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culture shock
k&k episode 479 - the one where they talk more about complaining... and stuff...
We continue talking extensively about the topic of expat complaining in episode 479, and wonder whether it depends on the motivation for complaints and the venue.
k&k episode 478 - the one where they talk about complaining... and stuff...
In episode 478 we get VERY excited to share some news, then get into a heated discussion about the idea of "complaining" - when is it ok for expats to complain and when isn't it?
k&k episode 475 - the one where they remember what it was like at the beginning... and stuff...
Things get real in episode 475 as we discuss how to help people and empathise with people who have just arrived in a new country without sounding like know-it-alls. We also talk about what was like when we first arrived in France - the difficulties we faced, the challenges we had to overcome, and how we came through the other side - and chat about how far we've come (or not come, depending on how you look at it).
This episode was brought to you by the term "un nouvel arrivant" (a new arrival).
k&k episode 461 - the one where they talk about real life in the French countryside... and stuff...
In episode 461 we are pleased to bring you an episode we recorded with Amy Plum, author of Die for Me, a few months ago. We talk about the stereotypes of French men, then have a very frank and fascinating discussion about what it was like for her to move to France - the circumstances surrounding the move and how she feels about life in the French countryside.
k&k episode 452 - the one where the muffin man and katia visit america and get confused about the toilets... and stuff...
In episode 452 Katia continues to tell tales from her trip to LA to see Kathryn & Seb get married: crazy traffic, Hollywood Boulevard & the Walk of Fame, the bachelor & bachelorette parties, the rehearsal dinner, meeting up with Dani, supermarket adventures, the wonderful wedding itself, crab shack shenanigans, uber-American 4th of July celebrations, an old-fashioned picnic in Kathryn's hometown, driving through downtown LA, a trip to Olvera street, more mexican food and margaritas, a baseball game at Dodger's Stadium and fireworks. Then we share some general thoughts about gaps on toilet doors, water levels in toilets, the lack of jaywalking, strange pedestrian rules and the joys of travelling.
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adventures, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 451 - the one where the muffin man and katia visit america and taste american coffee... and stuff...
In episode 451 we chat about the upcoming Bastille Day picnic, then Katia recounts what happened when she and and the Muffin Man went to America: adventures with passport control, fingerprints, airplane food, sprinting through airports, hand luggage dramas, tipping confusion, friendly waiters, unknown but exciting ingredients, eating their way through LA, diner coffee tasting, Starbucks sightings and refills.
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adventures, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 450 - the one where they discuss the history of the (e)mail order bride... and stuff...
In episode 450 we step back in time to an episode we recorded earlier this year with Janet Skeslien Charles, author of Moonlight in Odessa. We continue talking about the "email order bride", the extensive history of this phenomenon, the power of the internet in forming relationships, the expectations and preconceptions of the women who are part of these schemes and the subsequent culture shock. Janet shares some of her culture shock and travel experiences, we talk about the presence of the Ukranian Mafia, national pride, making friends in foreign countries, learning the language, and we chat a bit more about the personalities of some of the characters.
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author interviews, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 445 - the one where they discuss Baghdad and touching the Queen... and stuff...
We're jumping back in time in episode 445 and bring you an episode we recorded a few months ago with the delightful Ann Mah and her diplomat husband Chris, who tells us about the fascinating experience of serving as for a year a diplomat in Baghdad. We chat about the intensive language training program, learning languages and making mistakes, how to be culturally sensitive and the importance for diplomats to learn about cultural differences, then he explains his current role for the Embassy in France and tells us about some of the interesting people he's rubbed shoulders with over the years.
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adventures, cultural differences, culture shock, interviews, travel
k&k episode 434 - the one where they learn even more about diplomacy... and stuff...
In episode 434 we continue chatting with Ann Mah and her diplomat husband Chris. Ann takes us all to Brittany (at least in our imagination!) and reveals some of the secrets behind her current book project, then we continue our discussion with Chris about the life of the diplomat. He tells us what the difference is between an embassy and a consulate, and describes the role of embassies and consulates and their various departments, then we talk about the reasons why diplomats are moved regularly around the world rather than being left in one country for an extended period. We find out whether people really try to get refuge in embassies and what sometimes happens if your country doesn't have representation in a particular part of the world, then Chris traces his diplomatic journey for us, from his first assignment right through to what he is doing now in Paris, and we discuss learning languages and the various strategies employed by the Foreign Service to help people learn languages.
