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travel

k&k episode 491 - the one where they learn how fish sauce is made... with the Fishes... and stuff...

In episode 491 we are pleased to present the final episode we recorded with Mr & Mrs Fish! We talk about fish sauce, communicating, guide books, favourite and least favourite places, souvenirs, scary and unexpected experiences, good and bad food. We finish off by talking about what they've learned about themselves and their relationship, and whether it's lived up to their expectations.

k&k episode 487 - the one where they wonder whether the French like learning languages... and stuff...

In episode 487 we chat with Frog about the subject of advertising on major monuments and whether the French have a propensity for language learning. We wonder whether the French consider learning languages as important and if this has changed over the years, and consider the impact the French style of teaching has on the ability or desire to learn.

k&k episode 486 - the one where they travel vicariously to Cuba... and stuff...

In episode 486 we have the inimitable Frog in the studio, who regales us with tales of his recent trip to Cuba. We learn about SO many things, including what the locals can and can't eat and how (not) to take a taxi.

k&k episode 483 - the one where they discuss stereotypical food experiences... and stuff...

In episode 483 we discuss the need to taste stereotypical foods in different places around the world, what uncommon things we recommend people taste in France, and we describe some recent adventures we've had with listeners in Paris!

k&k episode 481 - the one where they continue discussing world travel with the Fishes... and stuff...

In episode 481 we pick up where we left off with Reed and Liz Fish, and chat about where they travelled, how they organised their trip and what their itinerary was like, what they saw and did on the way, and then we talk about the reality of how much a trip like this costs.

k&k episode 480 - the one where they talk about travelling around the world with the Fishes... and stuff...

We're rather excited in episode 480 as we welcome Reed and Liz Fish Fish in the studio to talk about taking a trip around the world! We talk about all the things they had to do in order to take their life on the road - from preparing for the trip to trying to decide where to go!

k&k episode 477 - the one where they talk about the influence of Mamma Mia and Lord of the Rings on travel choices... and stuff...

We've still got Steve with us in episode 477 as we continue to discuss the topic of media and how it influences our travel choices (in both positive and negative ways).

k&k episode 476 - the one where they talk moomins, make rhino sounds and spill wine... and stuff...

In episode 476 we are thrilled to chat with Steve about the books we read and movies and tv shows we saw as children which have influenced (and continue to influence) our travel choices.

k&k episode 473 - the one where they talk about napping... extensively... and stuff...

In episode 473 we talk more about our plans for episode 500, then discuss napping. Extensively. We wonder who would use the ZZZ Zen Bar in Paris where you can take a nap, and get very excited about the nap pods you can find in some airports around the world.

k&k episode 471 - the one where they talk about honeymoons and butlers... and stuff...

In episode 471 we continue our discussion about travel choices, including travelling with a guide and the importance of a good travel agent when organising a complex trip. We then revisit the concept of the all-inclusive trip, and reconsider the pros and cons of this sort of travel depending on the goal of the holiday.

k&k episode 470 - the one where they discuss weddings and buying tickets... and stuff...

In episode 470 we get excited about the rapidly approaching episode 500, then after talking about wedding celebrations, we chat about the way we organise our travel plans today and how that has changed over the years.

k&k episode 469 - the one where they talk about working out where to go on holiday... and stuff...

We continue our chat with Ryan in episode 469, as we discuss the trauma of blocked adult content, then Ryan tells us how he chose his recent travel destinations, Macedonia and Kosovo, how he met the Macedonian basketball team, what the accommodation was like, and his dreams of opening a dive shop on Lake Ohrid, then we talk about how hard it would be to work in the air service industry.

k&k episode 468 - the one where they discuss holidays vs travelling... and stuff...

In episode 468 we're delighted to welcome Ryan back to the studio, and after a discussion about poms and broccoli and the name of the cocktail we made last week, we chat about Ryan's recent adventures, including doing a mountain marathon in England, drinking in bars in Kosovo and lying on Macedonian beaches.

k&k episode 467 - the one where they talk about all-inclusive travel vs organising nothing at all... and stuff...

In episode 467 we talk about the pros and cons of all-inclusive travel vs traveling with no organisation at all - we share our experiences and discuss whether we're willing to travel like that.

k&k episode 464 - the one where they talk about provence and scorpions... and stuff...

