'Paris in Love': 8 stories of life in Paris

For most of us it would be a dream come true. Romance writer Eloisa James (her pen name) sold her house, put her job on hold, packed up her husband and two children, and moved to Paris for a year. James explored Parisian restaurants, shops, and historical sights while her children experienced school in another country. Surrounded by a foreign environment, the family all learned more about how to communicate with each other. Here are 8 stories James shares in her new memoir 'Paris in Love.'

1. Meat and American teenagers

By Hernán García Crespo

James and her family stayed in Italy for the summer before moving to Paris, stopping along the way to visit friends who live in Cigliano, Italy, for an overnight stay. James' teenage son was less than thrilled. "The farmhouse had hooks over the beds to hang drying herbs and sausages," James wrote. "Showing no respect for tradition, Luca freaked out at the 'meat hooks' and begged to be allowed to sleep in the car. We managed to keep from our friends his belief that their beloved house was really a charnel."

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