  |
|
|
|
Our second visit to France proved markedly different to our first in terms of success in house hunting. With a better idea of what we were doing we found somewhere to live on the second day and signed a lease on the third. We could have moved in on the spot, but decided to make the most of our rented gite for the rest of the week and take the time to buy some furniture. With our accommodation sorted out we have moved on to the other details necessary to settle into a new country - schools, appliances, finalising arrangements with the bank, etc. Now we have somewhere to live the stress has reduced itself somewhat and we have been able to start enjoying our new country. The French we have met seem to be doing their best allay the stereotypical image of a nation unwelcoming of foreigners and have been exceptionally friendly. The help we have received has enabled us to get a phoneline connected in the time it took to return home from the France Telecom office where we applied for it, receive our first electricity bill, acquire a few storecards and almost be on the level of great friends with shop assistants who have sold us all the accoutrements necessary for setting up home. We also seem to be keeping the neighbors entertained as we arrive home with pots of paint, cookers, desks, shelf units, TV and video. If only our personal belongings would arrive we could really begin to feel like we had a home again. Despite the reduction in stress following our securing of somewhere to live, the last few weeks have been a constant rollercoaster of emotions. As we struggle to learn the language, work our way through a new system, discover the delights of a new country we have experienced an equal number of highlights as troughs. Today, for example, we made an appointment for us to apply for our son to attend a local school. Having to choose between two schools, based on how they look and how much you like the staff members you speak to is not the best way to choose a new school for your child. Like most expat parents we will agonize for months, I am sure, about whether we made the right decision |
|
|
|
