American Katie is no stranger to expat life, having lived in Andorra and Ireland before moving with her husband to France, where she runs an online meal service business. Here she discusses things like how learning the local culture can be a never-ending adventure and the things they love to do in France. Her advice for new expats in France: hang in there!	Katie Z.

-Where were you born?
Wabasha, Minnesota, U.S.

-In which country and city are you living now?
I live near Bournezeau, in the Vendee, France

-Are you living alone or with your family?
With my husband and 2 big dogs

-How long have you been living in France?
We've lived here for 3 1/2 years. We lived in Andorra for 7 years before that, and 1 year in Ireland before Andorra.

-What is your age?
56

-When did you come up with the idea of living in France?
We initially moved to Ireland because we loved the country and wanted to buy a big, pink, Edwardian house and do B&B&D (dinner, as well). We thought relocating to an English-speaking country would be easier and, at that time, property prices were very reasonable.

We'd had a small business in the U.S. that we'd sold, then the buyer stopped making payments. We needed to work and were disillusioned with the U.S. business environment - and the increased violence... so we moved!

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Neither are needed to be self-employed in Ireland. By the time we got to France we only needed a visa to move and get our Carte de Sejour. It was not hard, just the usual paperwork nightmare: files getting lost, misinformation, etc. The whole sordid saga is on my blog - in 5 parts!

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
We bought medical insurance through BUPA for our time in Ireland and Andorra. Once we had the Carte de Sejour, declared income and filed a tax return here, the medical insurance was automatic. Buying the 'top-up' coverage was easy, as well.

-How do you make your living in France? Do you have any type of income generated?
My husband is retired and I have a website that does meal planning/menu service/recipes for a small monthly fee, so I work out of our house.

-Do you speak French and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Absolutely, it's important! And I don't, at least, not well enough. I study, and speak well enough to live, but not enough to do more than chat with the neighbors. If you want to become a part of your neighborhood, you have to be able to speak, or at least make an effort. I take summer produce from my garden to our neighbors and chat a bit, and we make a point of being seen, and being friendly. It was a surprise to us, and probably is to most expats, to find that, among themselves, the locals will speak a slightly different language or patois. That was true in Andorra, as well. Makes things a tad confusing.

And, yes, you need to find out about local customs! The first year we were here, the postman came by with the calendars they sell around Christmas. Technically, they are a free gift, but one is expected to contribute as it goes into a fund for all of the postal carriers. I had no idea how much, so I gave him 5 euros. I found out later that it should have been 10, but that my mistake was on the right side, so to speak. Had I given 15, I would have been deemed to have no class, to flaunt my wealth like a 'typical' anglais, and would have been expected to always give 15. As it was I could easily correct it, and show my proper behaviour (very important in France; to behave properly) by giving 10 the next year...which, of course, I did. Classes are available and free, but we haven't attended. Maybe this winter...

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Of course I miss family, but it's easy to talk over Skype, and I travel to the U.S. once a year or so, and people come here.

After 10 years, this is home. In Andorra, we played golf regularly and were in a mountain walking group. Here we ride our bikes and take the dogs for runs on the beach. And we travel - love road trips!

-Do you have other plans for the future?
Always travel, as to the rest? Who knows? There are infinite possibilities.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We rented in Ireland and bought in Andorra and here. Housing is much cheaper here in France. You can get a nice, new small house for under 100,000 US. The big old ones run about 1800 US per square meter.

-What is the cost of living in France?
I don't know the numbers, but I do know that it's a lot cheaper to live here than in the U.S.

-What do you think about the French?
Our neighbors, and all of the people we have met, have been very nice and helpful...Sometimes way too helpful. It can be hard to say no, and impolite as well.

That said, an expat will always be a 'stranger'. Everything is very family oriented and friendships start in childhood. You find that most of your friends will be fellow expats.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France?
Positive: Food. Wine. Ralaxed lifestyle. Ease of travel. Excellent health care.

Negative: Language. Bureaucracy.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France?
If you want to - just jump in and do it. Nothing will prepare you for it sufficiently and you'll be ready to leave after 6 months... but hang in, all of a sudden it's wonderful!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France?
My site: Thyme for Cooking, the Blog - Food and stories about living in Europe

Other sites:

La France Profonde - A fellow expat in southern France
These Days in French Life - Fellow expat and new mom, also in the south
French-word-a-day - Learn what it's like to live in France - and learn French, too