|
Jan 27, 2008 I received this really nice e-mail the other day from a single mom, in Northern British Columbia, who had some questions and comments. I thought I would respond here. First, she's on maternity leave until Sept 2008. It would be nice if the States implemented a similar maternity initiative which showed such appropriate respect for our newly born children and the parents who care for them. Second, she works for the Canadian government and has the option to consider a transfer to work overseas. That's where I come into play, as that's where her questions begin... Question: "Can I ask what made you move to France?" There were many facilitators that played into our decision to move to France. -Since I was a young child I have wanted to move to France. It was always a dream of mine. The opportunity just never presented itself at the right time until we moved her back in Sept 2006. -My daughter, Sophie is a French citizen on her father's side. Her father speaks virtually no French. The French scorn French people who do not speak French even worse than they do those of us who are not French citizens and do not speak the language well. I did not want Sophie to be treated in a hostile or scornful manner by the French, as has been the experience of her father. I have always wanted her to live in France during her youth so that she could become fully French, not just on the paperwork. - Sophie was 14 when we moved here. It was either move to France soon or Sophie would be too old to truly become socialized into French culture and society. - I was concerned about raising my teenage daughter in the States. I believe the States is a difficult place to be a teen. I wanted a safer, easier place for her to spend her teenage years. For all the reasons about I felt that France meet our requirements. Question: "Do you have any suggestions for moving to Europe (or any country other than your own)?" -I suggest being prepared and determined. Follow your heart and our dreams. It's your life. What do you want? How do you want to spend your time? What would make you happy? Some people want to explore the world and see new things. Some people want to stay home, knit and make bird cages. If you're thinking of moving abroad, then ask yourself what you want to gain from it. Pick your location based on your desires and dreams and what you would like to accomplish by making the move. Allow your reasons to be joyful and fulfilling. -If your reasons are clear to you and you are solidly behind your motives and understand them, then you will always be clear-headed once you are in your new location and there are times when being clear on your own motives ends up being comforting and helpful. -Try to get a solid understanding of the exchange rate and how it will affect you in your new country, or if it will affect you at all. If you are transferred to Europe will you still be paid in Canadian dollars or will you be paid in Euros? It would take 1.48 Canadian dollars to equal 1 euro. Another way of looking at it is that one Canadian dollar is only worth .67 euros. So whether you would be paid in euros or Canadian dollars could have quite an impact on you and your lifestyle. -When we travel, we travel very light. We don't bring a lot of clothes, make-up, hair supplies, books or anything like that. We travel very, very light. That being said, when we moved here we weren't traveling, we were coming to stay so we packed differently. We didn't end up packing much in the way of clothes. But we brought almost all of our bathroom supplies (make-up, hair supplies, combs, brushes, facial products, everything). In fact, we even brought a little three-tier shelving unit on wheels. We bought our towels and comforters and the little things that were homey to us. I decided to pack like this in case I got homesick. I wanted the things that reminded me of home with me. I'm not sure if what I bought had anything to do with it but I never got homesick. I always had my little things with me. I was always at home. I recommend bringing the little things that make you smile and remind you of home. Thanks for the great questions! I'm glad you enjoyed my website. I found that raising my daughter alone was a blessing even though I didn't plan on it or think that was how things would work out. You seem to see things clearly and realize that the entire world is your oyster. Have a great time raising your daughter how you see fit. Enjoy all the possibilities and I hope you will share them with us! Just imagine how self-assured your daughter will be through your examples and experiences. She will know that she can be and do anything she wants as that will be what you have taught her. All the best to you and yours! I love giving to you. I also love receiving. All the best! | 
Home Archives My Blog Family Travel France Strasbourg Healthy Recipes Frugal Living Living a Green Life Making Money Online Sophie's Space Sophie's Blog Sophie's Poetry Sophie's Films Dreadlocks About Me Contact Us 
~~~ When organizing your next big European trip, don't get gouged by high hotel prices! Whether you are looking for Rome hotels, hotels in Paris, or hotels in Barcelona, the web can help you in finding great prices on hotel deals anywhere in the world! |