| American expat Kristi has always been a francophile, so it's no surprise that she now lives in France with her family. She's been living in France for two decades and she spends her time running her own B&B and bar, absorbing local experiences, and planning for the future. |
 Kristi Anderson |
-Where were you born?
Stockton, California, USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
-Are you living alone or with your family?
-How long have you been living in France?
In France, 20 years, in Sologne 7 years.
-What is your age?
Do I really have to say....?
-When did you come up with the idea of living in France?
I was always a francophille and one vacation....met a boy....
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Before I married Olivier I wanted to work. At first we went thru the legal process. I was a high level advertising executive in the toy industry and was applying at a small toy manufacturer in Paris. They advertised for the position then when no one applied asked the proper officials if they could hire me. The answer was no. At that point Olivier asked a friend whose father was an ex cabinet member. And even then, I only received a three-month working permit!
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Frankly, I never even thought to get insurance! Luckily nothing happened.
-How do you make your living in France? Do you have any type of income generated?
While I was married I started a used English bookstore and tea room, Tea & Tattered Pages, which I sold when I separated in 1998. I used the money (and more!) to buy a dilapidated auberge. I spent 4 years and too much money renovating it. I opened officially 2 years ago along with my bar, Le Coin Perdu. During the 4 years, frankly we lived on the child support my ex-husband gave. As the business improves we are less and less dependent on this money. And, in any case, in two years both girls will be over 18, so hopefully the B&B and my other activities will provide all.
-Do you speak French and do you think it's important to speak the local language?If you live in Paris it isn't that necessary to speak the language, you don't even have to speak to the French! But outside of Paris I can't think of surviving without a basic knowledge of the language. Unfortunately I am not at all gifted for languages and after 20 years still speak French like a "vache espagnole" (very badly).
I believe in the concept "when in Rome do as the Romans do". For the most part I love their culture and their traditions. But I still feel like an American in France.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Not really, but then I go back at least once a year. My parents are elderly and I think it is important that my children see them but also that they live the American culture.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
When my affairs are a bit better I would love to do more traveling thru out Europe. For the moment, I am trying to organise events such as writer's workshops, themed week ends, etc., and it is taking all my time and effort.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?I bought the auberge for 220,000€ and then spend another 100,000€ in renovations. A recent evaluation but it at 650,000€.
-What is the cost of living in France?Less than in America!
-What do you think about the French?For the most part they have treated me very well. Others don't like any strangers and that includes people from the next town!
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France?
That ambiguous phrase "quality of life" which I translate into how we look at things. What you are going to have for dinner becomes more important than what kind of car you drive. The negative...well...the gouvernment, too much of it.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France?
Don't come if you don't want to appreciate their culture and customs. Of course, you can live in Paris without ever seeing the French! Like you can live in Manhattan without meeting a real American.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France?I have so many that it is a crying shame to limit it to five. But first, of course, are mine: www.TheAmericanFrog.com. My blog http.//theamericanfrog.typepad.fr which I have just started to develop.
The 3 others.... www.Paris-update.com, www.Americansinfrance.net and www.thisfrenchlife.com BUT IT IS JUST NOT FAIR TO LIMIT ME TO FIVE!! There are so many good ones and I didn't even include the French ones!
