I also loved this piece! Spot on! My partner and I knew that moving to Paris was going to be very different than vacation, and we did about 5 long-stays (6+ weeks) to start to build a foundation, e.g start making friends, exploring opportunities for our business, scope out logistical details, and ensure this was what we really wanted to do, but that was still not “living” here. We love it, and are so glad we made the decision, but I think it’s important to share the realities of it. It is nowhere near “easy” as people may think.
The one other thing I’ll add on the plus side is that sense of accomplishment and joy when you are accepted as a member of the neighborhood community by the local shopkeepers, when they realize you aren’t a tourist and you are here to stay. The Bonjour becomes Bonjour, ca va? Then next thing you know you’re exchanging stories and sharing plans for les vacances and getting a little extra treat slipped in with your order. I just love this!
That’s very true about the moment you get treated like a local! I just introduced my sister to my neighborhood pal who owns the local bar, and it was such a proud moment.
I loved this piece, and I definitely felt all of those feels when I first moved here. In my current job, I still find a few people don't take me seriously because of my accent, but I have learned to quickly take them down.
Im just envious that you can speak French professionally! I can have conversations but I haven’t been brave enough to say I’m proficient enough to do it in a work setting. Go you!
I also loved this piece! Spot on! My partner and I knew that moving to Paris was going to be very different than vacation, and we did about 5 long-stays (6+ weeks) to start to build a foundation, e.g start making friends, exploring opportunities for our business, scope out logistical details, and ensure this was what we really wanted to do, but that was still not “living” here. We love it, and are so glad we made the decision, but I think it’s important to share the realities of it. It is nowhere near “easy” as people may think.
The one other thing I’ll add on the plus side is that sense of accomplishment and joy when you are accepted as a member of the neighborhood community by the local shopkeepers, when they realize you aren’t a tourist and you are here to stay. The Bonjour becomes Bonjour, ca va? Then next thing you know you’re exchanging stories and sharing plans for les vacances and getting a little extra treat slipped in with your order. I just love this!
That’s very true about the moment you get treated like a local! I just introduced my sister to my neighborhood pal who owns the local bar, and it was such a proud moment.
I loved this piece, and I definitely felt all of those feels when I first moved here. In my current job, I still find a few people don't take me seriously because of my accent, but I have learned to quickly take them down.
Im just envious that you can speak French professionally! I can have conversations but I haven’t been brave enough to say I’m proficient enough to do it in a work setting. Go you!
💯% on all points, Shelby! Loved this!