A Chocolate Treat In Paris

I just happened to pick up a brochure in the lobby of a hotel in Paris entitled “A  Chocolate Story” and decided to visit The Chocolate Museum located on rue Bonne Nouvelle, so I asked my daughter to accompany me this chilly Saturday afternoon. Upon entering the museum, we were pleasantly greeted with the scent of chocolate and samples of four different chocolates coming from different parts of the world. This informative exhibit is composed of three floors where one discovers the history of chocolate starting from the Aztecs to the present day.

     The first floor displays the early growth of the “cacao tree”; the process of removing the beans from the pods, grinding, forming cacao powder and ancient cacao recipes. The second floor begins with the arrival of the hot chocolate drink in France and other European countries then finally its arrival to America. An excellent display of hot chocolate pots and exquisite porcelain cups and saucers used expressly for hot chocolate. The third floor displays posters, prints, and information on famous chocolatiers in Europe and America. There is a short film to view followed by a chocolate demonstration and tasting.

Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to the small gift shop which sells delicious chocolate treats for purchase. This experience is a delightful way to spend a rainy afternoon in Paris.

Dr. Brenda Bowe Johnson

An American Living in France Interview

Kareen Limansky is new to The Language House Training Staff and we have asked her opinions about living abroad.

1. Why did you decide to live abroad?

I came to France to explore my roots, integrate in the French culture and learn this beautiful language. I initially moved to Grenoble, France where I was surrounded by the majestic mountains and later here to Montpellier where I could enjoy the temperate Mediterranean climate.   

2. What are the best and worst things about living abroad? The best things are the opportunity to open your horizons to unknown cultures and languages, therefore opening yourself up as a person. There’s a tremendous opportunity for growth and exploration. Meeting new people and making new friends is a positive and also stressful experience. Leaving old friends behind and not communicating in the same manner is difficult. Starting from scratch in establishing a new community takes time. Understanding the culture, the humor and the “non text book way” of communication can also be challenging. Understanding others when they speak at a speed that seems incomprehensible at first as well as their use jargon and lingo. Also the food is different. Of course there are many delicious things to try yet sometimes you miss your own home country cuisine.    

3. What is your proudest accomplishment while living abroad?

My proudest accomplishment has been seeing myself grow as an individual. By gaining two French language diplomas, TEFL certification, teaching English and training new teachers has augmented my cultural understanding and sensitivity. As well as trying to see the world from diverse perspectives, these have been experiences I wouldn’t change for anything.   

4. How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time exploring French cinema, films, books, speaking as much French as possible especially with my French boyfriend, going to the sea and just trying to take in life for all it’s worth.   

5. What is your travel philosophy?

Plan ahead to find amazing deals, find cultural activities that are going on at the time and meet as many new people as possible.  

6. What advice would you give those who wish to get started on their dream of living abroad?

Tell yourself that it’s possible and start looking into the possibilities. Before I came here, I had wanted to live in France for a couple of years. I started asking questions and seeing how it would be possible and I found that there were avenues of possibility. It was a bit scary to take the leap but I did it and so can you.  

7. If you could do it all over again, as it relates to moving to a new country, what would you change?

I would make sure to stay in closer contact with my friends from my home country. Sometimes starting over takes so much energy and time that old friends can slip through the cracks. Realize who is most important to you and make sure to make the extra effort to stay in touch. It’s worth it.  

8. What do you find to be your biggest challenges as it relates to being a foreigner?

Not always understanding what’s being said and not always being able to fully communicate what you’re trying to say. It takes time to understand a new language fluently and express it well. But as you keep up the practice, it becomes easier. Have a positive attitude and remain passionate about why your there. J  

Finding Housing Abroad

I would say that finding suitable, affordable housing abroad is no easy task especially when considering Europe. It can definitely be done although it requires some patience and savings.

To begin with, before you arrive, look for temporary housing. Whether the goal is to rent an apartment for a year or even buy a house, always plan to be on-site to do the visits and see for yourself before you commit to anything.

Temporary housing in Europe has become easier to secure than ever before despite the fact that it still takes some work. Now, in many countries, you can find apartments to share on popular find-a-room websites. If you don’t want to share an apartment with strangers, there are online agencies that can arrange apartments for you on a short term basis but bear in mind that often they will be expensive. Be ready to make compromises.

Next, before you arrive, do an internet search about the city/region/country where you want to live. Find out ahead of time what the typical process is for securing housing. Never assume that it will be similar to your own country…leave nothing to chance. How long should it take, what paperwork will you need? Is it easy to open a bank account in said country?

Once you do all the research, if you find that it seems difficult to find affordable housing, don’t give up. Next, start talking to people who already live there, especially expats. Try to find out some of the loopholes or ways around the standard rules posted. Imagine you’re a journalist trying to uncover all information available.

Lastly, be prepared, financially for this project. When making the move abroad, things will cost money, especially in Europe and its surrounding countries. Therefore, expect it. It’s great to air on the side of economy, but be prepared for unexpected costs. Take a serious look at your finances before you head out.