France – Creative Meanderings

A Bit of Holiday in Western France

Going Mental, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Aug 082023

Although our lives are admittedly in the realm of “every day is a holiday”, we did take a week to really be on holiday. M has always wanted to surf in the Atlantic, so we headed that direction from our place in the Var, France.

To break up the journey a bit, we revisited a few places that we had been to before when we first got together and M brought me to France for the first time to see if I would like it here. Remember, this was always meant to be our “final destination” – that was before Italy hit our radar. So, we stopped for a night in Carcassonne, which is a wonderful medieval town. We stayed within the castle walls this time as well, which was rather amazing.

From there, we headed for our almost week-long stay in Biarritz. This is a well-known seaside town for surfing and seafood. It was a great town even if the weather did not cooperate for the entire time. We still got a few days of surfing 🏄‍♂️ (for M) and beach bumming (for me) in before a storm came through with wind and rain that made the waves 🌊 too big for those who care about their lives. 🤪 We probably could have stayed one or two fewer nights there, but it did give us a chance to explore around a bit more.

One day, we drove into Spain to visit San Sebastián. It was a bit too grey to fully appreciate, but it was still a cute seaside town as well. Of course, us being as fickle as we are briefly considered whether or not it was somewhere we could live. Fortunately, neither of us were overly enamored with that particular place, so we said no. 😅 However, it was nice to hear some Spanish and feel the flair for a couple of hours.

On our way back, we stopped in a town called Espelette – famous for its pimentos 🌶️ . Apparently, it’s one of the only places that these can grow in France due to its particular climate at the bottom of the Pyrenees mountains 🏔️ . So, we explored the town and, of course, bought some pepper products. 😬

I’ll try to get some more pictures posted soon, but am still editing at the moment as my vacation-mode has not yet fully turned off. 😜

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Escaping the Rain

Going Mental 2 Responses »

Jun 122023

How another week has gone by so quickly is one of those endless mysteries of life. 🤷🏽‍♀️ I thought that I would have more time to write or do so-called normal activities even with almost a week in France, but somehow that didn’t quite happen. 🤪

We hit the road late on Wednesday last week after I got back from Rome where I had what I thought was my last ankle check up for a while. Instead, I am going in tomorrow for a quick op to get one of the rods taken out, but more on that later in the week. In any case, although we don’t like to drive in the afternoons and evenings, we decided it was better to get to France and wake up with a full day rather than wait and waste a day driving.

Our main mission was to take the pups 🐶🐶 and see how they are in the yard as we will be taking them there with us for part of the summer and I’ll be on my own with them there for a few days. That mission was accomplished and Monty was able to show us all the holes where he can escape the fencing – they will be filled and blocked up. Unfortunately, Peanut was just on the mend as she had gotten bit by a viper 🐍 in our yard somewhere on the Monday afternoon before we went. Thanks to getting her to the vet, a blood test confirming the bite, and more meds, she is recovering. She still isn’t back to her full self yet, but she’s getting there. So, the upside was that she wasn’t as naughty so we only had to contend with one mischievous dog to complete our mission. 😬

Since it had been a while for M to visit and see our friends there, we made the rounds catching up with them. We also ate some delicious food and even got in a market day. So, it was a good trip even if the drive felt long on the return and the weather turned stormy ⛈️ in the afternoons after a misleading morning of warmth and sun ☀️.

Now, although I have unpacked and we are basically settled back home, we still will be on the move to some extent with tomorrow’s op and visitors coming for a few days. It’s all good though, this is not a complaint – just a reminder to myself that I gotta make schedules work for me as life moves fluidly around. 😁

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Ankle Recovery: Week Three @France

Going Mental No Responses »

Apr 042023

We got the OK to take a few days off to go to France last week, so we packed up the car and set off on our road trip to Lorgues.

Late last year, we agreed to rent an apartment for a year in the area where we started our European adventure in October 2020. Since we have friends in the area now, it is the place that I/we go back to for a visit somewhat regularly. As I was taking writing retreats regularly last year and had planned to continue them this year, it made sense to have our own place rather than keep doing a round robin circle of staying with friends. Plus, the place has a well-fenced in area for including the pups on a road trip.

We had planned to get to the apartment in early March when it was ready to set up for use and occasional renting out as high season approaches. Obviously, those plans got a bit delayed so we were keen to get there as soon as possible.

Because we also had a dog-sitter helping us for a bit, we took advantage of the chance to go without the dogs for the first visit.

It was nice to get away for a few days even though M had to do most of the heavy work. It was also an experience for me to try to be “normal” on crutches, which was a less enjoyable eye-opening experience and reminder that patience is a muscle that needs constant training.

The really nice aspect of the apartment is that it is located below that of one of my good friends. This means that I don’t have to travel much to see her and we have someone willing and able to help us out in ensuring the place is safe and in good condition when we or visitors arrive.

So, we passed the time organizing the place, catching up with friends, and drinking rosé, which seems to only taste lovely in the French sun.

There is still some work to be done as it is a good size place that needs a bit of home touches, but it has the basics and will be the perfect space for combining my writing retreats and French getaway – plus road trip with the pups! 😅

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Thoughts from Montmartre

Going Mental No Responses »

Aug 062021

There’s a vibe that wafts of creativity and reverberates an awakening deep within the soul. The inner creative envies the artistic skill of those who can draw the lines that reflect the curves and personality of an individual. Yet, at the same time one is inspired to weave together words and phrases that can similarly touch the unspoken.