We're thrilled to have Frog in the studio with us for episode 464, and we continue talking about what we did over the summer - visiting Châteauneuf-du-Pape, lots of wine tasting, staying in a gay-friendly b&b, spending quality time with Ann and Chris, encountering scorpions, cooking, swimming, ice-cream making, dining with Kristin & Jean-Marc Espinasse, visiting the Ab Fab castle, and stereotypes of Provence.

k&k episode 463 - the one where they discuss the pays basque, pottoks and pintxos... and stuff...

In episode 463 we talk about our trip to the pays Basque using a homemade guide book, then we discuss the pottok (or pottokaks), language, accents, regional pride, a trip to San Sebastièn, tapas eating (also known as pintxos) and eurogaming.

k&k episode 462 - the one where they talk about tgvs and guide books... and stuff

We're full of summer holiday happiness in episode 462 and get to talking about some of the adventures we had during the holidays - visiting Frog's parents, taking the tgv and the usefulness of guidebooks.

k&k episode 459 - the one where they talk about unusual food from around the world... and stuff...

In episode 459 we present a show recorded a few months ago with the delightful Ann Mah, author of Kitchen Chinese. We talk at length about getting married at McDonalds, localisation in fast food restaurants, unusual food from around the world and missing food from home.

k&k episode 455 - the one where they talk about a different type of travaux castor... and stuff...

In episode 455 Katia describes a visit to the beauty salon and we discuss cultural differences in personal grooming habits. We also talk about linguistic differences, wifebeaters and plans for the summer holidays. WARNING: this episode may be slightly inappropriate for younger ears and we discuss some subjects that are NSFW (particularly the wikipedia page we discussed on the show).

k&k episode 453 - the one where they try to save the world... and stuff...

In episode 453 we decide to do a public service announcement as we describe something that happened to us on the métro. You'll hear all about handbags, id cards, moral dilemmas, cia agents, phone calls to the italian embassy, urgent detective work, learning italian, karma and more!

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.

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.

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.

k&k episode 447 - the one where they talk about engagement parties and weddings... and stuff...

In episode 447 we get tremendously excited as we recount getting all fabulously dressed up and throwing an Engagement Party for Kathryn & Seb, along with Derica from Japan and Ksam & C, playing games and eating Japanese goodies. We chat about the fact that Katia & the Muffin Man are heading over to the US for the wedding (in a week!!!) and what they've been doing to prepare - from trying to buy hats and watching movies set in LA.

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.

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.

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!

k&k episode 432 - the one where they decide to let YOU tell the world what adventurousness means... and stuff...

Apparently we just can't tire of the topic of adventurousness, and in episode 432 we decide to let YOU GUYS tell us what adventurousness means to YOU. We chat about the comments left by all the people who filled out our Adventurousness Survey - how different cultural perspectives, risk (perceived or real), age and health can all influence our idea of adventure - and then we reveal some of the adventurous things people told us they've done! We were gobsmacked, and we're sure you will be too!

k&k episode 429 - the one where they discuss riding donkeys through the Grand Canyon, dancing naked at Stonehenge and adventures... and stuff...

In episode 429 we continue to chat about the results of the first part of our Adventurousness Survey - how many people would ride a bike from France to China, go flying in a hot air balloon, travel to Egypt by themselves and more! We then tackle the results of the second part - how adventurous is it to go on an African Safari, ride the length of the Grand Canyon on a donkey, travel the Trans Siberian Railway, sing karaoke in a Japanese bar and more! We had so much fun talking about this survey - hopefully y'all had fun doing it!

k&k episode 428 - the one where they discuss bungee jumping, nude beaches and adventures... and stuff...

In episode 428 we chat about the recent Adventurousness Survey we decided to do, and after a length explanation of why we decided to do such a thing, we chat about the results of the survey - how many people would really go bungee jumping, spend two weeks hiking in the Amazon forest, eat a live bug, go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef or spend a year sailing around the world and more! It's all HIGHLY scientific, of course.

k&k episode 425 - the one where they wonder how to eat locally when you travel... and stuff...

In episode 425 Frog continues to regale us with tales of his trip to Argentina and Chile. We chat about his Argentinean private supper club experience (and talk at LENGTH about how to truly experience local cuisine, and whether such private supper clubs allow you to do this), and he tells us all about a most unusual scam he encountered whilst in South America!

k&k episode 424 - the one where Frog channels Evita... and stuff...

