Next month I begin my fourth year in Paris. I wanted to use the milestone to share some reflections on how I have changed and ongoing tips on how to make the move yourself. This is the first in a series … Continue reading
Author: Stephen Heiner
French Work Benefits Are Truly Unbelievable
We were in line to pay for our portions of the meal. It was in Grenoble and many of my native French companions had opted for raclette, the delicious and hearty mountain food of the Alps. I wanted to encounter … Continue reading
Book Club: Down and Out in Paris and London, by George Orwell
George Orwell is perhaps best known for his seminal works 1984 and Animal Farm. One of his lesser-known works that I’ve come to appreciate is Down and Out in Paris and London. The book is an examination of working-class poverty … Continue reading
August in France
It is quiet. Wonderfully quiet. Not just in Paris but everywhere you go in France. On July 15th, after some national holiday that will go unnamed, the French decide that it’s been a solid 10.5 months of work, and that … Continue reading
Book Club: A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway
After the November attacks of last year many French begin reading this book as an act of defiance. It was left among some of the tributes at République and other places. More than one French friend told me that it was … Continue reading
OFII Checkboxes: Two Classes Done
In my last post chronicling a visit to OFII since getting on the path to citizenship, I attended the two classes which were mandated as part of my immigration classes: “Living and Working in France” and “Civic Formation.” Both of … Continue reading
Losing at Home to the Portuguese
My heart sank. In the fan zone at the Eiffel Tower, tucked away behind one of the smaller screens I was standing in front of, the small group of Portuguese near us lost their minds in celebration. I hadn’t ever … Continue reading
London Calling
I often tell people I never expected to like London as much as I do. Don’t get me wrong — I would never, ever live there — it’s too expensive, rushed, big, and dense. But for a few days at … Continue reading
En Vacance
I’ve been taking a short vacation away from Paris and though later this week I will be heading to London to witness the referendum, Paris is still on my mind. So here are my thoughts on the strikes. Photo by Morgan Housel … Continue reading
Troubleshooting: Branchless Bank Accounts
Article updated July 2022 for accuracy. Some time ago I was sitting with some friends and the conversation turned to banks and bank fees. Both of my friends shared how much they hated “establishment” banks and described with relish how … Continue reading