This November my blog will be 16 years old. To celebrate that I have asked you my readers to submit a Guest Post for my blog as a way of celebrating our connectedness as a community through social media.
I hope you will send me your story or at least a glimpse into your life I feel I know so many of you through the comment section and emails, I hope this will introduce you to one another. Thank you in advance for being part of French la Vie / Tongue in Cheek.
Dear Corey,
Bonjour and thank you again for your blog and the delightful community you have built around it, your family, and your caring spirit. Some day we will meet but until then, here is a bit about me.
My superstar spouse Jody and I found our flat in France 20 years ago; each year, I have spent more and more time here. This year, after a long, uncomfortable seven months in America, I decided to live in France fulltime only for brief visits back in the future.
This was not an easy decision, especially since my sweet hubby prefers America, but one made for my emotional and mental well-being. I joke that my 60's are my selfish decade rather, it is truly my decade of self-care.
With the exception of our son, who thinks we should move-in/near him, everyone in the family — four generations — is supportive (albeit they may have not fully grasped my decision). From my beautiful aunt and <<belle-mère>> to our youngest granddaughter, they all join me in weekly family phone time.
These three photos are of just one of my many happy places here in Nice. La plage, a 3-minute walk from our apartment in Centre Ville remains a gift for this California girl. Here, I have found my encore career — helping others find their forever home or pied de terre — and attend l'université de la Côte d'Azur in my goal to be a life-long learner.
May my brief but sincere story be of some support to others facing life in these uncertain times.
Have a good week,
Ella
Ella wrote a book about her experience in Nice
Now available via an e-book; soon en français. Proceeds go to Les Petites Sœurs des Pauvres à Nice, where I volunteer.
Questions I asked Ella:
– I have had readers ask me how they can live in France, what do they need to do. Can you share how you came to live in France? ?Several years ago, I had the good fortune to begin my encore career with The Adrian Leeds Group (based in Paris for 25 years; most Americans will know her via House Hunters International). As a search consultant, I help our clients find flats for rent or, purchase. Unfortunately, until border restrictions lift for Americans, our clients, (some who have bought based on our visits and recommendations alone) are unable to enter Europe.
We suggest everyone to continue to follow the Embassy in their area for updates and apply for a visa as soon as possible.
Jody has traveled to France for 40 plus years; me only 35 but, my Mother is part French so the Côte d'Azur is in my DNA (literally!). We bought our flat as a pied-de-terre but, over the years I've realized I belong here full-time.
– How did you come to live in Nice what helped you decide? ?Nice has everything for us and as a California girl, the beaches and mountains make me feel at home. It is also very easy to access almost all destinations. Jody has used a manual wheelchair for 55+ years and we found Nice, especially public transport, to be very accommodating for such mobility differences.
– What do you miss other that family and friends about not living in the USA? ?Rien. Seriously, I never even think of America except when saying my prayers and asking the Universe for peace. The children, grandchildren, and all other friends and family members are wonderful about keeping in touch.
– What would you say are some important factors to have in helping make a decision to move abroad? ?Research and to know what lifestyle you want whether it be for annual vacations or, retirement. If you play a sport (unlike me) make sure you have access to such facilities. Get comfortable with being a big ignorant; abroad is not your homeland and almost nothing works the same so save yourself the trouble of comparisons. Stay open to all you learn each and every day; it's an adventure and challenge that keeps us on our toes. By all means, learn the local language and all you can about the culture/traditions. Immerse yourself and let your loved ones know you're following your dream.
And never give up on good news, keep searching for solutions; my husband arrives soon grâce à mon visa.
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