With the inimitable Frog in the studio for episode 424, we get into the South American spirit, as we drink Picot Sours and chat about Frog's recent visit to Argentina and Chile: preconceptions of Buenos Aires, Evita moments, bus travel, his favourite city in Chile (Val Paraiso), why he loved Chile, and comparisons between the two countries.

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.

k&k episode 420 - the one where they talk about passports and adventurousness... and stuff...

As we sip White Ladies in episode 420, we talk about the relaunch of k&k learn french, then we do an update on the passport discussion we had a few weeks ago, and get to chatting about which nationality could be considered the most adventurous according to a recent survey.

k&k episode 417 - the one where they talk about exchanges... of all sorts... and stuff...

As we drink our second sidecars we get to chatting in episode 417 about an email we received from a listener, who is a teacher in a school in Australia, describing all the ups and downs of a student exchange between her school and a school in France. This leads to a lengthy discussion about different sorts of exchanges and the things we all learn from these experiences.

k&k episode 416 - the one where they discuss excess baggage and weight limits... and stuff...

After a discussion on the merits of sidecars, in episode 416 we tackle the topics of excess baggage, paying for overweight luggage and extra seats, and airline reactions to joke bomb threats.

k&k episode 415 - the one where they talk about flight etiquette and top chef contestants... and stuff...

With Steve still in the studio for episode 415, we get into some serious rantage about flight etiquette - turning off electronics, respecting the seatbelt sign, trying to get on and off the plane... We then chat about a recent adventure at the newly opened O Chateau wine bar and an encounter with a 2011 French Top Chef contestant.

k&k episode 413 - the one where they discuss Denmark and passports... and stuff...

After our discussion on applying for nationality in the previous episode, we decide to tackle the controversial immigration laws in Denmark in episode 413, we debate and compare French and Danish laws, then talk about the percentage of passport holders in countries around the world and wonder why the number of American passport holders is a bit lower than other countries.

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.

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.

k&k episode 407 - the one where they talk about jetlag and touching jellyfish... and stuff...

In episode 407 Katia postulates a theory about jetlag, then tells all about her trip back to Australia over the holiday period, including what movies she watched on the plane, how awesome it was to hug her niece, what they ate for Christmas, hanging out with Philexis, New Years Eve, whether the Muffin Man resisted touching weird Australian creatures, spending time with Tracey & Pierrick, how her mum called her out on certain "un-Australian" vocabulary, cultural cringe, and playing a HUGE amount of Sequence.

k&k episode 405 - the one where they get royal... and stuff...

In episode 405 we get to chatting with Ryan about royal weddings, how we feel about royals, royal dilemmas, potential adventures related to royal weddings and what we think might be involved in a royal wedding. Then we round up the episode with a discussion of incredible talent.

k&k episode 403 - the one where they learn about cottage country and canoes... and stuff...

In episode 403 we have the pleasure to talk to Lily Heise of Context Travel again. We talk about where she comes from in Canada and some fascinating things about her childhood, like living in "cottage country" and doing bilingual classes. We chat about the relationship Canada and Quebec have with France, as well as with each other, the differences between French-Quebecois and French. After a brief discussion about Anne of Green Gables, she tells us about her various working experiences, such as working in an eccentric art gallery and a canoe museum in Canada and the Vimy Ridge memorial in France.

k&k episode 398 - the one where they talk about transient Paris and gimlets... and stuff...

For the first episode in the k&k holiday season, we're pleased to present something we recorded with Ann Mah a few months ago for episode 398. We talk a bit about her fiirst book, Kitchen Chinese and she tells us how she found a job in Beijing, then we talk about the transient nature of Paris, what makes the city and experiencing this city so special, which leads to chat about Ann's next book, sommeliers and wine. We discuss gimlets & diplomatic parties, then Ann gives us a fascinating glimpse into the life of a diplomats wife - from marine balls and secret shops and postal services, to unusual postings and learning how to make the most of the now.

k&k episode 397 - the one where they talk about crazy teachers and christmas dilemmas... and stuff...

In episode 397 Kylie tells us all about her mysterious teacher at La Sorbonne, and as the stories become more and more unbelievable we just have to wonder who really is this teacher? Kylie tells us about her plans for the holiday season, then presents us with a present-related dilemma, and Katia gets excited about heading back to Australia for the holidays, and we talk about airport pickups, pool fun and in-flight entertainment.

k&k episode 395 - the one where Bunny McFrogberg takes us all to Israel... and stuff...