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adventures, culture shock, interviews, travel
k&k episode 433 - the one where they learn all about diplomacy... and stuff...
We are joined in episode 433 by the delightful Ann Mah and her husband Chris, who tells us all about what it means to be a diplomat working for the American foreign service. After chatting about gimlets, champagne and cheetos, Chris tells us a little about his first assignment in Turkmenistan, then we chat about why he decided to become a diplomat and the process behind joining the foreign service. From grueling written exams to diplomatic boot camp, we learn all about the various challenges surrounding the application process right through to the official foreign service training, including learning negotiation skills and mastering small talk!
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adventures, culture shock, interviews, travel
k&k episode 431 - the one where they talk about national identity... and stuff...
In episode 431 we continue talking about national identity, which leads to a discussion about how our feelings about our country of origin have changed since we've been away, the concept of patriotism and the different perceptions of national pride, which leads us to talk about the definition of expat versus immigrant and how we classify ourselves as foreigners living in France.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 430 - the one where they talk about apps and guilt... and stuff...
In episode 430 we are thrilled to reveal some exciting news (not episode 500 related but it IS app-tly amazing and awesome!), then we get to chatting about an article we came across recently written by a guy who was feeling guilty about taking on another nationality. It's a fascinating conversation that leads us to discuss feelings of betrayal, the reasons behind acquiring citizenship, how it might feel to give up nationality, and what it means when you take on another nationality and how do you identify yourself when this happens.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 423 - the one where they discuss house-hunting, housewives and andouillette... and stuff...
We continue chatting with Ann Mah about the life of the diplomat's partner in episode 423, as we discuss what it's like to be constantly on the move, with a new post every few years. We talk about her current house-hunting project, which naturally brings us to the subject of the Real Housewives, then she gives us a glimpse into her current writing project, and we chat about andouillette and other weird and wonderful French dishes!
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culture shock, food, traditions, typical france
k&k episode 422 - the one where they learn more about the life of a trailing spouse... and stuff...
We're excited to welcome Ann Mah back to the studio for episode 422, and after we wax lyrical about the joy of gimlets, Ann tells us all about the life of the diplomat's wife, also known as the trailing spouse. We chat about the various challenges faced by couples and families in the foreign service, the different things one does to prepare for the next foreign posting, and the type of personality required for this sort of life.
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adventures, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 412 - the one where they discuss hats and citizenship... and stuff...
We are feeling rather beautiful in episode 412 as we discuss our headgear, and Kylie tells us all about participating in the graduation ceremony at the Sorbonne, somehow we get onto the topic of Justin Beiber, then we discuss the details Katia's future application for French nationality.
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adventures, cultural differences, culture shock, typical france
k&k episode 411 - the one where they talk about finding love around the world... and sexpats... and stuff...
In episode 411 we continue our chat with Janet Skeslien Charles, author of Moonlight in Odessa, and she tells us all about the most exciting news of her book being featured on posters in train stations around the UK! We get back to the fascinating topic of (e)mail order brides, she shares some feedback she has received from men and women who have used these services, we talk about the "socials" organised by agencies and whether these sorts of marriages can work in the long run, then we discuss what inspired her to write this novel and how being an expat in France helped her in this project.
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author interviews, cultural differences, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 410 - the one where they talk about grizzly bears and (e)mail order brides... and stuff...
We're thrilled to welcome Janet Skeslien Charles, author of Moonlight in Odessa, to the studio in episode 410! After discussing what part of the world she comes from, what brought her to France and why she has stayed, we chat about her adventures living in the Ukrainian city of Odessa, and what inspired her to write the book, which leads us to talk at length about the fascinating phenomenon of (e)mail order brides.
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author interviews, cultural differences, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 378 - the one where they talk about national culinary pride and green skies... and stuff...
Ann Mah, author of Kitchen Chinese is still in the studio with us for episode 378, and after a brief chat about dodgy dives and almost drinking Suze, she tells us more about her adventures living, working and eating in Beijing. We talk about national culinary pride, the diversity of the expat community in Beijing versus Paris, the ever-fascinating subject of cultural identity, and whether it's easier to be an expat in China or France. She then tells us about the culture shock of moving back to Washington, the experience of French immersion courses in preparation for their subsequent move to Paris, then (squee!) she tells us about some of her favourite places to eat Chinese food in Paris!
