This is the latest in an ongoing series about my transition to a citizenship path. You can find Part 1 here, and Part 2 here. It had been 14 months since the glorious granting of my Profession Libérale visa and … Continue reading
No-Frills Train Travel: a New Trend
What if I told you that train companies were using principles pioneered by RyanAir and EasyJet and applying them to the convenience and speed of train travel? If you love train travel as much as I do, you might be … Continue reading
Métro Bureaucracy
I was standing with a number of my fellow passengers that had just disembarked at the Saint-Germain-des-Près métro station. There were a number of ticket inspectors in front of me scanning the Navigo passes or simple tickets of the passengers. … Continue reading
An Honest Locksmith
“Does anyone know any locksmiths who are not crooks?” This was a question I posed over a year ago to a Paris & France Facebook group that I help moderate that has a fair number of Parisian residents in it. … Continue reading
Changing Your Mailing Address in France
Most Americans are used to being able to go online and for the cost of $1 (USPS says this is for identity verification) and the time it takes you to fill out the necessary online form you can change your … Continue reading
The “Three” Paris Airports
I promised myself for ages that I wasn’t ever going to use the Beauvais Airport. “Paris Beauvais Airport” is a farce. Not only is Beauvais not in Paris, but it’s also not even in Île-de-France! It’s in Oise, not far … Continue reading
Getting My French Carte Vitale and Going to the Doctor…Finally
It felt futile. I knew the French didn’t operate this way, but I was feeling worn out and was reverting to American habits. I was writing, in French, on a post-it note, the following message: “I am very happy to … Continue reading
Troubleshooting: Récépissé for Visa Renewal
***Please note that practices have changed since Covid-19. You may be able to get an electronic récépissé. Check with your local prefectures.*** One of the things that keeps me really up-to-date in my immigration journey is the monthly newsletter of … 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
Three Years On, Part IV: Where Is Home for the Immigrant?
A few days ago I began 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 final article in a … Continue reading