Kristin Espinasse

Dec 10, 2024 | francetoday.com | Kristin Espinasse |Justin Postlethwaite |Dominic Bliss |Martha Sessums

Kristin celebrates her 30th wedding anniversary and wonders if she’s a native French person now. My husband and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, and I find myself wondering, after three whole decades, am I finally French? After all, I no longer snack, take long showers, or use a clothes dryer – habits I left behind in America when I came to France all those years ago. But times have changed, and so have I, especially regarding my obsession with becoming French.

Oct 17, 2024 | francetoday.com | Kristin Espinasse

Blessed with an adventurous spirit, Kristin’s mother is enjoying her golden years in France. Since fulfilling my dream of moving to France, my mom has been present at every milestone. Though an ocean away in Mexico, Jules packed a tuxedo, braving the friendly skies to walk me down the aisle at a cathedral in Marseille. She left Yelapa for the birth of Max and, two years later, for Jackie’s naissance in Aix-en-Provence.

Sep 24, 2024 | francetoday.com | Kristin Espinasse

Kristin is left to take the wheel as her husband sets off for three months away. It’s 6am and I’m braving the A8 autoroute in the dark. I’ve left my husband at Aéroport Marseille Provence after he turned over the wheel to me for the solo drive home. Ça y est, he’s on his way to New Zealand for a wine contract while I hold down the fort here in France.

Jul 3, 2024 | francetoday.com | Kristin Espinasse

An adopted country and a loving family – with a little help from France Today – is what Kristin needs to feel right at home. My husband is about to embark on a three-month oenological mission to New Zealand. As exciting as the thrill and adventure of winemaking in an exotic land is for Jean-Marc, I am just as excited to stay behind in France. At least that’s what I thought. I didn’t anticipate feeling bothered by this separation because I’ve so often romanticised the notion of a mariage sabbatique.

Mar 27, 2024 | francetoday.com | Kristin Espinasse

Kristen watches as a clash by the coast stops short of turning physical. My husband and I were strolling along the boardwalk when we overheard shouting. Up ahead, we saw a couple of disgruntled dames down by the beach. A white-haired woman, waist-deep in the sea, had been enjoying a sunrise swim when another woman began walking her dogs along the sandy shore. The early morning altercation seemed to be about their mutual rights.