Living as a Canadian expat in France we notice some subtle differences. And others we just shake our heads and wonder, ‘How on earth did they get to that conclusion?’ #1 Line-Ups An interesting formation at the end of the customer service desk at the local Auchan, I thought maybe it was a one time…
Reflections, -On the edge of the Canal du Midi, ducks come to us, as we feed them day old bread. A beautiful female Mallard sits, floating, watching us patiently from the opposite waters edge, as her 10 family members fight for the pieces we throw them. After looking closer I see another duck with blue/green…
“Kill them all, God will know HIs own” The Abbot stated before the sack of Bezier where 20,000 were claimed dead. The Cathar or Albigensian Crusades were from 1209-1229, a military war started by Pope Innocent III to eliminate Cathars and heretics from the Langudoc region of southern France. Beziers is rich with Cathar…
While working feverishly towards our dream of owning and running a B&B in southern France, our dream changed. This was a pivotal point of our journey. We found a magnificent project two kilometers outside of Capestang with three rental gites onsite as well as a huge six-bedroom 100-year-old farmhouse conversion. When the banks decided to…
To our family friend Christophe, ‘Happy Birthday to you!’ ‘Happy 10th Birthday to Sebastian too!’ After our friend’s wedding on Saturday afternoon, we joined Christophe and Beatrice for their family celebration! Christophe turned 50, their son turned 10 over the weekend, and they joined the parties together and rented out the Montels town hall where…
Saint Stephen’s collegiate Church in Capestang, Languedoc-Rousillon France, was built in the 14th century but never completed. Gothic architecture has the feel of a cathedral, with a large open ceiling, and beautiful stain glass windows. The Collegiate Church of St. Etienne, started in the 13th century has remains of an older church thought from the…
After 7 months on the road, we settle in to our new village routines. The kids have been through there own version of our family adventure, and although they loved most of it, they did find adjusting to life on the road more unsettling than we initially wanted to share. But I promised myself,…
Lucky in the Languedoc of France Home and Garden Channel This was the TV promotions blurb about our family’s TV debut on House HUnters International. I cannot believe it was in 2012, but as the world turns, it looks like we will be doing another TV show about our move from Capestang France to…
When I use the term ‘International Family’ referring to ourselves, I think of our family travelling and living out of a bag, our world is our residence. For the Striar family the definition is even more defined, a true international family, not only travelling for a year around Europe with their 3 children, but also…
#1 Lucerne Milk Canadian milk is so good and super fresh. I have a strange habit of dipping my Lays potato chips in my milk. I miss the habit, all though my waistline does not. #2 Packaged Gravy Mix Open a package, throw it in boiling water and stir for lump free gravy. Oh how…