Word for the Travel Wise (10/13/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Boo! Yup, it is Friday the 13th folks and I’m sure you’ve all been shaking in your boots and paying extra attention to the cracks in the sidewalk on this semi-special day. Seen any black cats? Perhaps you’re on your way to the theater to soak in all the ghoulish, chop-chop, and gory cinema black magic you can take… However you decide to spend the day; locked up behind closed doors or night crawling on the town be safe and remember never talk to strangers!

Today’s word is Kreyòl (Haitian creole) word used in Haiti:

move – evil

This Kreyol website features comprehensive cultural and travel info on Haiti. Their overall goal is to spread positive messages about the country and create positive images. Their online Kreyòl dictionary is one of the best! iCreole is a good place translation tool if you wish to know a word within seconds. For a fun look at some popular proverbs check out this Discover Haiti site. Make note that the Creole used in the proverbs is not that of the Creole spoken in Port-au-Prince. Lastly, leave it to good old Pimsleur to have audio books dedicated to learning Creole. Expensive, but you can also look for them in your local library.

Past Kreyòl words: evite, il/zile, voryen, chalè

Word for the Travel Wise (10/10/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Just as fall begins it seems as though winter weather comes bulldozing its way in complete with snow flurries and flakes. Now in my mind it couldn’t be a more beautiful or romantic time to plan a holiday in France and this Pyrenees winter walking excursion looks perfect if you share my same thoughts. Responsible Travel has several departure dates in December as well as early 2007, but if you’re not into package deals use their info as a guide and build your own trip. I’m not a big fan of packaged programs either, but I must say this one kicking off in the French spa town of Luchon does seem pretty decent.

Today’s word is a French word used in France:

neige – snow

French is the third largest Romance language in the world in terms of native speakers according to the Wikipedia and is the official language of 29 countries. There are a number of places to learn French abroad which include Canada and Switzerland in addition to France. Amerispan offers immersion programs in all three of the countries and more info can be found by clicking here. Search other study abroad programs at some of these sites here: Coeur de France, Accord French Language School, and Transitions Abroad to name only a few. Swing over to My Language Exchange where you are sure to find someone willing to exchange their lingo skills for some of your own. Free online sources for learning French include France-Pub, French Assistant, and the BBC Languages.

Past French words: confiture, difficile, frottis, ma reum (mère), pensées, vélo, croire

Word for the Travel Wise (09/23/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Everyone has a favorite musician they’d take a loan out at the bank to go see in concert if it were the last concert ever being held in some rare exotic place like Easter Island. I have a couple I would go out on a limb and do such for; the first being Björk, second Sade and the third I’ll give to Les Nubians. After seeing the two Cameroonian sisters perform live in Los Angeles I was sold. Listening to a few of their songs now hoping they’ll do a show somehwere nearby soon. I really don’t want to do the loan at the bank thing. Smile.

Today’s word is a French word used in Cameroon:

croire – believe

English and French are both official languages of Cameroon.

French is the third largest Romance language in the world in terms of native speakers according to the Wikipedia and is the official language of 29 countries. There are a number of places to learn French abroad which include Canada and Switzerland in addition to France. Amerispan offers immersion programs in all three of the countries and more info can be found by clicking here. Search other study abroad programs at some of these sites here: Coeur de France, Accord French Language School, and Transitions Abroad to name only a few. Swing over to My Language Exchange where you are sure to find someone willing to exchange their lingo skills for some of your own. Free online sources for learning French include France-Pub, French Assistant, and the BBC Languages.

Past French words: confiture, difficile, frottis, ma reum (mère), pensées, vélo

Word for the Travel Wise (08/18/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

For all the Tour de France or bicycling fans who dream of cycling across the country one day, this word is for you. And if you have yet to start making this big dream of yours come true isn’t it time you started planning? Check out Discover France and their bicycling tours.

Today’s word is a French word used in France:

vélo – bicycle

French is the third largest Romance language in the world in terms of native speakers according to the Wikipedia and is the official language of 29 countries. There are a number of places to learn French abroad which include Canada and Switzerland in addition to France. Amerispan offers immersion programs in all three of the countries and more info can be found by clicking here. Search other study abroad programs at some of these sites here: Coeur de France, Accord French Language School, and Transitions Abroad to name only a few. Swing over to My Language Exchange where you are sure to find someone willing to exchange their lingo skills for some of your own. Free online sources for learning French include France-Pub, French Assistant, and the BBC Languages.
Past French words: confiture, difficile, frottis, ma reum (mère), pensées

Photo of the Day (07/29/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on


During all my years of school I never really had the chance to go abroad in an exchange program to learn another lang, which is a real bummer considering how much I adore lingo immersion. Anyhow, this photo comes from my younger cousin Camille’s photo files from her Junior year jaunt through Paris. As much as I’m in love with the bright red lights, wind mill and hearing her experiences I’m also a wee-bit green. Green with envy that is, but I suppose I’ll make to Paris one day. Until then, I have the photo and the stars to gaze into.