France has some of the most remarkable bridges in the world. Here are four of my favorites, three of which are located in Paris, “The City of Light.”
Gignac Bridge (Joel Berthonneau)
Linda Kovic-Skow, author of French Illusions
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.
Who was Marcel?
May 19, 2019 by 2 Comments
Marcel was one of the most unexpected characters in my memoir, French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley. From our first encounter, it was hard to reconcile that this quirky, enthusiastic man was my employer’s brother, but even Marcel suggested he was the “black sheep” of the family. He loved America, the language and the country music scene. As you will see in the following excerpt, his English was a bit rough too.
Loire Valley Markets
October 17, 2018 by 2 Comments
Most villages within the Loire Valley in France have have a Sunday market at least once a week during certain times of the year. These markets are often a mix of wines, beer, fresh fruits and vegetables, 
flowers, home-made goods and clothing. It’s a real treat to wander from stall to stall sampling products and visiting with the vendors about their wares.
A Visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral
May 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment
I first toured the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1980. 
Having been raised in a Catholic household, I was anxious to see this famous sight and as you will see in this excerpt from my memoir, French Illusions: From Tours to Paris, my tour of the structure on a rainy spring day, didn’t disappoint.
The Writer In Me
January 1, 2018 by 2 Comments
Isn’t it wonderful when you discover something worthwhile from the past? 
During my recent move to Saint Petersburg, Florida, I came across an essay I wrote for an English 101 class in college. I had just returned home from France in the spring of 1980, and as you’ll see, the essay describes my interest in a writing career.
My French Language Challenges
July 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment
I have always loved the sound of a person speaking French. The words spill out of their mouth with an almost sing-song quality. And don’t get me started with the way the French roll their r’s when they pronounce words like erreur, (error) or rappeler (to call back). Without a doubt, I chose to learn French in 1979 for these reasons.
