I wish I could invite all of you to my house for this sale. I'd give you all French bises on each cheek, hand you a nice glass of champagne and after you've finished shopping, I'd offer you my homemade mousse au chocolat served with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint. We would proudly talk of the recent heroics of the Americans on the train and how they were the toast of Paris, despite wearing golf shirts to receive their medals from the president of France.
Read moreFrench Flea Market From Your Armchair
It's been about one year exactly since my husband and I made an emergency trip to France because our son suffered a serious accident. As I wrote about here, last year, it was a harrowing experience. I can only emphasize that if your child decides to study abroad, do make sure that your passport is up-to-date as well. Check and confirm that his health insurance covers him even when he is out of the country. Also, insist that he program his phone with that country's version of 9-1-1.
One year later, the kid is healthy, and that's my takeaway advice. Oh, and if the hospital's visiting hours are restrictive, go shopping. It passes the time very quickly.
Read moreFun on French Streets
Readers of The Bubble Joy know that my recent journey to France was far from a pleasure trip. My husband and I spent much of our time in a hospital room. (More on that here.) However, French hospitals enforce strict visiting hours, so most mornings and late evenings, we found ourselves sometimes wandering the streets of Dijon, relishing the little differences and chuckling at the similarities.
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