Tours
In 1979, when I was twenty-one, I traveled abroad and worked as an au pair for a wealthy French family in the Loire Valley. The small town of where I lived was charming, but I was also drawn to the nearby larger town of Tours.
Linda Kovic-Skow, author of French Illusions
The Lively Loire City of Tours
May 4, 2022 by 2 Comments
French Cocktails? Mais Oui!
November 10, 2021 by 1 Comment
When I worked as an au pair in the Loire Valley in 1979, I sampled many fabulous wines, from Sauvignons to Cabernets, but it was the cocktails that I remember fondly. The Lillet and the Kir were two of my favorites. Oh, and the French 75, of course!
The Majestic Château d’Angers
August 28, 2021 by 1 Comment
This will be the third and final post highlighting my three favorite French chateaux from the Loire Valley in France. Built on a ridge, high above the Main River, lies the Château d’Angers. 
This incredible feudal fortress with its seventeen massive towers, measures nearly 600 m (2,000 ft.) in circumference and boasts walls almost 10 ft. thick.
The Incomparable Château de Chenonceau
June 12, 2021 by 2 Comments
My photo from 2001
In this second post highlighting my favorite French chateaux from the Loire Valley, I’m featuring the Château de Chenonceau. Known for its architectural mixture of Gothic and French Renaissance, the château was originally constructed on the Cher River sometime during the 12th century. Destroyed twice and rebuilt, it eventually fell into the hands of French King Henry II, who gifted it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, in 1547.
The Magnificent Chateau de Chambord
April 27, 2021 by Leave a Comment
This will be the first of three posts highlighting three of my favorite French chateaux from the Loire Valley. First on my list, is the magnificent Château de Chambord, the brainchild of Franis I, King of France between the years 1515-1547.
Chateau de Chambord
Travel Journaling – It’s Easier Than Ever
August 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment
I’m not sure who, or what, prompted me to keep a diary during my trip to France in 1979, but I’m sure glad I did. Without it, my book, French Illusions, My Story as An American Au Pair in the Loire Valley, probably never would have been written.
Name Changes in French Illusions
June 9, 2020 by 8 Comments
Back in 2007, when I decided to write a story based on my diary, I knew that I would have to change the names of people and places to protect identities. This was especially true with regard to my host au pair family. Acquiring permission from them was out of the question. Totally out of the question. Read my book and you’ll understand. Additionally, over thirty years had passed since I spoke with anyone I’d met in France. I no longer had any contact information.
A Delectable Memory
April 28, 2020 by 2 Comments
My diary from 1979 recounts my adventures living and working as an au pair in the Loire Valley, at the Château de Montclair, in France. Most of my diary entries revolved around my relationships with the family, but on occasion, I included recipes of favorite drinks or meals.
French Illusions: Photos Introducing Parts Three and Four
January 1, 2020 by 2 Comments
As promised, here is the second installment explaining why I chose the photos introducing the four “parts” in French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley. In my earlier blog, I focused on Part One and Part Two, and today I will move on to Parts Three and Four. 
French Illusions: Photos Introducing Part One and Two
November 9, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Recently, a reader asked about the photos introducing the four “parts” in French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley. It was my publisher’s design team that came up with this fantastic idea.