The shenaniganry continues in episode 395 with Bunny McFrogberg, as he reveals the end of his cliffhanger and what happened in his dream! We then discuss his recent trip to Israel, what he thought about visiting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem,the things he saw, places he visited, adventures he had and the things he ate. We finish the episode talking about passports and visas and the different requirements when travelling to different countries.

k&k episode 394 - the one where they meet Bunny McFrogberg and travel vicariously to Sicily... and stuff...

It is our pleasure to welcome Bunny McFrogberg to the studio for episode 394, and we chat about what Bunny McFrogberg has been up to lately, some of his recent world adventures, including his his last trip to Sicily, which involved eating, talking to the locals, eating, sightseeing and more eating. We round up the episode by discussing the advantages of the Unesco world heritage program and the impact of tourists on important heritage sites.

k&k episode 393 - the one where they discuss Jane Austen and the merits of melted cheese... and stuff...

Ryan continues to charm us with his fabulous accent in episode 393, as he tells us what he considers himself to be, then Katia and Ryan have a bit of a whinge about Jane Austen whilst Kylie defends her honour. He tells us about his French family and drinking Suze, we chat about snow and the deliciousness of melty, stinky cheese, then Ryan shares his thoughts about some of the places he has visited in France and around the world, such as Germany, Russia, Japan, Gambia and Israel.

k&k episode 383 - the one where they talk more about putting Paris in Context... and stuff...

We've still got Lily Heise, in charge of the Paris operations of Context Travel in the studio for episode 383, as we continue to chat about the various amazing walking tours offered by Context Travel in various cities around the world, such as evening tours of the Vatican and wine tours of Venice and the Veneto. We hear about some of their most popular walks, such as their "out of context" specialised one-off experiences (such as their sold-out event last Spring called Kitchen Conversations), and a new walk for 2011, a Jazz History walk. We find out how Lily got started with Context, some of her favourite walks to lead and participate in and what it's like to be surrounded by so many people with so much knowledge, and what the different docents bring to each walk according to their particular specialty.

k&k episode 382 - the one where they talk about putting Paris in Context... and stuff...

We're very excited to welcome Lily Heise, in charge of the Paris operations of Context Travel, to the studio for episode 382! We chat all about Context Travel, which runs "walking tours for the intellectually curious", and we get tremendously excited as we hear about everything from art history and architectural tours to gastronomy and music-inspired walks. We learn how the company started, how the walking seminars are run, the people who lead the tours and the sorts of walks on offer, then we chat about a fabulous walk we did earlier in the day (New Bohemia: Paris of the Romantics), led by the dynamic Charlotte Daudon Lacaze.

k&k episode 381 - the one where they talk about beer, salted butter caramel and jinxing... and stuff...

We get into an enthusiastic discussion about beer in episode 381, which leads to some interesting suggestions for some future k&k Get Cultured adventures, Katia makes an apology, then talks about her recent trip to Nantes and the region of the Pays de la Loire, including the discovery of caramel au beurre salé and the usual mushroom dramas. Then we talk at great length about the childhood games like "jinx" and "punch buggy" and their equivalents in Australia, the US and France, as well as unusual customs in different countries, then Katia reveals some strange Australian childhood customs.

k&k episode 379 - the one where they talk about the benefits of travelling... at home and far away... and stuff...

In this super special episode 379, we chat with Frog about whether you should travel around your own country before you travel somewhere else, or whether you should discover other countries before you discover your own! It leads us to many interesting reflections about why people travel and how travelling can change you.

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!

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.

k&k episode 376 - the one where they talk about learning english with friends... and stuff...

We continue our conversation with the charming PH (of Comité de la Claque and Green Paradise) in episode 376, and chat about learning English: what his teachers were like at school (and the importance of good teachers), his motivation for learning the language, the different anglo countries he has visited (and he shares with us some unique methods for learning the language) and the various experiences he had in these countries.

k&k episode 374 - the one where the discuss the finer points of volcano kicking... and stuff...

We've still got the tasy Frog in the studio for episode 374, where he tells us about his recent trip to Iceland (hot springs, camping and lava fields), he gives us a most fantabulous present and we talk about naming babies and planets. We then get into a very deep conversation about cross-national intercultural relationships beyond French/Anglo relationships and our "solid entity" where we "all agree with each other" in the our anglo experience in France, and Frog asks us if all anglos (being from different parts of the world) really do have all that much in common beyond our shared experience and language in France.

