le Francais Ensemble
What do you do if you feel you lack time when it comes to learning all the things you want to learn? Do it all in the one go. Find things that build upon each other. For example, I’m new to golf. And I’m a left handed golfer at that. Golf is a backwards sport. […]
My French Update
There’s a crêperie nearby that serves these French crepes and galettes made with buck wheat that employs French speakers so you can be guaranteed to hear French being spoken every time you go there. On Friday morning, I didn’t have anything planned for the day (except for 9 holes of golf later that afternoon) so […]