We're getting closer to Christmas and for the first time in years I really feel "in the mood." It's not that we'll be doing much, certainly no presents for the two-legged members of the family, but with the cold weather, the decorations, the special menu I've planned, etc., it all feels right.
It doesn't hurt that our dear friends from L.A., Diane and Evan, will be arriving for New Year's Day. It gives us something really fun to look forward to as well.
Now that the work in the house is done and my hideous test on the Code de la Route is behind me, I also feel that we're living life and moving on. I'm enjoying getting back to work on various writing projects, including finishing the manuscript for the book we're going to publish of this very blog!
As I look forward to 2006, I wonder what other surprises (hopefully mostly good ones!) are in store for us. 2005 has certainly been a year of eventful occurrences, may the good ones continue and the bad ones stay away!
On a practical note, I would really like to remind any of my American readers who are seriously considering the move to France, that the driver's license issue is not something to take lightly. I am not unhappy to have learned the Code, because I do think it will stand me in good stead. There are a few important differences with California law that are good to know. For example, giving priority to vehicles coming from the right unless you know for a fact that YOU have the priority, is a major issue.
Also, crossing a solid white line in the middle of the road is not just a ticket; your license can be suspended! And, if someone borrows your car and gets a ticket for speeding or following too closely, the registered owner of the car could find themselves being fined!
I didn't know any of these things before and feel safer now that I do. However, that aside, the process of getting a license has been more painful than I imagined. I was warned, but you just don't really "get" it when you come from the States, where in most cases it's not all that complicated. And, I still haven't completed the process! I will have to take a couple of lessons at the local driving school and take the practical driving test next month.
All of this to suggest to potential new French residents that it will be much simpler, and possibly even less expensive, to try to get a license from a state that does have an agreement to exchange licenses with France. It is the only thing I regret not having had the time to do before we moved.
Ciao for now!
R
(see pictures on my personal site.)
It doesn't hurt that our dear friends from L.A., Diane and Evan, will be arriving for New Year's Day. It gives us something really fun to look forward to as well.
Now that the work in the house is done and my hideous test on the Code de la Route is behind me, I also feel that we're living life and moving on. I'm enjoying getting back to work on various writing projects, including finishing the manuscript for the book we're going to publish of this very blog!
As I look forward to 2006, I wonder what other surprises (hopefully mostly good ones!) are in store for us. 2005 has certainly been a year of eventful occurrences, may the good ones continue and the bad ones stay away!
On a practical note, I would really like to remind any of my American readers who are seriously considering the move to France, that the driver's license issue is not something to take lightly. I am not unhappy to have learned the Code, because I do think it will stand me in good stead. There are a few important differences with California law that are good to know. For example, giving priority to vehicles coming from the right unless you know for a fact that YOU have the priority, is a major issue.
Also, crossing a solid white line in the middle of the road is not just a ticket; your license can be suspended! And, if someone borrows your car and gets a ticket for speeding or following too closely, the registered owner of the car could find themselves being fined!
I didn't know any of these things before and feel safer now that I do. However, that aside, the process of getting a license has been more painful than I imagined. I was warned, but you just don't really "get" it when you come from the States, where in most cases it's not all that complicated. And, I still haven't completed the process! I will have to take a couple of lessons at the local driving school and take the practical driving test next month.
All of this to suggest to potential new French residents that it will be much simpler, and possibly even less expensive, to try to get a license from a state that does have an agreement to exchange licenses with France. It is the only thing I regret not having had the time to do before we moved.
Ciao for now!
R
(see pictures on my personal site.)
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