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!

k&k episode 369 - the one where they're surprised Kylie made it back in one piece... kindof... and stuff...

We're back from our summer break in episode 369, and Kylie tells us all about her trip back to the US - meeting up with listeners, sneaking into national monuments, hanging out with the 'rents, catching up with old friends, drinking mysterious concoctions, jumping out of planes and doing some deep-lake diving, enjoying lame-o beaches and more!

k&k episode 352 - the one where they finally hear more about Where In The World Are (Were!) Tracey and Pierrick... and stuff...

In episode 352 we're thrilled to keep chatting with Tracey and Pierrick about their half-the-world adventure! In this hour-long installment we hear all about the exciting trans-Siberian railway trip from Moscow to Beijing, as well as their various experiences travelling through China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, and food, communal living, bathroom escapades, and encounters with the locals and the wildlife.

k&k episode 351 - the one where they finally hear all about Where In The World Are (Were!) Tracey and Pierrick... and stuff...

We're thrilled beyond belief in episode 351 to welcome the adorable Tracey and Pierrick in the studio, after a long time away, and we're excited to get a WITWATAP update and to hear all about their adventures travelling across the world by train (or mostly by train), from France to Australia! In this episode we are regaled with tales of Sweden, Finland and Russia!

k&k episode 328 - the one where they talk about honeymoons, african safaris and hakuna matata... and stuff...

Axel and Michelle are still with us for episode 328, where they regale us with tales of their honeymoon in Africa - including safari adventures, animal-spotting, getting stuck in the mud, wildebeest encounters, camping with a massai tribe, some eye-opening brushes with poverty and a different way of life, polygamy, diarrhea and hiking up Kilimanjaro.

k&k episode 308 - the one where they discuss heroes and oyster-opening... and stuff...

After Katia sings out of key (I swear I normally sing better that that), we dedicate episode 308 to The Justin, discussing technical difficulties, further holiday round-ups, sky tv, movies, gîte database, new years eve and oyster opening. Kylie then tells us about catching up with Variri (movie update, wandering around the Champs Elysées, finally going to the Grand Palais), we spend quite some time chatting about snow and how we met up with another listener, Lise from Scotland.

k&k episode 306 UNPLUGGED - the one where they learn MORE about cognac... and stuff...

We're still coasting through the cognac region in episode 306 - you'll hear about our visit to the Bonnin cognac distillery and what else we learned about the art of making cognac and pineau, what we bought at the market in Saint-Jean d'Angely, what we did at Futuroscope, and what we thought of La Rochelle (including the old town, the Aquarium and the road signs).

k&k episode 305 - the one where they learn all about cognac... and stuff...

We're full of cognac-y cheer in episode 305 as we chat about our adventures over the New Year period - you'll learn how to choose where to go on holiday and how to pick a gîte, how we learned to take our own advice, what we thought of the Hennessy distillery in Cognac, how much we found out about the history of this delicious beverage, and what we learned when visiting Les Moines Frêres (including the importance of spiders, some cognac-making secrets and exactly how pineau is made).

k&k episode 298 - the one where they talk about gay guidebooks... and stuff...

Steve is still in the k&k boudoir for episode 298, and after he creates some pretty special sound bites for us, we talk about almost-concrete plans for episode 333, then Steve tells us about a project he's been participating in : 60by80, we talk about fruit and karaoke, then Kylie gives us a French movie-going update.

k&k episode 289 - the one where they talk about beer, pretzels and x-factor... and stuff...

As we chomp on Halloween goodies sent to us by a lovely listener in episode 289, we chat about preparations for episode 333 and what Kylie did when she visited Disney, we get distracted by X-Factor (ie. the horrificness of Jedward and the nit-invasion), then Kylie tells us what she did and where she went for her holidays (including a visit with the lovely Vivi and playing Wii-Fit Plus with Kimmeh & David).

This episode was brought to you by the word "des poux" (head lice / nits).

k&k episode 284 UNPLUGGED - the one where they talk about text messages, traffic and tv watching... and stuff...

We are still going UNPLUGGED with various guests in episode 284, as we discuss spiders, getting up early, random text messages, big bottoms, new shoes, heavy traffic, book reading and digestion, unwelcome commentary on behaviour, watching tv whilst eating, dreams about Symphony and noisy neighbours.

This episode was brought to you by the word "la circulation" (traffic).

k&k episode 283 UNPLUGGED - the one where they waffle about waffles... and stuff...

