I saw her place the green and white paper on top of my file. It was the paper used to print a récipissé (the temporary document one uses for identification while waiting to get a permanent identity card). Externally I … Continue reading
expat
Unexpected Consequences of an International Move: Instant & Ongoing Decluttering
I’ve mentioned before on this blog that the Four Hour Work Week is a major influence on my life and was a big part of the “how” portion of the massive quality of life upgrade that was my move from … Continue reading
Meetup: a Great Way to Build a Core of Diverse Friends
This summer I went to the Fête de la Musique with a large group of friends. Though it originally started in France it’s now a worldwide annual event. As the evening closed out at our fourth musical venue out of hundreds … Continue reading
Taxes and Wise
I recently had the opportunity to meet with one of the readers of the blog over lunch. We discussed some of his strategies for staying in France but since he had just recently arrived I asked him to check with … Continue reading
You Can(‘t) Go Home Again
“What do you miss the most?” My friends smile, anticipating a favorite dish, a favorite place, or a particular time of year. “Well, you guys, of course,” I say quickly, hoping to deflect the question from my true answer: “Nothing.” … Continue reading
Forgetting My Passport
A huge pit formed at the very bottom of my stomach. A hot flash of embarrassment started at my chin, ducked below my eyes, and lurched forward onto my forehead, spilling down my cheeks. These physical reactions usually accompany the … Continue reading
NYC: Parisians’ Delight
I’m always curious to know what fellow Parisians think of their visits to my beloved United States. Often they have been to America, and usually, they have been to New York. Now, when most people tell me they’ve visited New … Continue reading
Three Big Changes (A Month In to My Life in France)
This particular move features three major changes for me: a different country, a different language, and a different environment. I’ll start with the last one first. The City I was born into one of the densest cities in the modern … Continue reading
Begin at the Beginning
So when people first find out I’m moving to Paris, there are usually looks and sounds of astonishment. And it’s only now, when I’m about 60 days out from beginning my journey, that I truly understand that astonishment, because I’ve … Continue reading