This is the unwitting third in a series of “firing” articles. Once you realize that it’s definitely more difficult and hence, more satisfying, to fire service providers in France, you are far more willing to do so. Some time ago … Continue reading
Life in France
My Change of Heart on Picard
In December 2015 I authored a (perhaps too indignant) piece slamming the frozen food chain Picard (and even questioning its raison d’etre). It’s Spring 2021 and I have to take back at least some of my words due to a … Continue reading
An Introduction to CAF (Caisses d’Allocations Familiales)
A friend of a friend told me that Shelby would be studying in Paris some time ago and we met and took a walk around Paris and hit it off. She ended up doing some work for me as well … Continue reading
A French Telemarketing Experience
During my time in France I’ve gotten a few telemarketing calls. Once, my internet company SFR called offering a slightly better version of the home internet plan I already had. The call lasted maybe 15 minutes in total and I … Continue reading
Five Must-Subscribe Newsletters for Your life in Paris and France
A big part of how I keep up with all the latest developments in my adopted country is, of course, living here. I organize almost a dozen monthly business and social events and am always learning how to integrate more … Continue reading
Journées du Patrimoine (Skip the Elysée)
Around this time last year I made plans with two friends to visit the Elysée Palace. Once a year, in September, the French celebrate Heritage Days (les Journées du Patrimoine) and many places are open to the public which are … Continue reading
No, I Don’t Have a French Driver’s License (And Probably Never Shall)
I hadn’t written about this before, but a number of people have emailed me about it more recently and I also just finished a book called French License by Joe Start which chronicles just how challenging it can be to … Continue reading
Osteo & Chiro in France
“We’re not covered by the French insurance system.” I was only slightly surprised when my osteopath said this to me at the end of our visit. As someone who has spent most of his life outside of a single-payer healthcare … Continue reading
Gas Pains
“Do you want an electric stove, a gas one, or a hybrid?” My (new) landlady asked me this question over the telephone as we were negotiating deal points on the new lease. We had found the current stove to be … Continue reading
Troubleshooting: Internet, Leaks, and Hot Water Heaters
There are things that are very simple in France. One of my favorites is the “set it and forget it” auto-debit for most of your recurring expenses: your EDF (electricity bill), UGC pass, or your mobile phone, just to name … Continue reading