Many people dream of living and working in France, and while I was right there with you when I first got here, I know that I had a tendency to put the logistical side of everything on the back burner. … Continue reading
Life in France
Making Friends With The French
One of the things that I was happiest to leave behind in the US is the idea that there’s something wrong with you if you’re not an outgoing extrovert. Throughout my childhood, teenage years, and even into young adulthood I … Continue reading
How to Get Free Money for Your New Electric Bike in France
One of the aspects of life in French that is perhaps underappreciated by its citizens is the number of benefits on offer at any given time. Sure, the French will brag to you about all that’s available, but often, they … Continue reading
Firing SFR Mobile
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
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