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adventures, author interviews, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 377 - the one where they are blown away by beijing and drool over dumplings... and stuff...
We're very pleased to welcome Ann Mah, author of Kitchen Chinese: A Novel about Food, Family and Finding Yourself, in the studio for episode 377! She tells us about being Chinese American and the massive culture shock that she experienced when she and her husband moved to Beijing. We chat about her family heritage and the fascinating issue of cultural identity, as well as her adventures living in Beijing, learning about Chinese cuisine, trying to get a grasp on the language and the saucy subject of censorship.
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author interviews, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 371 - the one where they talk about couchsurfing and german weddings... and stuff...
In episode 371, whilst eating m&ms (of course), we talk about celebrating Kylie's birthday, and meeting up with a couple of k&k listeners! We discuss the bribe Katiefornia brought us in her bid to get her submission chosen as the new name of the studio, and the fact that Sir Peter rode his bike to Paris, all the way from Oxford, and had some very interesting couchsurfing experiences. Katia also talks about a bicultural French-German wedding she attended in Hamburg over the summer, as well as some of the interesting people she met and experiences she had there!
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adventures, cultural differences, culture shock, travel
k&k episode 368 - the one where they talk about the ins and outs of intercultural relationships... and stuff...
The k&k summer series continues with the adorable SarahTexasSarah in episode 368! In this episode we get into the nitty gritty of intercultural relationships, what it's like to date someone outside of your culture and the differences in the way you interact. We tackle the always entertaining topic of dating in France, we consider the definition of dating, and we swap tales of cultural confusion and hilarity!
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cultural differences, culture shock, stereotypes
k&k episode 367 - the one where they talk about culture shock, reverse culture shock and everything in between... and stuff...
We continue our summer series with a really interesting and touching episode we recorded a month ago with Tracey & Pierrick for episode 367! We chat with them about their adventure in moving to Australia - what it's been like for Pierrick to live in another country, and the different culture shock experiences he's had, and what it's been like for Tracey to return to her home country after spending a few years living in France.
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cultural differences, culture shock, stereotypes
k&k episode 363 - the one where they talk about clichés and French comedy... and stuff...
In episode 363 we're pleased to present a special episode we recorded with Stephen Clarke a few months ago! We get to chatting about many and various things - what makes a cliché a cliché, the differences between the French and English styles of humour, whether the French are rude or not, whether the customer is always right, how to get what you want in France, drinking habits, French cinema and French comedy.
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author interviews, cultural differences, culture shock, stereotypes
k&k episode 359 - the one where they talk truffles and swap suppository stories... and stuff...
For your summer amusement, we're pleased to present an episode we recorded a few months ago with David Lebovitz for episode 359! We talk about things like truffle hunting, visiting markets and whether the French actually get fat. We manage to jump from discussing his favourite desserts to suppository stories, le gastro and food hygiene. We finish off chatting about green beans, laundry, French kitchens, peeling tomatoes and m&ms.
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author interviews, cultural differences, culture shock, food
k&k episode 347 - the one where they talk about papers and apartments... and stuff...
We're rather excited in episode 347, as we get distracted by a discussion of what kind of tricycles we had when we were small, then Kylie tells us all about handing in her paper and defending her thesis. Katia talks about the apartment hunt, boats, racist people and crazy meetings.
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adventures, culture shock, learning French
k&k episode 346 - the one where they talk about nudity... a lot... and stuff...
It is with great pleasure that we talk to the lovely Steve, for episode 346! Basically, we talk a heckuvalot about nudity and other naughty things : the amount of skin seen on tv and the differences in the perception and acceptance of nudity and swearing in France in comparison to the US, the UK and Australia.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 324 - the one where they talk about cultural differences in the workplace... and stuff...
The adorable SarahTexasSarah and Gui are still with us for episode 324, as we discuss cultural differences in the workplace. Gui tells us some stories from his internships in the US and Sarah talks about her experience as an American working in France! From showering with colleagues to free coffee and taco time, it's not wrong, it's just different!
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 323 - the one where they talk about texan lurve and moving countries... and stuff...
We've got the lovely SarahTexasSarah and Gui in the k&k boudoir for episode 323 where, after a chat about our recent fascinating descent into the smelly Paris Sewers, we talk about how Sarah found herself in France and with a Frenchman. We discuss getting married, what it's like to "move countries", the difficulties of learning the language and deciding what country to live in as an "international couple", and what it's like to live so far away from family.
