There are a few reasons why this move to France could be a not-so-good idea in the long run. Everyone has been so supportive of it, and called it brave and awesome, but there are good reasons why we call our daily lives our “comfort zone.”
First things first, learning to speak French.
Yes, it is true that you can visit France without learning a word and still have a good time. The French are kind and helpful people, so they make every effort to communicate. But they will have more fun if you learn a few useful phrases.
But living here is a completely different thing. Right now I can get my point across in French with some up-front preparation, but I still don’t understand a lot of what is said to me. And I cannot have a telephone conversation yet. Think about that. Just getting through “Dial 1 for …., dial 2 for…., “ is practically the hardest part! And no, the power company and the telephone company do NOT have English language customer service. If I do intend to spend most of my time here, I have a lot of work to do. I am working with a French tutor on Zoom twice a week, but I am constantly trying to put in more time to jump start this important process.
Travel Tip:
Google Translate cannot read the “platte du jour” written on this blackboard. But it is a safe bet to order it, even if you don’t know what it is!
Small joys . . . my kitchen window.
And then there is the need to give up American standards.
What I mean by that is that we in America live really comfortable lives – large rooms, large beds, large cars. Our buildings and roads are really new, almost bright and shiny, compared to much of the infrastructure in France (my apartment building and its plumbing are 225 years old.)
We enjoy an enormous variety of choice in products and services. We appreciate efficient service, so we tend to give it and expect it.
If these sorts of challenges prove too overwhelming after a while, then I will probably come back. But so far, I am enjoying the adventure, and gradually adding a French sensibility, calm and secure, to my American nature.