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Paris

Livret de famille

What is a Livret de Famille?

This blue velvet, gold-embossed gem is a Livret de Famille or family booklet. And if you are getting married in France, you’ll get one too. The Livret de Famille holds your new family’s official records of births and marriage information. And for the rest of one’s marriage, one must record all big family events in their book: the birth of children, adoption, any deaths in the immediate family, divorce, or separation. All families in France must hold onto their family booklet as it is required for official matters. For example, if you enroll your children in school, if you apply for some visas or citizenship, or if you buy property you’ll be asked to produce it. I’ll tell you one thing. I…

La Belle Juliette Paris Travel With Kate

La Belle Juliette: A Romantic Hotel in Paris

Tasked with finding a hotel steeped in Parisian style for my wedding guests and high on romance for me and my husband, I discovered La Belle Juliette. A few days before my wedding in Paris, the plan was to have my parents, my sisters, and their spouses join us in town. And so, I had the task of finding wedding accommodations in Paris that were up to my expectations in my neighborhood of choice: St Germain des Pres. I wanted a hotel on a quiet street, tourist-free, and close to shops and restaurants that would give my family a sense of living in Paris. I also wanted the amenities at the hotel to be modern and the interiors to reflect Parisian…

City Gender Paris

If your city had a gender, what would it be?

I must be in a weird mood. But walking around London today I couldn’t help but muse about how interesting this city is with it’s mix of bustling city life, historic and modern architecture, fashionable denizens, and animated foodie scenes. And all that contrasts the tranquil parks and calming canals. I sighed to myself, “London, I do love her.” But then I wondered, “wait, how did I come to the conclusion that London was a female?” Then that got me thinking, do cities have genders? I know…. Weird question. Certain cities have distinct genders to me. New York is undoubtedly male. Somehow it seems to have a permanent five-o’clock shadow. The subways and streets are dirty. Living there is no…

Travel with Kate Town hall Paris

On the winding road to my Paris wedding

So the good news is, all went well with my appointments at the Paris town hall and the US Embassy. That is, everything BUT that the town hall refused to give us a wedding date! Long story short, our town hall has a stipulation that once a dossier is submitted, there is an additional step before you are fully approved. It is an antiquated process that is just plain silly. Basically, they must publish an announcement that is visible to the public for two weeks stating our plans to be married. It is called “La publication des bans.” I guess it comes from the idea of allowing community members the chance to object in the case that there is knowledge…

Getting Married in Paris. The Process Begins…

I have to be honest. I’ve always struggled with how revealing I should be on my blog about my personal life. I’ve shared incredibly personal things from time to time. And other times I’ve chosen to shy away from sharing my life – sticking to travel-related topics. But right now, huge changes are taking place in my world with a delicious travel theme. And I am feeling compelled to share them with you. Today I am writing from Paris, in my friend’s small apartment in the 10th Arrondissement. I’m here on a mission – a mission bigger than I have ever endeavored before. I’m getting married! No, not today or tomorrow, but later this year. My fiancée is French. And…

Why You Should Revisit a Travel Destination

Did you ever study abroad? Or did you ever spend some time during your formative years in a place far from home? I did. I studied abroad in Paris during my last year of college. And this summer I went back and retraced my old steps. The experience was like going back in time.…