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cultural differences, culture shock, learning French
k&k episode 318 - the one where they talk about castles and camps... and stuff...
In episode 318 we talk about nights in castles and 3D movies, then we discuss a question about school camps in America (posed by Alexis of Philexis) and reminisce about childhood camping adventures. Katia brings up a PACs present etiquette dilemma, and then things get heated as we discuss the (in)gloriousness of snow.
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cultural differences, culture shock, things to do
k&k episode 316 - the one where they talk about saying goodbye... and stuff...
After a highly emotional beginning, we get reflective in episode 316 as we have a long chat about how we have recently said goodbye to some good friends who have left Paris for new and exciting adventures, and the dilemma of being an expat in a city with a high turnover. Kylie then tells us about a recent massage she had, Katia gives an arm update, and we finish the episode with a spider story.
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adventures, culture shock, typical france
k&k episode 314 - the one where the learn the truth about French history, according to Stephen Clarke... and stuff...
We've still got Stephen Clarke in the studio for episode 314, and he continues to regale us with tales from his upcoming book, 1000 Years of Annoying the French - including dubious battle strategies, the taking of Calais, the truth behind Napoleon's height and Joan of Arc's demise, how Louisiana got sold and the secrets behind Sarkozy's recent visit to England. We then discuss why the French are so proud of their language, the evolution of written French in letters, emails and text messages and the immortels behind deciding what's French and what's not.
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author interviews, culture shock, news, stereotypes
k&k episode 313 - the one where they meet Paul West... and Stephen Clarke... and stuff...
We're thrilled to welcome Stephen Clarke (author of A Year in the Merde, Talk to the Snail and many more books) in the k&k boudoir for episode 313. We chat about how he found himself in France, why he moved here, which deviates into a discussion of French efficiency and socialising with colleagues. We find out how long he's been in France and why he's stayed, then we talk about A Year in the Merde and other Paul West books and whether or not there is any truth in them, then Stephen tells us all about his next book, 1000 Years of Annoying the French, to be released in March (but available for preorder now!).
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author interviews, culture shock, stereotypes
k&k episode 312 - the one where they talk about ads and idiots on the métro... and stuff...
In episode 312 we start off by discussing Symphony shenanigans, then Kylie gives us a Lost update and we get heated about ads on tv and going to the pharmacy and doctor in France. Katia talks about something that happened to her on the métro, which leads us to discuss more public transport experiences, and then Katia reveals her secret to getting on the bus first. Kylie then tells us about her most recent Disney visit and her job-hunt.
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adventures, culture shock
k&k episode 311 - the one where they talk about bites and billboards... and stuff...
We start off episode 311 by opening a present from a fantastic listener, then Kylie makes an announcement and Katia gives an update on her arm, and we chat about Mario Bros, billboards, movie-watching, rhum-rhums and emails written in capital letters.
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adventures, cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 310 - the one where they talk (a lot) about tv and whether the gastro really exists... and stuff...
In episode 310 we talk extensively about television shows (Lost, the Office, How I Met Your Mother, Glee), Katia asks a few burning questions about Glee clubs and cheerleader uniforms, then we talk about the French tv show "Un dîner presque parfait" and whether gastroenteritis really exists.
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cultural differences, culture shock, obessions
k&k episode 309 - the one where they talk about the seasons and public transport... and stuff...
In episode 309 we get mighty chatty about a number of interesting things, including the galette des rois tradition and Christmas presents. We update you all on what's happening with k&k tourist tips & learn french, then get to talking about seasonal confusion and season-centric-ness and unusual public transport experiences.
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cultural differences, culture shock, food
k&k episode 280 - the one where they talk about being on the walk of fame... and stuff...
Episode 280 starts off with a discussion of weather and tears, and then there's the thrill of unveiling a very exciting present from our friend and listener, Dani. We chat about blogging vs podcasting and how much we love listener feedback, and then we talk about some of the listener travel stories we've received lately (such as traveling extensively as a youngster and some of the culture shock involved in moving to another country that speaks the same language). We then discuss the eating of fondue and ice-cream, a dining experience in a Polish crypt (replete with perogies and what can only be described as a "live show"), and announce the opening of our friend's etsy shop, Suis le fil.
This episode was brought to you by the word "une crypte" (a crypt).
