Category Archives: Culture & Identity

Himmelfahrt 🇬🇧🇫🇷

Posted on May 14, 2026 by admin

Unlock the full story—because Himmelfahrt is just the beginning! Read on

Posted in Celebrations & Special Days, Culture & Identity, Travel | Tagged * Himmelfahrt, Ascension Day, Beer culture, Bollerwagen, Brückentag, Christi Himmelfahrt, Father’s Day Germany, Folk culture, Funny traditions, German festivals, German holidays, German traditions, Herrentag, Männertag, Public holidays in Germany, Religious holidays, Travel Germany, Vatertag | Leave a comment

Chinese name 🇬🇧

Posted on May 11, 2026 by admin

Why Chinese names are never “just names.” Read on

Posted in Culture & Identity, Language & Culture | Tagged Chinese, pinyin, Surname | Leave a comment

The curious case of the missing decades

Posted on November 30, 2025 by admin

After 44 years abroad, I’m rediscovering a France I completely missed — especially its music. Iconic bands I never heard of, hits everyone knows except me, and weekly surprises as I catch up on four lost decades. It’s like being … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Identity, Music | Tagged 70s music, 80s music, Cultural nostalgia, Deezer, Expat stories, French music, Jean-Louis Aubert, Life abroad, Musical discoveries, Personal reflections, Rediscovering France, Returning home, South West France, Streaming discoveries, Téléphone band, YouTube music | Leave a comment

Un peu d’histoire 🇫🇷

Posted on November 17, 2025 by admin

A short history of Carcassonne

Posted in Culture & Identity | Tagged Carcassonne | Leave a comment

England: The 51st State in spirit 🇬🇧

Posted on September 19, 2025 by admin

From pumpkin spice lattes to Black Friday stampedes, England is slowly turning into a mini-USA. Explore the satirical side of fashion, food, and language changes in British life

Posted in Culture & Identity, Humour | Tagged Americanisation, Black Friday, British lifestyle satire, Cultural commentary, Customer service, England, Fashion trends, Food trends, Language changes, Pumpkin spice, UK culture | Leave a comment

La Madeleine de Proust 🇫🇷🇬🇧

Posted on September 19, 2025 by admin

Ever had a taste, smell, or sound transport you back in time? Discover the story behind Proust’s madeleine—the tiny treat that unlocks life’s most cherished memories.

Posted in Culture & Identity, Food & Drinks, Nostalgia | Tagged ChildhoodMemories, ClassicLiterature, CulturalExpressions, EmotionalTriggers, FoodAndLiterature, FrenchCulture, InvoluntaryMemory, LiteraryReferences, MadeleineDeProust, MarcelProust, Memory, Nostalgia, ProustianMoment, SensoryExperiences | Leave a comment

Irish escapade 🇬🇧

Posted on September 3, 2025 by admin

Day -2 From Carcassonne to Guinness in one (very thrifty) Ryanair wedge—strap in and check in! Day -1 Sunshine, sarcasm, and a suitcase that won’t shut—join me on my misadventures from Occitan bliss to Irish drizzle. Day 1 49 years … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Identity, Food & Drinks, Travel | Tagged * Galway, Athlone, B&B stays, Castle visits, Cocktails (with a wink), Food & Wine (or “Wine Rant”), Guinness, Irish hospitality, Irish pubs, Jameson Black Barrel, Kilkenny, Rainy walks, Roadtrip, Sean’s Bar, Stag Party (fun mention) | Leave a comment

European accent 🇫🇷🇬🇧🇩🇪

Posted on August 15, 2025 by admin

When a Hollywood cop described a suspect as having a “European accent,” I nearly spilled my café crème. From French chic to Scottish grit, Europe’s accents are as varied as its landscapes—yet somehow, we’re all lumped into one. A witty … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Identity | Tagged * European Accents, Accent Recognition, American Movies, British English, Cultural Diversity, French Accent, Geography in Film, Hollywood Movies, Italian Accent, Language Diversity, Linguistic Stereotypes, Media Shortcuts, Scottish Accent, Spanish Accent, United in Diversity | Leave a comment

Massalia 🇫🇷

Posted on August 9, 2025 by admin

Marseille dans le sang, Paris sur la carte d’identité. Entre les étés ensoleillés chez ma grand-mère Alphonsine, les marchés parfumés, les après-midis à la Pointe Rouge et les histoires hautes en couleur de tonton Maurice, chaque souvenir est une bouffée … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Identity, Life in France, Nostalgia | Tagged Calanques, Citroen DS, Cours Julien, Dauphine, Grand-Hôtel de Noailles, Lavender & gratin smells, Marseille, Mistral Train, Pastis, Provence lifestyle, Southern accent, Summer childhood, Vieux-Port | Leave a comment

Super Bowl LIX

Posted on February 10, 2025 by admin

A sleepless European, a 12:30 AM kickoff, endless commercials, and a few dangerously good cocktails—welcome to my Super Bowl night. I rooted for Philly, ranted about ads, marveled at how little the “ball in play” actually is, and still somehow … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Identity | Tagged * Super Bowl 2025, American football in Europe, Ball in play, CET time zone challenges, Cultural differences, Halftime show, Kansas City Chiefs, Old Fashioned cocktails, Philadelphia Eagles, Rugby vs football, Sleepless night, Sports commercials, Villanova memories | Leave a comment

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