Love this. One of my breaking points back in the U.S. was I couldn't figure out how to make health insurance work as a self-employed person without a partner. It's funny how American artists have been coming to Paris for generations for inspiration, for creative community... but now also for health coverage.
Loved this interview. Whitney’s experience echoes so many of our own challenges and joys settling into becoming French. I’m from Seattle too, and if Whitney wants a Puget Sound kind of experience, I’d recommend southern Norway. I was just there, and it really reminded me of the Pacific Northwest. When you live in France, you’ve got all of Europe at your doorstep.
I'm glad to be here but the settling in has been challenging. We rented an apartment we saw in the summer. The first night we heard low frequency rumbling. We did not sleep well. We called the landlord in the U.S. She said she had no idea what noise we were talking about. A friend discovered that a metro runs directly under the building. We asked two neighbors who confirmed this. We are now looking for another apartment when we were hoping to be looking for a place to buy or rent long term. So it's been challenging.
Thanks. That’s what some neighbors said but we’re too sleep deprived to wait for that to happen. We found a place that’s quiet and look forward to settling in this week.
Sorry, that isn’t ideal. I lived on a cable car line in San Francisco for several years. When I first moved it, the cable car was ALL I heard. Over time, I didn’t even notice it anymore. It’s remarkable what you can get used to!
We lived in Seattle 40 years, had Microsoft as a client for 30 years and I relate to her story. We now split our time between Sun Valley and Paris. I struggle with learning the language. I’ve tried a few apps but find them lacking in just basic conversational French. Any tips/resources on how to improve would be greatly appreciated! Learning the language opens up new relationships and this beautiful community. 🥂
The best way to learn, I think, is to find a conversation partner/tutor with whom you can practice. The apps are good for vocabulary but to get conversational, you must converse!
I really enjoyed this interview. When I first moved to Rome, I had to get private health insurance, as I had not paid into the French system (grew up in the USA). I paid €20 a month for a plan that cost over $170 a month in the States. That was years ago. I'm sure that American plan is much more expensive now. This is not sustainable for most writers.
Loved reading this! And love Whitney! ☺️ I’m so glad she followed her dreams, not only to Paris so we could become friends, but also to become a writer because she is immensely talented! ❤️ 📕
Love this. One of my breaking points back in the U.S. was I couldn't figure out how to make health insurance work as a self-employed person without a partner. It's funny how American artists have been coming to Paris for generations for inspiration, for creative community... but now also for health coverage.
A sad reality !
It’s such a real consideration!
Loved this interview. Whitney’s experience echoes so many of our own challenges and joys settling into becoming French. I’m from Seattle too, and if Whitney wants a Puget Sound kind of experience, I’d recommend southern Norway. I was just there, and it really reminded me of the Pacific Northwest. When you live in France, you’ve got all of Europe at your doorstep.
Norway is beautiful. Totally agree!
I left America for France in June.
I hope you’re settling in and feeling good about the decision.
I'm glad to be here but the settling in has been challenging. We rented an apartment we saw in the summer. The first night we heard low frequency rumbling. We did not sleep well. We called the landlord in the U.S. She said she had no idea what noise we were talking about. A friend discovered that a metro runs directly under the building. We asked two neighbors who confirmed this. We are now looking for another apartment when we were hoping to be looking for a place to buy or rent long term. So it's been challenging.
Thanks. That’s what some neighbors said but we’re too sleep deprived to wait for that to happen. We found a place that’s quiet and look forward to settling in this week.
Sorry, that isn’t ideal. I lived on a cable car line in San Francisco for several years. When I first moved it, the cable car was ALL I heard. Over time, I didn’t even notice it anymore. It’s remarkable what you can get used to!
Bienvenue! 🙏🏻
Enjoyed this interview very much!
Thank you, Sacha !!
Thank you! 🙏🏻
This was delightful!
Thank you 🥰
Such a great interview. Many thanks to you both!
Thank you for reading, David !
So glad you enjoyed it!
We lived in Seattle 40 years, had Microsoft as a client for 30 years and I relate to her story. We now split our time between Sun Valley and Paris. I struggle with learning the language. I’ve tried a few apps but find them lacking in just basic conversational French. Any tips/resources on how to improve would be greatly appreciated! Learning the language opens up new relationships and this beautiful community. 🥂
The best way to learn, I think, is to find a conversation partner/tutor with whom you can practice. The apps are good for vocabulary but to get conversational, you must converse!
I really enjoyed this interview. When I first moved to Rome, I had to get private health insurance, as I had not paid into the French system (grew up in the USA). I paid €20 a month for a plan that cost over $170 a month in the States. That was years ago. I'm sure that American plan is much more expensive now. This is not sustainable for most writers.
Glad you enjoyed it Arlene!
Loved reading this! And love Whitney! ☺️ I’m so glad she followed her dreams, not only to Paris so we could become friends, but also to become a writer because she is immensely talented! ❤️ 📕
Thanks, friend! 🥰