long-term expats

[spacedriftsps62]

This is an interesting idea. Having been an expat for 17 years and just back from the US a year ago, some of the entries were quite amusing to read. Being an expat in Paris is not so hard - well, I say this one year on. Finding an appartment was quite nightmare-ish. At the time, it seemed that I was applying to marry someone. The most amusing (or

Comments

[amygooglegirl]

It can be quite tough getting an apartment in France, and Paris is supposed to be the hardest, and most expensive. Landlords have a lot of power and can ask for anything... Guarantors make sense when you rent to students, but when you're older it gets a little ridiculous ;)

Do you have any example of people saying "this is not possible"? I never noticed ;)

How do you like living in Paris? It seems a pleasant enough place to enjoy a day out, but most of my friends there suffer from the "métro-boulot-dodo" syndrome, getting home only at 10pm in the evening and not even having time to eat properly because they're so exhausted...

[morganofthefay]

getting home only at 10pm in the evening and not even having time to eat properly because they're so exhausted...

to my understanding, that's why people in general take such big/long lunches here - they view it as their biggest meal of the day and make sure they enjoy it.

[amygooglegirl]

Lunch is the main meal of the day, it's bigger than dinner, unlike most Anglo-Saxon countries where it's the opposite. But still, getting home at 10pm and having only the energy for a bowl of cereal would be a bit much for me. Most people I know in Paris have jobs that take over their lives, unfortunately...

[spacedriftsps62]

Examples of being told "ce n'est pas possible"? Just about any circumstance you can think of. What is really funny is that if one does ignore it and carries on as if nothing happened, when the people click to what you are asking they are delightfully helpful. Here is an example: "I had to miss my ... (sports - chose one) class. I spoke to my teacher and she/he said it was fine to come later in the week. Can you let me know when are her/his classes ? " answer ..."Ce n'est pas possible"...continue - well, actually, I spoke to the teacher and epxlained I missed etc.etc. Don't get angry, don't get impatient, don't get excited: just repeat all again in good mood. Eventuallyyou get the answer "Ah we need to check when is you teacher giving the course, or perhaps we can find another teacher to help you , when is it convenient, we wouldn't want to to miss a class, etc,etc." It just takes getting used to it.
I do love living here!

[amygooglegirl]

Unhelpful people... I encountered them as well, but I never realised there were more of them in France than elsewhere. It's entirely possible though...

unhelpful people

[spacedriftsps62]

I don't think there are. Perhaps it is just a turn of phrase - that only foreigners notice!

A total sideline, apologies

[jetspeaks]

Guarantors make sense when you rent to students

The problem with this is not distinguishing between kinds of students. Example? I am Australian in the US, a 31 year old graduate student who was denied housing because I did not list my parents as guarantors - I have a guaranteed stipend, and the caveat that if I cease to be a student, I have to leave the country anyway....

Re: A total sideline, apologies

[spacedriftsps62]

Well, I can sympathize - I felt preety silly when the demand for having my parents as guarantors was made. I am not even a student...but I had a proper job with letters from the company etc. Besides, my parents' income is lower than mine. It is kind of sweet, once we think about it from a distance, but XXXXing annoying at the time.

Re: A total sideline, apologies

[amygooglegirl]

That's pretty stupid... The important thing is that you have enough money to pay the rent, or that other people accept to pay for you if you have troubles. It shouldn't matter how you receive your money...

Re: A total sideline, apologies

[jetspeaks]

well, I had enough income to pay the rent, they just wanted guarantors anyway because I was a student. I object to being asked for a guarantor on a rent when I have a salaried job that is sufficient...