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adventures, cultural differences, culture shock, food
k&k episode 267 - the one where they discover that's what friends are for... and stuff...
Inspired by our lovely friend Dani who spent a few months in Paris in 2008, we chat with Kathryn about friendship in episode 267 : making friends as expats, what constitutes friendship for anglophones vs the french, keeping in touch with friends back home and across the world, permanency vs temporaryness as expats, talking to new people, making new friends, how the internet has helped us make friends, and how the expat experience has changed us all.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 254 - the one where they talk about naked guys and feet on seats... and stuff...
Episode 254 starts off with a bang, as we rant about naked guys, feet on seats, sirens, dvd rental updates, the recent changes to the VAT (or TVA in French) and whether these changes can really be seen in real life and adventures with beer.
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adventures, culture shock, news
k&k episode 232 - the one where they talk about what it's REALLY like to be away from home... and stuff...
Episode 232 is a reflective one. After a discussion about our different ways of speaking (again), we talk about some people we met from London and their expat experiences, which leads us to revisit the topic of expats versus immigrants, what makes some people decide move overseas, accents and homesickness.
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accents, cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 228 - the one where they tell terrifying tales of travel and trauma... and stuff...
In episode 228 we lay out yet another interesting topic on the coffee table - how prudent should you really be when you're travelling & what sorts of precautions should you take? We tell some pretty interesting travel tales & wonder what we would do in a sticky situation.
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adventures, cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 226 - the one where they wonder about uprooting and replanting... with kids... and stuff...
Things get very reflective in episode 226, as we talk about what it would take to uproot a family and live in another country - what has to be done to really "experience" another country and the difference between a migrant and an expat.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 222 - the one where they realise that the cameras are still running... and stuff...
After a chaotic start, Animesh continues to tell us about the highlights of his adventures in India in episode 222, and makes some interesting reflections about the way things have changed since he last visited. We derail on everything from arranged marriages to indian-chinese food to old school teachers to infomercials
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 221 - the one where they talk about planes, trains and elephants... and stuff...
We're terribly excited to welcome Animesh back into the coffee table studio for episode 221, as he regales us with tales of his recent trip back to his homeland of India. We get to hear all about welcoming committees and train rides, and gleefully open some presents.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 217 - the one where they talk about the Queen Mum Filter... and stuff...
Episode 217 (featuring Frog with a Blog) starts off with zombie talk, then we discuss doing the show live via ustream and we react to some feedback on our k&k learn french episodes. Kylie then tells us about getting her carte de séjour renewed, & we discuss French administration and the adventures behind procuring birth certificates, then wonder what type of glasses Kyliemac should get next.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 198 - the one where they talk about arranged marriages... and stuff...
There is more Animesh to be had in episode 198! Animesh picks on Katia a bit, then, after we get distracted by the topic of kleptomania and Kyliemac, he talks about some of his "culture shock" experiences in moving to France, such as what he thinks of hugs and kisses, then we discuss arranged marriages, greetings, smoking, public transport, small business ownership and m&ms.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 197 - the one where they discuss the beauty of live streaming audio and free speech... and stuff...
We're thrilled that Animesh stuck around for episode 197! We start off with some dream analysis and chat about some alternative submissions to the contests for episode 200, after which Animesh talks more about the "culture shock" (or lack thereof?) he experienced when he moved to America - including mixed messages from the media, the atm card phenomenon, the beauty of live streaming audio, different teaching methods, drinking habits, theatre groups, improv troupes and free speech.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 196 - the one where they learn about temples of sex and that america is NOT fraught with debauchery... and stuff...
We're thrilled to welcome yet another new guest, the charming Animesh with the enchanting accent, into the Coffee Table Studio for episode 196! We cover such topics as international k&k meetups, continued dramas in French Emergency Rooms, temples of sex and Indian geography, then Animesh tells us a little about what brought him to France (via America) - flutes, trojans and whether America is really like it is portrayed in the movies. And, of course, there is some culture shock. We finish off the episode by opening a very exciting present sent to us by a listener, and reveal some details about how you will be able to see the events surrounding episode 200, even if you're not in Paris!
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 195 - the one where they talk about hugs and kisses... and stuff...
