HOTEL KYRIAD in Trélissac (France)

It's taken me two and a half months in France to finally write about my job. Shame on me. But it's hard when everything you want to write will probably get you in big, big trouble. And so, instead, you start writing it all in a book which will probably never get published ... Before I knew what was going on, I was on the phone, interviewing--in French--people about election lawsuits, archaeology scandals, castle preservation and the first gay-friendly hotel in the region. ...

The fun continued until I was 25—teaching overeager children, exploring Southern France's many beaches, falling for silly French men who were only enamored with me for my English language skills. I counted people from Florida, England, Zambia, Ireland and Algeria among my friends and had never been happier in my whole life. I had always felt that something was missing before, that I wanted to get ... How can we serve you better? Share your feedback ». Hotels; Things to Do ...

The rude, unsmiling saleswoman—it is because we're in France. You would rarely see that sort of behavior in any Anglophone country, but it is so common in France that people write books about it. “Stranger means Danger.” “Guilty until proven innocent.” I'm not making these things up. They're in books. You can look for yourself. France is known for this behavior—the poor customer service, ... How can we serve you better? Share your feedback ». Hotels; Things to Do ...

After being in France for a week and a half, I can finally apply for a bank account. It's funny what becomes exciting when you move abroad. For example, I was downright depressed until, the other day, I walked into the Orange store and bought myself a cell phone plan. Now I have a whole two hours of calling time for 25 euros! But wait, I have to make sure to use it up before the end of April or ... How can we serve you better? Share your feedback ». Hotels; Things to Do ...

Now, I was taking a crash course in culture supplied by none other than France Telecom. As I am flipping through my uncountable channels, I stumble upon some similarities between what's going on here in France, and simultaneously in China, Algeria, Russia and Cambodia: Game shows. Here I thought everyone was obsessed with America: our culture, our clothes, our way of life. ... How can we serve you better? Share your feedback ». Hotels; Things to Do ...

“No,” she says again, “this is France. You need your actual passport.” “I'm not going to carry my passport with me everywhere,” I say, getting beligerant and taking a swift glance at the manager to see how much risk I have of getting kicked out, “it's very dangerous to have it with me all the time.” “This is France,” she says again, interrupting me, “that's how it is.” ... How can we serve you better? Share your feedback ». Hotels; Things to Do ...

I am on my way to Bordeaux for my medical visit, a seemingly useless procedure that is needed for my carte de sejour and my ability to stay in this country, when I remember for the first time why I came back to France. Stepping off the train, navigating through the wide streets filled with stretches upon stretches of people, I am filled with a joy I cannot explain. The café to my left with its .... How can we serve you better? Share your feedback ». Hotels; Things to Do ...