3 Ans Plus Tard

Today marks three years since I first landed in France to start my new adventure in grad school, that led to my own freelance business. Technically it’s my 3rd time living in Paris, so one can only hope third time is the charm. Sometimes I think if I knew everything I knew now, I may not have come in the first place. But there’s never a day I regret the decision, and as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And with each hurdle of French bureaucracy I cross, changing laws keep me on my toes – never a dull moment!

Last August, while the French were off on holiday, I was writing a 50-page business plan in French. But that was nothing compared to all the documents – most of them non-existent for me – I had to collect. In late Aug 2011 I went to the Prefecture and handed over everything. I did it! In September I went back and received another updated official document and was informed that this status I had just slaved over in fact had to be renewed every three months (translation: I had to collect another original copy of those god awful documents on a wild goose chase around the city every. three. months.). But in April 2012, I changed my status (I am now professional liberale), and received a card, a real plastic card and not a print out. And none of this would have been possible had I not taken the entrepreneurial/freelancer path I never imagined myself on, but can never see myself leaving now. So I am official… for a year! It was life changing in a way, and further proof that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it. In my own life I’ve often taken an unlikely road to get where I am, but France sure keeps life exciting. And only now is it something that is less of something that haunts me every day. I can stop thinking, and enjoy. At least until I have to renew.

This summer is very different from last. I’m starting to live like the French (clients not responding makes it really easy not to work in August!). I even spent the weekend in the countryside. But over the past weeks, despite not having an apartment of my own – some would call me crazy, but I love it and the excuse to explore new neighborhoods – I find myself walking around this city I call home now with a smile on my face as I continually discover new things. And while Paris is central to my experience, I also know I would not be happy here if it weren’t for my amazing friends who make even the simplest moments special. Paris has opened so many doors and opportunities at the same time.

Last Thursday I was lucky enough to attend the Kinfolk picnic dinner hosted by Rubi Jones and Tifamade. For those of you who don’t know Kinkfolk, it’s a beautiful print magazine based out of the US devoted to small gatherings (I have an article in an upcoming issue!). The official event post isn’t on the Kinfolk blog yet, but it only seemed fitting to end with a few scenes from that evening. Meg aka De Quelle Planète Es-Tu? always does a beautiful job capturing Paris, but I particularly love how she captured the evening in this video. Despite all the bureaucracy, right now it feels a bit like a dream (and Meg is someone who can relate to that too!). Trois ans… Three years!

{Top image by Prêt à Voyager on Instagram; video by De Quelle Planète Es-Tu?}

19 comments

  • Giulia

    August 28, 2012 at 2:47 pm // Reply

    Congratulations on not giving up and making France your home. While I grew up with Swiss bureaucracy, I think the French take it to the next level – and I was only a student in Paris, so I can’t even imagine all the hoops you’ve had to jump. Looking forward to more stories.

  • Judith

    August 28, 2012 at 3:21 pm // Reply

    Félicitations Anne! In a few days I’ll “celebrate” my official 10 years in France. Let’s keep on celebrating. Life is wonderful & tough in France!
    Oh and the video is so cute, love those pastèque popsicles.

  • Roland

    August 28, 2012 at 5:10 pm // Reply

    What a totally cute video. Enchanting, and so very French–as I imagine it.

    ps I eat my watermelon on little sticks too! That way you don’t have to touch the watermelon.

  • mes yeux ouverts

    August 28, 2012 at 5:39 pm // Reply

    Way to go, Anne! Three years – in a blink! But what a place to be blinking!! I feel just as you do – the highs are so magical, and the lows, well, think of them as something further to write about. I’ll be going back for round 2 this fall (I, too, cannot resist Paris’s charms), and I can’t wait. A bientôt!

  • Prêt à Voyager

    August 28, 2012 at 9:14 pm // Reply

    Guilia, love that other cultures can appreciate the wild goose chases they put us through here. Does make it sweet though when it works out :)

    Judith, congrats on 10! Seriously impressive!

    Roland, Meg did an awesome job with the video (see more pics here: http://dequelleplaneteestu.com/2012/08/25/kinfolks-paris-picnic/) … and watermelon on popsicle sticks is such a pleasant treat!

    Audrey, well put about having something more to write about! Last year the bureaucracy really consumed my life. Must write more stories before I forget all the crazy details.

    Thanks so much, Susan! I’m sure you recognize many faces.

    Anne

  • luxeinacity

    August 29, 2012 at 10:07 am // Reply

    Landing twice or thrice to the same place is not a guarantee that the same things will happen. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

    You look gorgeous in the video.

  • Meg

    August 30, 2012 at 6:28 am // Reply

    So happy everyone loves the video! It was such an enchanting evening and just in time to celebrate your three years in Paris! Thanks for sharing, Anne!

  • lasuza

    August 30, 2012 at 7:02 pm // Reply

    Just found your blog and I’m loving reading, I’ve been living in France for nearly 20 years – eek – moved here fresh-faced at 21, and yes, run my own business, filed the papers, done art, made theatre, had children, got pacsed, drunk coffee and sometimes, well, just like you wrote – one dallies with the thought that it is a rather crazy choice – but what a lovely path to tread.
    Felicitations pour tes trois ans de réussite,
    Bises à toi
    Susanna

  • baies de goji

    August 31, 2012 at 4:23 am // Reply

    It has really been a dream of mine to visit Paris and explore their culture. By just visiting your blog, I felt like I was there with you doing the video with Meg. Certainly love the Eiffel tower background. :)

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