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From www.americansinfrance.net

Take this photo!

Photo Expedition

The photo above is of the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) that I will be visiting come late August. I'll be taking part in a photo expedition in and around Chamonix, not far from where I live. Chamonix's claim to fame is that it sits at the base of the tallest mountain in Europe - the Mont Blanc.

The Mer de Glace is a glacier that is reached by a train called the Montenvers and is an adventure in and of its self. The Montenvers isn't that long, a little over 3 miles but it climes over 3000 feet in that distance and offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. When you arrive at the top you get nothing but breathtaking views of the Mer de Glace and the mountains that border it. From the train station you can then take a cable car down to the Mer de Glace where caves have been cut out so that you can go inside the glacier.

You can see photos I took during my trip to the Mer de Glace on my Flickr page in the album 'Chamonix'.

The expedition will be led by National Geographic contributing photographer Carole Devillers and take place from August 27 to September 5, 2008. I'm not sure how many days I will be able to take part but you are welcome to join along. Also apart of the expedition are Lyon (1 day) and Annecy (3 days). For pricing and more information please see - Expeditions to France - HAUTE SAVOIE & THE FRENCH ALPS.

Photography is a theme of the expedition but you don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm sure not!) or have an expensive camera. For that matter you don't need to have a camera as anyone is welcome. You just need to open to a bit of adventure!

Carole has other expeditions planned for 2008, French destinations include a Barge Holiday in Alsace (July), Paris/Versailles (August) and the French Alps again (October). Please see her site - Adventure Photo Expeditions for more information. Anyone living near where an expedition is taking place is welcome to join. But please note you must come along for the whole expedition. Carole also has expeditions in New Mexico, where she lives and new for 2008 - India.

Up Coming French Events:

• February 2nd is the Fête de la Chandeleur. On this day Crêpes are traditionally eaten.

Newsletter Feedback

I'm adding something new this month. It's a section on my Live in France forum where you can give me feedback on my newsletter. All constructive comments welcome. Please submit here – Newsletter Feedback ~ February 2008 Newsletter

Americans in Euroland II

A special thanks to Bonnie Poppe (who commented on the Americans in Euroland article in my last newsletter) she added three great suggestions for saving money, 1) Subletting in Paris if you are staying for a week or two, 2) Eat and get food at local markets and 3)Rent a Smart car through Sixt (type 'Smart fortwo' in the vehicle/model field. She has rented at La Defense, Marseille and Lyon.

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Resources for living or traveling in France:

Looking for the cheapest way to transfer money overseas at the best rate? I work with www.HiFX.com so that you can get the most out of your money when it comes to currency exchanges.
If you would like to improve your French, I suggest Fluent French, or Champs-Elysées. Other good resources are Bien-dire - France's most popular "Learn French" magazine. Art French Magazine, great for art lovers. If you need help with French numbers, French pronuncation or other essential skills? Then check out Bien-dire's "Essential Skills" series.
Looking to rent a car in France? Try car rental partner AutoEurope.
Need a hotel for your travels? Venere.com.
Looking to stay in a B&B or Château? Then please take a look at B & B's/Rental page.
How about sightseeing tours? Try - Sightseeing Tours France
Wine lover looking for a site to help you find great French wines? Then you should try WineDrive. Americans in France readers save 25% on a one year membership with WineDrive, just enter the word 'Americans' (without quotation marks) in the promotional code box.
Thinking of having a wedding or other event in France? Have a look at my Wedding in France page.
Looking to make new Friends? Then what about Americans in France Friends?
Would you like to find classified ads for France but in English? Then a good place to start is Franglo.
Do you need to find health insurance for France? Then I suggest either Global Insurance or Medibroker.
Skiing in France with an English speaking ski instructor Ski Pros Megeve.
Searching for a book about living in France? One you might read is The Insider Paris Guide for Living in France.
Looking for a property in France but aren't there yet? Have a look at my Property Finders France page.
The number one travel guide to central and historical Paris: Paris Marais.
If there is something I've missed or you would like more resources, please contact me.

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