One of the many pains of permanently committing to a life in France is that I will always have an accent. Or rather an EEEEAA-ccent in my native Chicago tongue. I can whip up the nerve to get around just fine, but sometimes certain words just don’t come out right. As any stylist can attest, doing returns is one the pinnacle skills and unglamorous realities behind any photo shoot. As many times as I have tried, the word reimbursement must be sung, danced, and mimed before the said deed can be done. I go through all the possible variations “reim-BURS-AY-Ment” “re-im-bursement” “remburse-mEnt”. Some people make a very distinct stink face when speaking with someone with an EEEAAA-ccent. Their eyes get narrow, their eyebrows furrow, and all I want to do is get my REM-burse-mehhhn and run wee wee wee all the way home.
Long story short, after a few failed attempts, I successfully ordered a delicious boeuf BEUR-guigon several times for lunch today at my new favorite bistro Les Quilles. Stink faces not included!
Les Quilles, 123 Blvd Menilmontant 75011 Paris tel: 01 47 00 03 66 http://www.lesquilles.fr.
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Thanks, Mariel. I still can’t believe I’ve ended up here to stay.
Bon w-e.
Hi Heather,
I’ve heard that Paris is the worst place to learn French. I think that’s why we vacation in the South. 😉
Bonne journee.
Mercy bow-coo.
Yes! It’s a great local place.
Pfff, I so know the feeling, but sounds like you are managing fine 🙂 And glad you like les Quilles – it’s my current fave as well!
AND your accent is fantastique !
Oof. Paris is tough, Jessie! It really is easier here in the South. THEY have an accent and so are less willing to make fun of you for yours. And now I have come to like mine. It took time though. 😉 Hang in there…
On Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 10:50 AM, thefrancofly
I am extremely jealous that you live in Paris! I was there for christmas and it was absolutely amazing. 🙂
http://marielinwonderland.blogspot.com
Paris is a wonderful city and I am very jealous that you live there! I went there last christmas and it was amazing. 🙂
Nice one Jessie ! We’ll have to CREATE the recipe for boeuf BEUR-guignon anytime soon.
😉
right there with you =)