Blogging and blogging software, suggestions

A good friend of mine is leaving the U.S. for France in early January. She will be overseas for six months. Many who know her have asked her to maintain a blog while in France. She asked me to help her set one up.

I’m going to punt this to the Dope. What advice do you bloggers have for my friend? In particular, what software or system should be employed? I can set it all up and make it turnkey for her, but it’s not an area of expertise for me.