NewsletterFebruary 2004

What have I learned lately?

• There is one female fighter pilot in the French Army. Stationed outside Paris.
• The French are second only to the Japanese in their consumption of salmon in the world.
• January 8th marked the 55th anniversary of the creation of the Fifth Republic.
• In France it is customary to send a New Year' card but not a Christmas card.
• A male goat it's rumored absorbs the sicknesses of other animals.
• Some villages in France do something special for those of retirement age. For example: give candy or do dinner.

Up Coming French Events:

• February 2nd is the Fête de la Chandeleur. On this day Crêpes are traditionally eaten.
• Winter vacation for students' starts between February 7th and the 21st depending on location. Vacation lasts for two weeks. See: - French School Holidays for more information.
• Valentine's Day: In France you don't just give your love one a card. The French are much too romantic for that, instead you write a love letter.

Winter Weather

Dijon, where I live, saw a lot of snow during the last week of January, four days straight. It wasn't so much the amount of snow, a few inches per day or even less, but the fact snow is rare in Dijon. The first day of snow was the worst. The snow fell during the morning rush hour. Normal drives lasting only a few minutes became hour long. Luckily the morning snow was dissipated by warm weather and rain. As the week progressed snowplows were brought into action, making driving easier. By the fourth day of snow the morning drive was not abnormally long.

Last month newsletter's mentioned January is when France's premier horse race the Prix d'Amérique takes places. Kesaco Phedo won the 2004 edition in 1:12 over 2700 meters and earning half of the one million euro purse.

Seminars

For any of you that are thinking of moving to France or are already here but still have questions, I am pleased to offer you the chance to learn more about French culture and living in France through two seminars. Click here for more info - Living in France Seminars.

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