I believe that some things are people’s destiny… even places welcome them with ease if they’re meant to be there. Equally converse when it’s time to leave, a place will ‘show you the door’… this happened to me living in Indonesia for ten yrs, & when it was time to go I knew it.
Patricia, very beautiful testimony. I emigrated to Brazil in 1976 where I got married, had my two children, and returned to France with my family in 1996. I felt exactly the same sensations as you, with the addition of marrying a Brazilian and having two children born in Brazil which gave me the feeling of belonging to the brasilian community. As Madame Joséphine Baker could have said 'J'ai deux amours, mon pays et le Brésil' . I kiss you.
I was french and have been living in Norway for 30 years now. - One of the first key points that made me understand that Norway became my home now was when after a visit in France, I was happy to travel back to Norway. - Another one was when I surprised myself not understanding at all why people in France could think in a "french" way, specially regarding the way they look at the retirement age that cannot be an older one, the way they look negatively at new rules that often are done for the better, the way people have no problem with drinking and driving and the way some people can educate their kids. - When I understood that I was dreaming in Norwegian, was another key point of my understanding I was getting more and more norwegian and less and less French. - The final one was when I gave up my french citizenship and received my norwegian one, and that I felt that I would not flee but fight for Norway if one day the situation might require to do so. For all these reasons, I also understand all that you express in your video. But to be honest, there are 2 things for which I still have not succeed to be completely norwegian, even after 30 years. These things being the love of the french food and the passion for the french soccer and rugby teams. Maybe have you adopted yourself these two things in your heart ;). To conclude, in my opinion, although France, like every other countries, is not perfect, I think that you accepted in your heart and in your mind a very rich, unique and interesting place and way of living. Even if it can requires quite some adjustments to fit in. Very nice video!!!
Merci, Patricia. Great video! I’d be making plans to leave now, but I’m currently living with an elderly parent who has some memory issues. It’s hard to decide if I should make arrangements for alternative living arrangements for her or if I need to stay put. I’m not getting any younger, unfortunately. You truly feel at home when you wake up and realize the homesickness for your previous place has disappeared.
I can understand why you chose those highlights. For me, I moved from Manhattan to Cape Cod when I retired. I had a car but when I got my Massachusetts license and license plates and my MA phone numbers, I felt more like MA was home. I chose to get MA cell phone number instead of keeping my NYC one. When I went off cape and was talking to some random person, it felt good to say that I live on Cape Cod. That was yrs ago so I don't remember too much. Although I did not live in Hong Kong, when I was there on a visit, I found a park that had tai chi practice at 6am. I had studied tai chi for quite a few yrs so I was comfortably curious, also I wanted to be involved with a local activity. Being a young white woman, I obviously stood out. After a few mornings of going there, people started to smile and say hello... no conversation as I only knew how to say hello but it did make me feel good to be acknowledged.
Some bankers will look down on you if your bank account does not fit regular usages, but they are just cunts. They make you feel that they are doing you a favor by providing you a bank account, but it is the other way around, you are the client and if they don't treat you as such, you can go to another bank that will treat you with more respect. That's great that you feel that you belong now and I wish you a happy life in France.
Hello Patricia. Thank you for your excellent video. You have been through a lot to get to where you are and I admire you. I am presently searching for a house in France that is suitable for me, affordable, near essential stores and services and transportation. I’ve met with my realtor about selling my house. I have discussed my plans with my family and they are supportive. I leave for CDG in march and have selected several potential houses to view with agents all in towns that seem to meet my expectations. During this visit I will search for expat groups and visit the Mairies in each town to get a better understanding of the towns. I have moved from Philadelphia to Annapolis MD for over 10 years and become a known part of the community making friends etc. I then moved to cape May prior to the pandemic and still live here. I’ve assimilated but it’s a vacation town. I have made friends and prefer entertaining in my home rather than going out. I have a rescue frenchie who can’t fly in cargo because she is braciopahlic breed and is too big to fit under the seat in front so I am exploring other options to get her to france. Exciting times for me but cautious too. Thank you for listening. Joseph and Gigi.
Actually we have civic classes as kids in France so probably not that different from you as an adult. I can tell you about my experience as a French moving to the US (legally) in 2002. I eventually got my work permit and soon after got a job. I'm a leader in my field so I was leading a team, but some members were not happy about me being French. There was a huge anti French campaign at the time, for those who remember, because of the Irak war. Anyway, one guy tried to fight me (yep, physical) and I ended up quitting the job. I had a few more experiences like this and eventually after a few years that started to calm down. I'm not easily frightened so in every case, those American were always the ones backing up.
What was one pivotal moment that made you feel at home in a new place?
La France vous accueille à bras ouverts, vous êtes une fille de France maintenant ❤
I moved to France a month ago. It isn't easy and I speak french.
I believe that some things are people’s destiny… even places welcome them with ease if they’re meant to be there. Equally converse when it’s time to leave, a place will ‘show you the door’… this happened to me living in Indonesia for ten yrs, & when it was time to go I knew it.
So learning French is the most important thing to do.
Patricia, very beautiful testimony. I emigrated to Brazil in 1976 where I got married, had my two children, and returned to France with my family in 1996. I felt exactly the same sensations as you, with the addition of marrying a Brazilian and having two children born in Brazil which gave me the feeling of belonging to the brasilian community. As Madame Joséphine Baker could have said 'J'ai deux amours, mon pays et le Brésil' . I kiss you.