In episode 195 Katia gets excited about her new phone, the topic of Christmas decorations comes up again, Kyliemac gets excited about powerpoint presentations, and then we rant for quite some time about the differences between hugging and kissing and greetings in France and our respective countries, as well as acceptable kissing (as a greeting) techniques. And of course, because apparently we can't let an episode go by without discussing zombies, we ... discuss zombies. Again.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 186 - the one where they talk about french men, french women and secret tours of Paris... and stuff...
We've got Heather back in the CTS for episode 186, where we talk about why French men are often viewed as romantic, why they consider it their duty to chat up every woman they encounter, whether you can leave the house without makeup on in Paris and some of the differences between foreign and French women. Heather also tells us some stories about giving custom tours in Paris, including how to answer odd questions, one of the strangest personalised tour requests she's ever had and what it's like to go to restaurants with rowdy groups.
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culture shock, stereotypes, things to do
k&k episode 165 - the one where they freak the Frenchman out about stereotypical French food... and stuff..
In episode 165 we have a chat with Kathryn and Séb, returning to the tried and true topic of stereotypical French food - covering everything from escargots and frogs legs to horse meat and oysters - and we talk about whether we've tried all of these things and what we think about them. Needless to say, there are quite a few shrieks and giggles in this episode.
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culture shock, food
k&k episode 154 - the one where they celebrate the music... and stuff...
We've got Kathryn in the Coffee Table Studio for episode 154, where we talk about annual fête de la musique (the festival of music). Kathryn literally had it outside her window, Kylie celebrated in style with classical and country music, and Katia tells all about going to the country for her French theatrical debut with Frog with a Blog and all the adventures that accompanied their trip. Kathryn then tells us all the details about her second Integration Day (including heated debates and fish and rice).
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adventures, culture shock, typical france
k&k episode 151 - the one where they continue to reflect on rantage... and stuff...
In episode 151, still accompanied by Vivi, we continue our reflections inspired by a post on Doc's blog, and talk about things like different customer service standards and missing food from home. We then have a bit of a chat about summer holidays, as Katia tells about all the dramas behind trying organise some adventuring across the UK, & we chat about how to book accommodation in Europe.
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adventures, culture shock
k&k episode 150 - the one where, for once, they are not the instigators of a rant... and stuff
We've managed to convince Vivi to stay with us in the coffee table studio for episode 150. In this special episode we get all excited and worked up about a post on Doc's blog that's got the French expat community buzzing, and we have a very interesting chat about the way foreigners view life in France, especially in relation to childcare, parking, driving and unemployment, as well as the different stages of culture shock.
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 147 - the one where they talk about international, intercultural relationships... and stuff...
Whilst Kyliemac is on house arrest finishing her thesis, we bring you yet again something we prepared earlier - in superepisode 147, we have Michelle and Axel with us, talking about dating, and the good and bad sides of international, intercultural relationships, and everything in between!
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 146 - the one where they talk about living space... and stuff...
Kyliemac is busy working on her thesis which is due very shortly, so here is a little something we prepared earlier - episode 146 features the sultry tones of Kathryn, and together we talk about all sorts of things to do with living space in France - apartment hunting, layout and size (and we confuse each other greatly with the differences between feet and metres!), and we talk about the differences in housing expectations across the world.
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culture shock, typical france
k&k episode 141 - the one where they discuss the price of chilli sauce in France... and stuff...
Episode 141 starts off with Rhino75's adorably English accent and Katia getting mighty confused over the origins of Br'er Rabbit and Kyliemac telling us which was her favourite Judy Blume book. We have a chat with Steve about his reasons for staying in France, his experiences in moving here and his connections with the stars and theatrical predilections, then we talk about the Green Card Lottery, spam, teaching English, dissecting language and literature and tenses, and the way that the French language is taught in schools as opposed to the way English is taught in schools. Steve then tells us a little bit about his perception of "culture shock" and "reverse culture shock", and just after we talk about the price of chilli sauce in Paris and the concept of "home", we think about telling you all a secret.
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culture shock, language, learning French
k&k episode 139 - the one where they wonder when they'll get their medals... and stuff...
Axel and Michelle are still with us for episode 139, where we cover topics such as twitter, Kylie Minogue's new medal, reverse culture shock, work visas, the Green Card Lottery, detention centres, graph paper, public nudity, pig farming, tourists vs travelers, brunch & bloody marys, Meetups and Paris Urban Adventures, all the while eating crispy mint m&ms (again) and drinking mojitos (again).
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 138 - the one brought to you by the letter M... and stuff...
