Experience the ups and downs of adjusting to new norms, from cultural differences in childcare to unexpected viral outbreaks. Meanwhile, personal reflections and humorous misadventures pepper our journey, including a memorable trip to a storied rowing regatta and birthday celebrations amidst illness. With friends visiting and culinary explorations on the horizon, our family's French escapade continues with resilience and hope.

Amidst the challenges of chicken pox, unexpected dental mishaps, and pleasant culinary surprises in Rueil, we bid farewell to Hartford, our beloved canine companion of 15 years. He is missed.

Join us this week as we dive into a whirlwind of activities and cultural experiences in France. From the spectacle of a French school fair with students dancing through the ages, to the lively Fête de la Musique, our American family embraces the vibrant community life in their new home. We explore captivating art installations at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris and savor exquisite Japanese cuisine with a focus on eel.

Follow our weekend family adventures as we embark on playful outings, complete with toddler antics and challenging transitions. Witness the cherished moments shared with visiting family and the unexpected connections formed with locals.

As the school year draws to a close, we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of our son's first year in a French school. Through it all, we find joy in the simple pleasures of French produce, the thrill of artisanal chocolates, and a newfound appreciation for French whiskey.

Join us in this bustling podcast episode as we explore the unique challenges and delightful moments of family life in France. We dive into our rambunctious weekend filled with early morning awakenings by our young ones, unexpected shopping adventures, and grappling with ant invasions. All this unfolds as the heat kicks in, sending us running for air conditioning.

This week's highlights also include catching up with our visiting family members, taking them on a tour of our charming neighborhood during "fête du commerce", enjoying al fresco dining, and tasting the best flan in France.

Turkish kebab. A tiny sushi restaurant. Five giraffes. Listen up.

Discover Marseille's cultural diversity. Walk through historical sites and culinary delights. Let the plumbing rain down from the ceiling! We're exploring sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches and Neolithic caves. Join us, won't you?

Don't let the taxi strike get in your way. We're off to Château de Chantilly in search of Australian wildlife. And we have enough gas in tank for dinner with old friends in Paris. The action-packed week continues with a visit to Roland Garros. If you think that this is exciting, just wait for next week...

We're going on stranger dates, celebrating the pedagogical farm, and eating ice cream sundaes. But is it all good times and pompoms? Tune in to find out.

This week, we delve into our gastronomic experiences, from the unexpected foam dishes at a Michelin-starred restaurant to the feast of all feasts at a local farm where a traditional pig roast took center stage. Reflect on the nuanced differences between culinary accolades and genuine satisfaction.

Our journey continues with a visit to France Miniature, where we explore model landmarks and enjoy rides out of time with the children. Listen in as we navigate our family’s daily life and cultural observations, sharing the fulfilling and challenging moments of living in a foreign country.

Part 2 of last week's episode takes us to Bordeaux. Need we say more?