| Author and painter Delorys is no stranger to exotic and cosmopolitan locations. A native New Yorker, she now lives with her husband in the South of France, a place that has been home to them for more than a decade now. Here she shares what she likes about living there, some aspects of the cost of living, and some of their travel and business plans. |
 Delorys Welch-Tyson |
-Where were you born?
-In which country and city are you living now?
We are living in the countryside near Nice in France.
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I am living here with my husband of 37 years.
-How long have you been living in France?
We moved to France during the winter of 1999.
-What is your age?I'm not telling, but I am from the Woodstock Generation...more or less.
-When did you come up with the idea of living in France?
Having been raised in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural neighborhood in New York City, my interest in exotic people and places was sparked at an early age.
Being a full time author and painter, I have not had to seek a work permit.
We arrived in France with our American Health Insurance, but after 2 years we changed over to the French system. It was easy for us to make the transition. The French system is far less expensive and cost effective. It is a fantastic system. Quite possibly the best in the world.
My husband is retired from the US Government and I am a painter and full time writer of literary fiction.
-Do you speak French and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Having studied French in the US and here in France, I am fluent. Fluency in the language makes it far easier to interact with the population and to negotiate the complex French bureaucracy. I couldn't imagine surviving with any quality of life without the language.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
From time to time we miss family and friends, although we have had frequent visitors. There is nothing we miss from home since France and Europe in general has everything we desire. Besides the US had changed so much, especially since the events of 9/11. We hardly recognize the place any more!
-Do you have other plans for the future?
Our plans are to continue to travel throughout Europe and Africa. We are thinking of starting a writer's retreat here in the South.-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Living in the South of France is expensive. Nevertheless, for us it is not more expensive than New York City where we lived before we moved here. One can expect to spend 300000 euros for a 3 bedroom house on the French Riviera.-What is the cost of living there?
Although life is relatively expensive here (compared to the rest of the country...outside Paris, of course), the quality of life justifies the cost of living.
-What do you think about the locals?The French in the South are very welcoming. The South is a "cross road" to everywhere and is a well known resort, so as a result the locals are accustomed to foreign populations and visitors.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France?
I can find no negative aspects of living here. I find that France is the most cosmopolitan country on earth. The country is brimming with culture: museums, galleries, concerts, theater....etc.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France?
Learn the language and rid oneself of ethnocentric baggage.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France?Of course there is mine: www.deloryswelchtyson.com and Epat.blog.
Tell me about it! Our first time on this board; please forgive
We are a young retired couple seeking to relocate to London, England. We will have a third party relative to come with us as well. Recently,(well all along since 2004) there have been A LOT of changes in the US since that entire time since Sept. 2001.
We cannot take this in our own country any more.We are losing who we are as a result of this societal change. I am so very glad to have found this website and to read what others are saying that I have only thought about.
Right now, there seems to be a major gulf in humanity here and it is lacking in maturity and kindness (I am speaking of basic respect that we were taught HERE ironically!) Life is so different and more so in the past 10-15 years. we hope to find new friends on this board to help us along the way.
I have wanted to live in London,England since 1985 and I never thought that now it would be a necessity in spiritual preservation.
There is so much to say w/p sounding off politically and one cannot help to as the topics of quality of environment and life issues often go hand in hand with regards to politcal connections to our very lives.
I love the post regarding the lady who relocated to the French-Rivera. because I identify with what she has posted all the way and I share the very reasons that the Lady D has shared with regards to becoming an ex-pat.
I find the UK a significant and refreshing difference than where we are now and it isn't that we have not given this place a chance. The social attitude here is bitter and arrogant and there seems a lack in human connection or even connecting with others and I strongly sense and believe that this attitude is here to stay because it is celebrated. I do not recognize my own country either.
We have found a London Relocation service today and I would like to know what is the commentary on this avenue to explore? The service is run by Anthony Gallo and it reads to be something that may work for us.
Also, every place, has a hidden treasure. Something that works for any individual. We will be searching for housing (permanent housing) NOT apartments (as we have been singed by the experiences as of recent and how changed this has even become.)
We hope that we can connect with mature others in their early 40s and up. If we do not peacefully leave this place, we may be doomed to remain miserable and isolated and this is not who we are.
We are searching to live in a more open-minded society where our unique situation isn't a challenge for others. We are well-travelled people, but we haven't a clue as to where to begin and we would like to make wise and informed choices in this major consideration.
Any thoughts to share over all in the process of such a considerable move. And Yes, we are talky, but not with out substance.
We need to relocate with others who aren't in the "left behind" club. People who grew up as teenagers in the 1980s and know exactly what we mean when we say that this place has changed drastically and has become tiresome and too young for us. Immature young.
Please be kind and get to know us. We know that there are some sane and intelligent people out there who can relate to our dillema.
Thank you kindly,
Anna and Micah
Midwesterner USA ready for permanent pleasantness somewhere else!
Re: Living In Southern France
Delorys, my wife and I and two girls ages 9 and 11 are planning a one year move to the South of France and are considering Nice. We live in Toronto. Can you comment on what Nice is like as a city for young children. Are there recreational activities for the kids? We do not want a small village fearing we might get bored and are seeking a city that has between 50,000 and 300,000 inhabitants. Thoughts? If Nice is a viable option, what part of the city would you recommend? Cimiez?
Thanks for your input.
SR
Response to SR
Delorys Welch-TYson
Hi, Cimiez and Mont Boron are both attractive neighborhoods. Also Franck Pilatte.
We have no children, so we are unable to advise you in that area. I do notice that there are alot of recreational activities for children, although I am unable to comment of the quality or the openess toward foreign children. Nevertheless, there is an English speaking school in Nice (in West Nice...which reminds me that the Fabron area of West Nice is beautiful also). There is an English speaking community. Nice is very diverse and cosmopolitan, also.
Nice has grown enormously. You might be surprised after you are here that you might prefer a smaller city, or the countryside near Nice.
I have 2 friends from Toronto who loved living here.
I wish you luck with your move.
Moving to England
Delorys Welch-TYson
As an English speaking couple from the Midwest, as you as, London seems an excellent choice. Nevertheless, I don't know much about living there or much about English people, since my country of choice was France.
I suggest the first thing you do before you make the move, is to visit, for about a month, if you have the time. Rent an apartment, in order to explore the daily life as a resident. Look at housing and explore the types of activities you plan to participate in.
We sincerely hope you like London. Good luck with your move.
D
Hey! I am 20 years old and I
Hey! I am 20 years old and I am from Bulgaria. I have been living in Sweden for almost 6 months now but it looks like one of the biggest disappointments in my life.... I am just planning to take my bike, a tent, fishing rod, and to escape from the madness of the modern world. I will go somewhere in the south of France, in order not to die during the winters :) I will learn some basic survival tips, and some french of course (it is beautiful language).... anyway I don't know how long I am going to survive like that ...and may be I should learn some french before I make this last step to my freedom, even if I am not planning to meet a lot of people it could be useful.
"One must be something in order to do something" Goethe