Latest Posts - Ashley Abroad Travel Blog

How to Meet the Parents in a Second Language (Without Crying)

September 3, 2019October 5, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

How to meet the parents in a foreign langauge

Meeting my Chilean ex-boyfriend’s family was mildly terrifying. Not only was I more than 5,000 miles away from home in Santiago, Chile, I was also being interrogated by a room full of curious and wide-eyed Chileans. Needless to say, it was uncomfortable. So I wanted to write a guide on how to meet the parents … Read more

How to Order a Baguette Like a Parisian

November 21, 2017October 1, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

Wondering how to order a baguette properly? Look no further. In France, bread is a daily staple. Everyday, mothers send their kids to the local boulangerie (bakery) to pick up a baguette. (Sometimes one for breakfast, one for snack/dinner!) But let’s start this baguette guide off with a pop quiz. Which baguette is better? If you … Read more

How the French Stay Thin

September 11, 2019September 29, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

One question I am asked a lot on account of spending time in France is, “How do the French stay thin?” And in light of my most recent Francophile food-related posts about delicious food in Paris, French bread and French cheese, I wanted to enlighten my mom readers on how the French indulge in good … Read more

The 10 Most Crazy Delicious Foods You Must Eat in Paris

October 18, 2019September 27, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

So, what’s good to eat in Paris? Um, if memory recalls, everything. As I sit and wait for the French ministry of labor to send back my visa documents, I’ve been musing over some of the most delicious meals I’ve enjoyed in France over the past three summers. Hopefully the ministry sends the documents soon … Read more

French Cheese: How to Buy, Store and Serve French Cheese Properly

May 4, 2017September 25, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

As we all know, the French love their cheese. I love their cheese. I love them for loving their cheese. And frankly, sampling oozing, raw-milk French cheese is one of the best parts of visiting the country, at least for this fromage-o-phile. I have worked as an au pair for a French family for past three … Read more

The Best Souvenirs from Chile to Bring Home From Your Trip

September 14, 2019September 22, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

Over the years, I’ve picked up a lot of amazing souvenirs from Chile, from copper pans to lapis lazuli. So I wanted to write on the best Chilean souvenirs, and tell you exactly where to find them. And you don’t even have to go all the way to Santiago to buy them! Luckily, can buy … Read more

Cool Souvenirs to pick up around the World

May 30, 2019September 20, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

I really love souvenirs. I try to pick up something meaningful and traditional from wherever I go, which usually results in me carrying a backpack full of highly breakable ceramics.

5 Creative Ways to Approach Trip Planning

November 2, 2019September 15, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

Before leaving for a big trip, I like to do some preliminary research so that I know what might interest me in the area. This allows me to have a loose itinerary, as I already have an idea of what I might like. Here are some of the ways I decide where to go in … Read more

The ABCs of Travel

February 6, 2019September 10, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

For a while I’ve been noticing the ABCs of Travel making their way around the blogosphere. Now that I finally have my own blog I wanted to make an ABC list! (I’m a little late to the party but hey, I still showed up). This was a fun exercise because it reminded me of so many things I’ve forgotten.

A Mini Guide to Le Marais, Paris’ Artsy Jewish Quarter

February 14, 2014September 10, 2012 by Ashley Fleckenstein

Whenever I’m given a day (or night) off from nannying, I generally find myself my favorite Paris neighborhood- Le Marais. It’s a neighborhood with wonderful boutiques and restaurants, beautiful tree-lined streets and a lively bar scene.

It is also a neighborhood that has worn many hats in its day.