Joséphine et moi, on vous embrasse ;-)
wellcom in france be happy
Happy, Happy New Year, Patricia!
Bienvenue !
I was french and have been living in Norway for 30 years now.
- One of the first key points that made me understand that Norway became my home now was when after a visit in France, I was happy to travel back to Norway.
- Another one was when I surprised myself not understanding at all why people in France could think in a "french" way, specially regarding the way they look at the retirement age that cannot be an older one, the way they look negatively at new rules that often are done for the better, the way people have no problem with drinking and driving and the way some people can educate their kids.
- When I understood that I was dreaming in Norwegian, was another key point of my understanding I was getting more and more norwegian and less and less French.
- The final one was when I gave up my french citizenship and received my norwegian one, and that I felt that I would not flee but fight for Norway if one day the situation might require to do so.
For all these reasons, I also understand all that you express in your video.
But to be honest, there are 2 things for which I still have not succeed to be completely norwegian, even after 30 years. These things being the love of the french food and the passion for the french soccer and rugby teams. Maybe have you adopted yourself these two things in your heart ;).
To conclude, in my opinion, although France, like every other countries, is not perfect, I think that you accepted in your heart and in your mind a very rich, unique and interesting place and way of living. Even if it can requires quite some adjustments to fit in.
Very nice video!!!
Merci, Patricia. Great video! I’d be making plans to leave now, but I’m currently living with an elderly parent who has some memory issues. It’s hard to decide if I should make arrangements for alternative living arrangements for her or if I need to stay put. I’m not getting any younger, unfortunately. You truly feel at home when you wake up and realize the homesickness for your previous place has disappeared.
I can understand why you chose those highlights. For me, I moved from Manhattan to Cape Cod when I retired. I had a car but when I got my Massachusetts license and license plates and my MA phone numbers, I felt more like MA was home. I chose to get MA cell phone number instead of keeping my NYC one. When I went off cape and was talking to some random person, it felt good to say that I live on Cape Cod. That was yrs ago so I don't remember too much. Although I did not live in Hong Kong, when I was there on a visit, I found a park that had tai chi practice at 6am. I had studied tai chi for quite a few yrs so I was comfortably curious, also I wanted to be involved with a local activity. Being a young white woman, I obviously stood out. After a few mornings of going there, people started to smile and say hello... no conversation as I only knew how to say hello but it did make me feel good to be acknowledged.
Thank you
you have to learn french i hope your are not too isoled and you can find your place good luck
Some bankers will look down on you if your bank account does not fit regular usages, but they are just cunts. They make you feel that they are doing you a favor by providing you a bank account, but it is the other way around, you are the client and if they don't treat you as such, you can go to another bank that will treat you with more respect.
That's great that you feel that you belong now and I wish you a happy life in France.
I did. Coming from Ecuador to USA. I was always seen as out side. Not matter what. So I'm looking forward to move back to a lasting American country
Hello Patricia. Thank you for your excellent video. You have been through a lot to get to where you are and I admire you.
I am presently searching for a house in France that is suitable for me, affordable, near essential stores and services and transportation. I’ve met with my realtor about selling my house.
I have discussed my plans with my family and they are supportive. I leave for CDG in march and have selected several potential houses to view with agents all in towns that seem to meet my expectations. During this visit I will search for expat groups and visit the Mairies in each town to get a better understanding of the towns.
I have moved from Philadelphia to Annapolis MD for over 10 years and become a known part of the community making friends etc. I then moved to cape May prior to the pandemic and still live here. I’ve assimilated but it’s a vacation town. I have made friends and prefer entertaining in my home rather than going out.
I have a rescue frenchie who can’t fly in cargo because she is braciopahlic breed and is too big to fit under the seat in front so I am exploring other options to get her to france. Exciting times for me but cautious too. Thank you for listening. Joseph and Gigi.
So true, when you are invited for the Civic rights and responsibilities training at the OFFI, then you know they think you belong here
Ha ha, the last thing I ever asked for from a visiting American friend was popcorn salt.
😍😍😍😍
"as an american, I didn't felt healthcare was a human right" 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Actually we have civic classes as kids in France so probably not that different from you as an adult.
I can tell you about my experience as a French moving to the US (legally) in 2002. I eventually got my work permit and soon after got a job. I'm a leader in my field so I was leading a team, but some members were not happy about me being French. There was a huge anti French campaign at the time, for those who remember, because of the Irak war. Anyway, one guy tried to fight me (yep, physical) and I ended up quitting the job. I had a few more experiences like this and eventually after a few years that started to calm down. I'm not easily frightened so in every case, those American were always the ones backing up.
Vive la France vive Donal Trump 🍷😉🫶🇨🇵
Trump is making my whole family consider moving to Europe. Never thought they also would be in that mindset. This is a weird environment in America.
No thanks 🍷😉🇨🇵🙏 stay in the USA or try Guatemala..
La dernière chose dont nous avons besoin c'est plus de gauchistes mortifères qui détestent le pays.
😂 Hey ho la France n'est pas une poubelle !
Go back where you came frooooooom 🎤😮
@Juju-uy5bb Why?
Fine if you move here. But please know they we are not crazy about wokism in France or Europe. So please leave it in the US. ❤
Welcome here in a communist not "land of the free" ! 🤣
Congratulation to you for finding happiness where it is.
OMG the way the US is turning I wish We could move. We’re in our 70’s and have three dogs. So not a good place to be.