Leaving America Questionnaire #22
Elaine Ng Huntzinger, TCM practitioner and acupuncturist, 11th arrondissement
What drives Americans to leave home and settle elsewhere? That question has been on my mind for many years. This series, Leaving America, seeks to uncover the multitude of reasons and lessons learned—beginning with Americans in and around Paris. Become a paid subscriber to access this newsletter’s archives. You can read more of my thinking on this topic in this reported essay.
If there is anyone I credit with soothing me after submitting my manuscript for The New Parisienne, it’s Elaine Ng Huntzinger. I had known about her work as a TCM practitioner and acupuncturist through a dear friend who booked me an appointment with Elaine as a hurray! You finished that beast of a book! Now, please, let someone help you relax gift. She absolutely helped me and talked me through how acupuncture could, long term, help me manage my Tourette Syndrome. Her guidance was a gift in more ways than one. We also share a connection to rock climbing— she is an avid climber and in a household of climbers; I am married to one. Today, her work also includes facial rejuvenation, making her one of the toughest specialists to book, for good reason. But what led her to France in the first place? Keep reading.
Where was the last place you lived in the U.S.?
San Diego. I had just finished acupuncture school and had been teaching pilates. I met my husband rock climbing in Greece when I was teaching pilates (in Paris) for a few months. I had taken a break from school to hang out in Paris and work and met my husband in that month. He later moved to San Diego with me for a year while I finished my studies.
Did you intend to leave permanently or was the move temporary?
I intended to leave permanently. I knew intuitively that I was probably never going to return. I had been in and out of France for a while and this time, the conditions were perfect to move there permanently.
Was there a pivotal moment when you knew your life would be best pursued elsewhere?
My husband’s father was diagnosed with cancer and he abandoned his green card process as a result. He wanted to return to France to spend time with his father. I had been on the fence about whether we should stay in California or move to France. I saw this as a sign that it was time to move back to France.
What sort of financial consideration did the move require, even if as a student initially? Does one need a plump savings account to make this work?
I think you either need to have some savings or be with a partner who is able to work in France. You also need to think about what skills you have that could translate into working in the country. We initially moved to Annecy because my husband was working in Geneva. I got bored just hanging out and decided to cold call pilates studios in Geneva. I got a job teaching there and then opened a small studio in Annecy where I also practiced acupuncture. A year later, we moved to Paris where I started working as a pilates instructor. I had started practicing acupuncture while I was teaching pilates in San Diego and essentially translated that model into building my business here.
At what age did you leave? Looking back, was that too soon or too late?
I left at 35 years old. I think it was the perfect time. I had acquired skills that I could translate into work and I was adult enough to hustle for the long term.
When did you know you'd made the right [or wrong] call?
It took a few years, but I think giving birth in a very supportive environment without going broke really showed me I was in the right place.
What does Paris offer you that your native home couldn’t and, perhaps, still can’t?
Paris is visually stimulating and is always changing. I love that culture is a priority and every day you hear about a new exhibition, a restaurant, or a new trend that is emerging. There is enthusiasm for newness with substance and history that San Diego definitely did not possess. Also, I find the quality of food in France is so far superior to anything you can find back home.
Can you share any anecdotes about your highest and lowest moments in Paris?
The highest was probably when my daughter was a newborn and we took her to Versailles for the Murakami exposition there. I was amazed that I was able to participate in an art expo in such a historical environment with my child who would be brought up in a world full of culture and beauty.
My lowest was walking home from dinner and seeing people fleeing the Bataclan during the terrorist attack. We heard shots and sirens the entire night. We lived very close to the Bataclan back then. The heaviness in the city was palpable for months after those attacks.
Are there aspects of American life that you long for?
I miss the efficiency and friendliness of most people in stores and restaurants. It is often easier getting things done in the States than in France.
What book or movie do you most associate with the American experience abroad?My first long stay in France, I lived in Aix-en-Provence. The book Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald reminded me of how I felt when I was driving around in the south of France. The film Before Sunrise embodies the feeling of being in Paris for the first time and also the yearning for spontaneous experiences.
If you had to narrow it down to one, what is the greatest lesson living abroad has taught you about yourself and the world?
If you have a clear vision of what you want, you can achieve your goal as long as you remain flexible. You are going to have to modify, tolerate, and adapt to the social norms, laws, and culture. Also, you need to learn the language.
“France, despite many social issues, still chooses to take care of its citizens versus serving only the privileged class.” — Elaine Huntzinger
Have you ever considered going back? (Why or why not)
Not since having a child. She has had a great private bilingual education here that is very affordable. Also, the health care system here is accessible and efficient. After being here for more than 20 years, I can see how France, despite many social issues, still chooses to take care of its citizens versus serving only the privileged class.
For those contemplating leaving the U.S., what do you suggest they consider most about the decision?
Make sure you really understand why you want to leave. I would not cut ties 100% with your home country, at least for a few years, in case you want to go back. Just like home renovations, life renovations will take far more time and patience than you realize.
Click here to read all previous Leaving America questionnaires. If you think a friend would enjoy The New Paris Dispatch, gift subscriptions are available here.
Elaine Ng Huntzinger packed a lot of wisdom into her answers. I especially liked "“France, despite many social issues, still chooses to take care of its citizens versus serving only the privileged class.”
I love this series and appreciate Elaine's thoughts on being patient during a life renovation.