We're thrilled to have yet more new guests in the Coffee Table Studio this week - this time around it's Axel and Michelle in episode 138! We have a host of interesting topics in today's episode, such as mojito making, mint crisp m&ms, meeting listeners, world travel and American geography lessons. Michelle tells us a little about how she found herself in France, then Axel talks about being a Frenchman in the US and about his experiences in the American university system, which turns into a debate about the respective merits of the different schooling systems around the world and whether higher education actually prepares you for the real world, and then we chat about the weird and wonderful concept of school rings, varsities, pep rallies and high school rivalries.
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culture shock, obessions
k&k episode 137 - the one where they wonder if they're integrated... and stuff...
The charming Kathryn is still with us in episode 137, and after talking about posters on bedroom walls and listening to a Very Important Listener voicemail, she shares some of her recent experiences with French Administration, at an interestingly named Journée d'Intégration (which included lung examinations, French tests, stamps). She then tells us all about almost getting mugged in the train, and we finish off with a quick review of what's been happening on Nouvelle Star and invite everyone to join us in the Twitterverse!
k&k episode 136 - the one where they reminisce about childhood memories... and stuff...
We're pleased to welcome Kathryn to the Coffee Table Studio this week, and she fits in extremely well with her Made For Radio Voice, and her ability to totally nerd it out with us in episode 136. We get distracted by talk about birthday celebrations, Hoops & Yoyo, Whore Houses in Texas, Girl Scout Cookies & Dr Pepper, the Babysitters Club, Scouts and Guides, then we ask Kathryn about how she's adjusting to the move to France and some of her experiences in Paris so far (quarter-life crises, studying in France), before derailing again on accents, a WITWATAP update, then contemplations about bears and sharks.
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accents, culture shock, obessions
k&k episode 133 - the one where they talk about culture shock and reverse culture shock... and stuff...
We reach back in time in episode 133 - it's one that we recorded a few months ago with the lovely Tracey and Pierre (of the WITWATAP fame). We talk with them about their move back to Australia, and we get into topics like culture shock, reverse culture shock, francophiles, what it's like to be a bi-cultural couple, language and making friends...
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cultural differences, culture shock, traditions
k&k episode 129 - the one where they consider their fringes... or bangs... and stuff...
In episode 129, after Kyliemac tells us all about her new gaelic class (which leads to yet another discussion about the brétons, oh how we love the brétons) and her recent trip to the hair dresser, we discuss whether Kyliemac's new fringe suits her and whether Katia has poodle hair. Kylie then proceeds to tell us about some museums she visited recently, and then, after Katia confesses her push-pull feelings about Franck Dubosc, we talk a bit about kissing.
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adventures, culture shock, things to do
k&k episode 127 - the one where they slam the tim tams... and stuff...
Vivi is still with us for episode 127, and after talking about the photos that the winner of the t-shirt competition sent us, we do a couple of Tim Tam Slams, live on the podcast! Then we tackle one of our favourite topics : swearing in French, how to get away with it, and what not to say in front of the Muffin Man. We round the episode up by recounting our adventures in Paris over the weekend, at Saint-Chapelle and the Palais Royale, and Katia tells all about a recent fondue-eating experience she had with the crazy kids from Gadabout.
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culture shock, food, things to do
k&k episode 110 - the one where they celebrate the non-smoking laws... and stuff...
In episode 110 we wax poetic about the fabulous new non-smoking laws and revisit the topic of Sarkozy, his girlfriend and his son.
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cultural differences, culture shock, news
k&k episode 108 - the one where they learn a few manners... and stuff...
In episode 108 we talk about the fact that when in France, do as the French do - or everyone is going to laugh at you.
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cultural differences, culture shock, food
k&k episode 107 - the one where frog finds out if they've learned anything... and stuff...
It is our very special pleasure to welcome Frog with a Blog back into the coffee table studio for episode 107!
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cultural differences, culture shock
k&k episode 102 - the one where they taste the candy... or are they lollies? or sweets? ... and stuff...
We have one last Porgy episode for you all in episode 102.
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culture shock, food, stereotypes
k&k episode 101 - the one after 100... and stuff
The party continues in episode 101!
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culture shock, stereotypes
k&k episode 100 - the one where they pretend to let everyone else do the talking... and stuff...
Dear listeners, hold onto your headphones, because we have officially reached episode 100!!!





