A Californian living in Switzerland
If you followed my recent travels through Spain on Instagram Stories you probably noticed a lot of sunsets, boat rides and a smiling toddler. Some of you even wrote me messages to the effect of “Your life is paradise!” or “He’s the perfect kid.” Those messages broke my heart a little, because I’d hate to […]
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When I was seven years old, my family traveled to Paris where we stayed with our Parisian friends. The parents, who have four children, asked me what I wanted to do in Paris. I said I wanted to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. They looked baffled. None of them had ever […]
Read More…or Happy Swiss National Day from Geneva! August 1 marks the anniversary of when the Swiss Federal Charter was signed in 1291 bringing together “three Alpine cantons [who] swore the oath of confederation.” That charter is also why Switzerland’s actual country name is the Confederation Helvetique or simply “CH.” All over Switzerland today you will […]
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While many of the American blogs I read are already using the phrases “end of summer” and “back-to-school,” Europeans are giddily preparing for the beginning of their real summer: August 1. Schools are out of session. People are leaving town. The restaurant downstairs has put up a sign that reads “See you in September!” Because […]
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…even if the forecast is thunderstorms, like it is here in Geneva. We might head to Lausanne tomorrow to visit the aquarium and our favorite burger spot. What are you doing? Meanwhile, here are a few, fun links for weekend reading: The best time to expand your kid’s food palate Surprising things about French […]
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I keep having this dream where I’m on a plane. I’m alone in first class. The lights are dimmed and my seat is reclined. I’m watching a romantic comedy. Something by Nora Ephron. I have a stack of magazines next to me, but none of them are TIME or anything with hard journalism. The flight attendant comes […]
Read MoreThe other day I found myself in a sticky situation. I was at a party, trying to have a conversation and also trying to prevent my toddler from destroying the host’s home, when the question came up “So, what do you do?” After a beat, I said “I’m a writer.” Because I am. Well, kind […]
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…because it feels as though the rest of the world is moving at a neck-breaking pace. Last weekend we planned to be luxury glamping in the Alps, when my husband suddenly came down with a mysterious stomach pain. He checked into the hospital with what we thought was appendicitis and six long, confusing days later he checked […]
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I love packing for summer vacations. For each sundress and swimsuit I pack, I imagine a different, idyllic scenario. Strolling down a cobblestoned street with an ice cream cone in hand. Sunning myself on a beach with a good book. And the best scenario of all: Sauntering onto the plane with everything packed into a […]
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…because the world feels awfully heavy at the moment. I’m reminding myself that it’s ok to feel the heaviness, but I’ll still be going for a walk this afternoon to feel the warmth of the sun on my face. Meanwhile, here are some links to get you to the weekend: Vermont will pay you to […]
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