Bienvenue !

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Bienvenue ! Make yourself at home. 


My name is Chris Tracey, that's me pictured above at an award ceremony many years ago.  More about that in a bit, but just so you know, I'm a retired seventy-something who has spent an entire working life in education.

 

From schooldays, I have been enthusiastic about France and things French and continue to be a dedicated Francophile.

 

I started this blog nearly 15 years ago, using it as a place to file and share posts about France and alongside an Instagram account where I was keen to find examples of how France showed up in my native Belfast.  It’s surprising just how many discoveries can be made and I am constantly delighted by the very many aspects of the country that show up.

 

I wonder, since you’ve landed here and are reading this, whether you too are on the lookout for Francophile material.  If so, then I trust that you’ll find something here to while away a pleasant moment or two.  And hopefully that you will look around your area and see where France turns up for you.  If it does please let me know.

 

So, what can you expect here?

 

You’ll find that I love books.  Our local Cercle français has occasional readings and discussions, and I love taking part in those.  I read a lot in the original French but also in translation – often simultaneously.  I have a great admiration for translators, and yet rarely do they get the attention and praise they so richly deserve.  Inevitably, there will be plenty of stuff on Books and Reading.

 

I am also a bit of a “bon vivant”.  Well, it’s hard to reach this ripe old age and not pick up some vices along the way.  So another aspect of this blog will be posts about Food and Wine.  I will be aiming though to go further than the tastes and explore the culture and traditions that lie beneath and beyond.  That means that another key theme of the blog is Culture in its many expressions.

 

Right now, a confession.  Although I was a teacher of French for many years and kept up my association with France and French, I have fallen foul of that age old problem of lifelong learning – The Use it or Lose it principle.  Yes, a lot of my French has fallen into disrepair and much of what remains lacks currency.  The good news?  I aim to put that right and intend to share posts about developing French Language skills.  

 

I mentioned earlier how surprised I am that France constantly shows up where I live.  When I’m out and about and I discover something French related I take a picture and share it.  There’s quite a collection of these snaps over on Instagram at francofiled_belfast  I hope that you’ll call in there and hit the odd like button.

 

Okay then.  How long and how often?

 

Generally I would like to focus on 2-to-3-minute reads, although I want to get back into researching material for more substantive pieces which will take around 5 minutes. If you become a regular visitor then I won't trespass too much on your goodwill as my intention is to post once a week for the time being. 

 

Finally

 

A reminder of those blog themes again:

They are Books and Reading, Culture, Food and Wine, French Language and Found in Belfast.  You’ll find those Labels nested top left in the 3-line marker.  I’ve also highlighted some of the posts I like myself and have labelled those Evergreen.  If you are thinking of staying a while on the site maybe that’s the best place to start.

 

More about that photo then?

 

It comes from the linked post below.  It’s one of my Evergreen posts and may help explain my enduring appreciation for France and things French.

 

Here’s the link: https://www.francofiled.org/2010/07/palmes-academiques-french-ambassadors.html

 

That’s all for now.  Hope to see you here.

Renewed thanks for visiting. 

Bien à toi

Chris

 

 


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