We're thrilled to present another k&k UNPLUGGED for episode 283! Featuring the sultry voice of Frog, we discuss "dears", the weather, lullabies, bélettes, adventures travelling on the highways, mousse au chocolat, bejeweled blitz (again), wind turbines, musical catastrophes and secret hatreds.

This episode was brought to you by the word "l'autoroute" (f) (motorway / freeway / highway).

k&k episode 277 -
the one where they explore the limits of PUI... and stuff...

With the incorrigable Frog in the k&k boudoir for episode 277, it goes without saying that things get a little naughty! We talk about drinking large amounts of wine, Australian expressions, nightmares, bachelors, bachelorettes and how much Kylie is worth, signature dishes and different m&ms. Frog tells us about his summer holidays, including the beauty of Bulgaria and romantic Romania, and Kylie tells us about her Midnight Train to Romania experience a few years ago.

k&k episode 275 - the one where they talk about bébé baleines... and stuff...

Katia finishes off her tales of her summer holidays in episode 275, with flight upgrades, tummy bugs, baby throwing, catching up with family and friends, native animal sightings, visits to tropical desert island paradises (including swimming on the Great Barrier Reef, sailing, incredible beaches and lots of wildlife) and football adventures. We finish off the episode with some reflections on how good it was to go home, and then discuss Kyliemac going up for auction as a bachelorette!

k&k episode 274 - the one where Katia talks a bit more about Beirut... and stuff...

Katia's tales of travelling around Lebanon continue in episode 274, as she talks about national pride, rebuilding, cultural differences, safety, currency, food fun, hubbly bubblies, valet services, beaches (or lack thereof), road blocks, learning arabic and being culturally sensitive.
We finish off with a last minute discussion of the PUA Gala-Ball.

k&k episode 273 - the one where Katia talks about Beirut... and stuff...

In episode 273 it's Katia's turn to talk about her summer holidays in Lebanon, including unexpected encounters in the airport, crazy driving, party time in Beirut, a visit to the ancient ruins of Byblos, the caves of Jeita and a Lebanese winery, and some of her first impressions of the country, such as what it was like to visit a place that had been so severely hit by civil war.

k&k episode 272 - the one where they talk about chocolatey bacon and 24 hour shopping... and stuff...

Chaos ensues in episode 272, as we eat some chocolatey bacon and Kylie continues to talk about her trip back to the US over the summer - including visits to the dentist, flying, a Grandma Mac moment, Renn Faires and 24 hour shopping. We talk about how things have changed since we last went back to our respective countries and how we feel about that, and we finish off with a discussion about the post office.

k&k episode 271 - the one where the show must go on! despite technical difficulties... and stuff...

Even in the face of technical difficulties and chaos, k&k are BACK! In episode 271 we talk about racoon eyes, wearing colour, new and exciting m&ms, headphones, wings, birthday months, the order of the seasons, birthday celebrations and boat rides. Then Kylie tells a little about her trip back to the US over the summer (to be continued...).

k&k episode 268 UNPLUGGED - the one where they talk about pigs, musicals and smoking... and stuff...

More unplugged-ness is the order of the day in episode 268, with a pig-related confession, a discussion of some of the things that inspire our speech (musicals, tv shows & internet sensations), some after-hours chat, a rant about cigarette butts over dinner, and a visit to Normandy.

k&k episode 266 UNPLUGGED - the one where they talk about champagne, calvados and pee... and stuff...

It's time for some more unplugged action in episode 266! We go to ikea, discuss champagne, crémant and sparkling wines, learn about calvados, reflect on pee, visit a farm, search for accommodation and talk like pirates.

k&k episode 264 UNPLUGGED - the one where they talk about cheese, ferries and bébé belettes... and stuff...

We've got some more unplugged action happening in episode 264, with a rant about smoking, a lament about cheese, a ferry moment, a booger discussion, some bébé belette excitement, a cheese story and an exclamation about a moat.

k&k episode 263 - the one where they talk about secret Paris... and stuff...

With the lovely Heather Stimmler-Hall in the k&k boudoir for episode 263, we chat about what inspired Heather to become a tour guide, some of the adventures she has had as a travel professional in France, the importance of preparation and asking the right questions, whether climbing the Eiffel Tower means you've "seen Paris", different travelling styles, the benefits of custom tours and how to herd people. We finish off by talking about what drew her to Paris and what keeps her here.

k&k episode 262 UNPLUGGED - the one where they talk about noisy heads and amusement parks... and stuff...

