New to France: HIS & HER take on the move

After 4 months, it is time to look back at our big move. This post is a joined effort from me and Thijs. We wrote in English, so that our friends from abroad can also get a feel of our lives here. We both answered 7 questions. And no, we didn’t see each others answers up front.

1. Any expectation gabs after living in France for 4 month?

Anne: So far, it has been as I expected it to be, plus so much more. Living here has been great. In the first couple of months we were outside all day. Even now that summer has come to an end, we are still working in the garden and having long lunches outside. And off course making many camp fires. My expectations about the timeline of the renovations and such was a bit different in the beginning. However, I have changed my mind-set and discovered that if you don’t focus on the timing as much, everything feels way more relax.

Thijs: To be honest, everything goes a lot smoother compared to my expectations. At least so far. Of course we´re dealing with French bureaucracy, but not sure if the US was any better. Dealing with the Dutch government as a foreigner is probably also not that easy. I remember translating several letters for colleagues. Furthermore, neighbours and the French in general (and especially the people in Beaujolais) are way nicer than expected. So no complaints so far!

2. What do you love most so far?

Anne: No more hurries. Living in the moment and not always thinking about the next thing to do, the next activity, what is on the schedule, running to day care, etc. Of course it is easy for me the talk, I don’t have to go to work in the morning.

Oh, and the wine is pretty amazing!

 Thijs: The complete living outside. I mean, we had dinner only like 2-3 times insight in the first 3 months we lived in our new house. Besides sleeping, everything takes place outside. That in combination with the amazing views we have, makes me smile every day. Fully understand autumn and winter still have to come, but so far loving being outdoor the most.

3. What did not go so well?

Anne: That there is a different pace here. People live and work in a lower gear. This was exactly what we were looking for. But I didn’t realise as much, this difference in pace goes for everybody and everything. So also government offices, mayors, people that you are hiring and actually paying to do something, etc.

Thijs: Trying to explain by phone to a technician our fridge is broken. Find that the hardest so far, talking over the phone in French without any body language you can fall back on. By the way, the reaction of the technician was to keep repeating what he was saying. Only louder and louder, even screaming at the end. By the way, after the technician found out we are friends with people he also knows, he is super nice. 

4. Name one difference between the Dutch and the French

Anne: The French are less direct and clear than Dutch people. I know this is a cliché but it is so true! It is a little harder to know exactly what people mean. And that is not just because of the language barrier.

Thijs: That has to be living by a detailed time schedule. The French for sure have a different mind-set in that respect. But when you let that go a bit, life is actually a lot more relax.

5. Any advice for others that dream of moving to a different country?

Anne: Follow the dream! Make a decent plan, but you don’t have to fill in all the blanks. Have high expectations, but be flexible and prepare to adjust your plans as they are progressing.

Thijs: The only thing I can say, live your dream. Life is too short. Easy and obvious to say of course, when you`re enjoying the move. But on a serious note, what is the worst thing that can happen? You need to move back after 2 years. At least you can say you have tried! 

6. Anything you miss from back home?

Anne: Although we have slowly started to build a social life here, I do miss my friends and family sometimes. Just to have an easy conversation or a night out. Luckily they are visiting us, and we will be visiting them as well. The first wedding is already planned!

Thijs: Nope, nothing so far.

Note from Anne: he claims nothing, because we are supplied with ‘drop’ from our visitors! 😉 

7. 10 years from now, what does your life look like?

Anne: In 10 years, I’m hoping to run a successful chambre et table d’hôtes. I will still be writing blog posts and recipes on my website. Maybe I´m even working on my first book. Who knows? I’m sure new adventures and challenges will arise. But I’m pretty sure we will still be living here.

I wish in 10 years my kids are happy teenagers that still like to cook with me and appreciate their life in France. Finally, I hope that Thijs and I will be drinking our own wine at the camp fire with  friends from different continents.

Thijs: Anne will be running a busy B&B and I will be working 50% in finance (still loving it too much) and 50% in wine making. Kids are of course fluently in French and Dutch (and hopefully also English). We’re discussing with the kids if they want to join us in the wine business.