Cafetalk Tutor's Column

It's sweater weather!

What I love about the fall is getting out into the fresh, often cool air outdoors. But to enjoy tha...

Oktoberfest!

Have you ever wondered about the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany? You have probably seen women in di...

Recycle, Reuse and Reduce

Earth Day is a day on which we should think about our home, planet Earth. We should always consider...

Swimming in Alpine Lakes

When I moved to Europe about 35 years ago, I was amazed by the clean and inviting water of Alpine l...

Local spas are just the ticket

Spring Break in Europe is very different to the Spring Breaks I experienced as an American. There I...

Burning a 'Böögg' to Kick Off Spring in Zurich

In Switzerland spring officially starts on March 1, but most Swiss consider the Spring Equinox (= w...

Like a Fish to Water

One English phrase we often use to describe happiness is to say 'she took to her bike like a fish t...

'Despite the forecast, live like it's spring'

Spring in Switzerland is usually still quite chilly, with high temperatures of only 8 - 15 degress,...

Longer nights and warmer lakes, my spring treats

Life in Switzerland is lovely all seasons of the year, but the springs and summers are especially s...

No spas needed, just rest!

Like many people, when I think of 'self-care', I imagine a beautiful pool in a fancy resort where I...

New Traditions for an older Teacher

Black History Month has been around in United States' schools since 1976, but as a school child, I ...

Non-romantic Swiss and Valentine's Day

Switzerland might be known for its chocolates, which many people around the world give their loved ...

The Thai have 3 New Years a Year

I have been lucky enough to have taught and lived in several countries, including Thailand. It was ...

Men Without Women, Murakami's 7 short stories

I love to read short stories. I have time to finish them during my busy work week and each story ca...

Teaching Online for Beginners

During the pandemic most teachers needed to teach online if they wanted to keep their jobs. This wa...

One step at a time

Learning anything is tough work. But trying to master a language might be one the most difficult th...

My First Year in Cafetalk

After 39 years of teaching English online, and in person, and in 6 countries, I joined Cafetalk as ...

The precious gift of time

When asked what I want for my birthday or Christmas, I find it more and more difficult to know what...

Enjoy 'the holiday' this Christmas!

Christmas is a great time to watch movies with friends and family. If you have not already seen 'Th...

Romantic Lights on Dark Nights

Christmas is a quiet time of year in Switzerland, where I currently live. Yes, people shop more tha...

The Swiss Alps: a snow paradise!

Have you watched the K-drama Crash Landing on You, which was filmed in Switzerland in part? Or mayb...

Why is it 'Black' Friday? Shopping (and saving) on a rainy, November day!

During the week of November 20 - 26, 2023, it doesn't matter what the weather is like - millions of...

Thai Fall Tradition: Romantic Floating Lanterns

Have you ever wanted to see the reflection of a burning candle on a small boat floating on a river ...

Turkey, Travel and Shopping in America

Halloween is over. Christmas is in December. So what do Americans do in November? The answer: most ...