We're pleased to present the first k&k UNPLUGGED for the summer in episode 262. We discuss a multitude of topics : noisy heads, crayons and learn french, accomodation hunts, amusement parks and earworms.

k&k episode 260 - the one where they talk about going on a summer holiday... and stuff...

We're very excited in episode 260, as we chat all about what we've got planned for the summer - Kylie is returning to "her America" for some fun in the sun, and Katia is heading back to Australia via Lebanon. We discuss what we're planning to see, do and eat, including reassimilating our respective languages, spending time with family and friends and shopping on Sundays!

k&k episode 257 - the one where they talk about pools and picnics... and stuff...

We're back in the Not Coffee table Studio for episode 257, and talk about feedback and sound, the end of our trip to the Bordeaux region (including speaking in French, excessive poolage, frecklification, totally awesome car games, roadside fireworks and truck stops) and what happened at the fantastically fun Bastille Day picnic!

k&k episode 256 - the one where they sleep in, spelunk and splash... and stuff...

The adventures continue in episode 256, as we sip Muffitos(tm), Frog calls his dad a gangster and we talk about what we did (and didn't do) during our trip to the Bordeaux region : sleeping in, guilt trips, being a Marseillais(e)), pet peeves, architectural discussions, a visit to Saint-Emilion (which included Saint-Emilion's hermit cave, the catacombs, the underground church, the fort, macaron and cannelé tasting), cooking lessons with frog's mum and lots of pool time!

k&k episode 255 - the one where they talk about bikinis, speedos and comme elle est chaude... and stuff...

Things are heating up in episode 255, as we recount our travels across the French countryside with the delicious Frog (and the Muffin Man), visiting some very special people and recording in "our" fancy new country studio. With much excitement, we talk about traffic jams on long weekends, how to entertain yourself during long car rides, turkish toilets, families, bikinis, speedos, pool temperatures, names and national holidays.

k&k episode 249 - the one where they talk about castles, medieval cities and other geekery... and stuff...

We're thrilled to have the lovely Vivi in the studio for episode 249. We chat about the famous frog chair, Vivi's adorable accent and cute hair, limo services, the Château de Vincennes, bouchons from Troyes, what we're all going to do, bring and eat as we travel this summer, "ren fairs", the Provins medieval festival, medieval taverns and clubs.

k&k episode 248 - the one where they talk about having the finger on the pulse... and stuff...

We continue chatting with Heather Stimmler-Hall for episode 248, and we talk about how Secrets of Paris is always on top of What's On in Paris (such as artist "open doors" and horse races), the château of Chantilly and the famous stables, the château of Cheverny and it's residents, we make some embarrassing confessions and Heather tells us a bit about what it's like to update guide books. Then, as we chat about some of the more interesting questions she's been sent by readers, Heather launches a contest on the show : have you ever wanted to know something about Paris, France or the French and never been able to find out the answer? Ask Heather, and you'll be in the running to win a fantastic prize!

k&k episode 244 - the one where they learn about an alternative method of hair removal... and stuff...

Episode 244 is an episode of pure chaos, as we discuss a myriad of truly random things : what Frog was wearing, the Cannes film festival, the stagnancy of the Mediterranean sea and tidal behaviour, dramatic jellyfish encounters in France, hairballs and unusual yoga positions. We open some very exciting boxes that were sent to us from Intern Noonan, we chat for a while about American candy, and then we talk about having a spontaneous picnic under the Eiffel tower (including pee-stops, operatic arias and encounters with the police!).

k&k episode 241 - the one where they talk about the mini-break challenge... and stuff...

We start off episode 241 by celebrating the birthday month of May and the launch of k&k get blogged. We chat about tic tacs and coffee bean incidents, the mini-break challenge, with entries like rum-soaked wafers, strange vegetables and Suze!

k&k episode 233 - the one where they argue over what a beach is... and stuff...

We chat for quite some time in episode 233 about our respective summer holiday plans and everything in between - Kylie tells us why she's going back to the US in summer and not in winter, there's a heated debate about the definition of a "beach", Katia talks about their upcoming trip to Lebanon and Australia and we discuss plane ticket prices, travel agents and different types of tickets.

We have some Apps coming out, in collaboration with the awesome Phil of Philexis! Stay tuned for more details!

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Next one : Saturday 15 January
Time : TBA

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