It’s the smiles and appreciation for a craft that appears easy in the hands of the one holding the pencil, but knowing that there are hours of practice and never to be seen paper that goes into the art.

My first time in Montmartre began with a touch of the spirit in Sacré Coeur where historical significance overlooks the sprawling scourge of man’s seemingly successful attempt to destroy the earth. The juxtaposition of human ability to create both beauty and destruction is not lost on this “art mountain” (not its real meaning).

Yet, the energy that flows made me open up a likable perception of the city that had thus far eluded me in its attraction as one of amour 💖. What was revealed is that every city of scale can spark a flame once the right area or scene is found.

What is irrefutable is my adoration for the French/Parisienne architecture and iron balconies. Ever since I lived in the Middle East I have had an appreciation for a good balcony. Perhaps it originated from the tree seat my father built many years ago in an attempt to get me out of the house but still allow me scribble and read. The feeling of peace and calm I find in sitting high above the world and observing what is going on below is like no other. I feel connected to my spirit animal, the eagle 🦅, in its regalness and strength as it soars in the higher skies when I am on a beautiful and wide balcony.

So, when I wander streets I am often looking up and appreciating the facades that provide a space for observation, often saddened that those living inside are not taking full advantage of what they have.

When I see the world from the bird’s eye 👁️ view I realize how much mankind lives with their heads down missing all of the beauty and wonder that the world around provides. Like worker ants who only have singular missions for survival, I am discouraged by the unfulfilled potential of humanity when so many refuse to just simply look up and around.

I suppose that we cannot all have our heads up in the skies, but I prefer to dream, imagine, and work to create a reality filled with beauty, awe and inspiration. In this, I believe everything and anything is possible.

~T 😀

Road Trip: Paris to Lorgues

General, Meanderings Abroad, Photo Journeys 1 Response »

Jul 292021

If you are on Instagram, then you can see all the photos from these stops at @footnersineurope.

As I mentioned in my last post, we took a road trip to break up our drive back from Paris in June. Since I really haven’t seen much of France, it was the perfect chance to stop into, drive through, and explore just a few of the many amazing small villages and lesser known cities on the eastern part of the country.

My favorite stop was Dijon. It was a college town, which seems to be my wont in terms of vibe, layout, and people.

On the other hand, Grenoble is also a college town, but was rather grungy for my liking. It reminded me of my image of what Berlin is like, though it’s just my imagination as I have yet to make an experienced judgment.

The drive through the French Alps, where Annecy is located, was absolutely beautiful. I hope that we can go in the winter for some skiing and see the area with snow as well.

So, just a short post as I’ve already put up pictures on Instagram, but I’m definitely enjoying my European life!

~T 😀

Europe Phase II Part 2 update

Going Mental No Responses »

Jul 212021

Well, it’s been a hot minute since I last updated on our status between France and Italy. My last post on this left us with an upcoming trip to Paris to sort out what we thought was going to be an easy and straightforward application for a Type D (multiple entry) visa. So, here’s an update.

The Type D Visa Application – Round 1

So, June 10th came. We decided to do a road trip to Paris and return slowly with the expectation that we would have visas in hand. We drove straight up and arrived in late afternoon to do some sightseeing in Paris.

Paris has never been a major attraction to me. I visited in the winter of 2012, I think, and was not impressed. While I’ve had the writer’s romantic dream of sitting in a French cafe and writing all day as I observe the people passing by, I did not fall in love with the city as many have done before. M has always warned me that he would show me the romance of the city when we go together. Well…he was partially correct.

I tried an e-scooter for the first time, overcoming my fear of two wheels and speed for short bursts as we scooted around the city. We had fun together, but I still did not fall in love with it. 😬

We arrived early for our visa appointment with M feeling very confident and me feeling less so because despite his sense of knowing I was the opposite. Turns out my instincts this time were the more accurate. 😜

Unfortunately, we got a lady who made all the rumors and stories of French bureaucrats being rude and unhelpful a sad reality. While we had thought we had all the paperwork, she refused to even move forward with our visa application based on her opinion of our situation and a problem with the type of visa that we were ultimately applying for – something I still believe was out of her actual purview of decision-making knowing that there is a chain of command and she was superseding hers.

As she gave us excuses and refused to hear us out, the conversation ended with her picking up her phone and pretending to talk on it moving as far away from the window as she could. So, we took our paperwork and left confused, frustrated, and at a loss.

We continued with our road trip through the center and east side of France anyway since there was nothing more that we could do.

The Type D Visa Application – Round 1.2

After a great trip (a later post on that), we arrived back to regroup.

Although we were told not to worry about it and those helping us in Italy said they’d get their lawyer on it, currently that still hasn’t happened and we are six weeks post-visit.

I did manage to sort out what our paperwork issue is through someone at the consulate who has been helpful through emails. So, we still have a couple more hoops to jump through and will hopefully have everything in order before our next appointment date of August 5th.

France vs Italy

Tomorrow, we may have some positive news and finally a movement forward as we keep swinging back and forth on whether or not to give up on the Italy portion of our living.

Initially, we wanted to do it because I didn’t have my French visa. However, that came through a few weeks ago, which has taken a load of pressure off of my mind. I can also move on to sort out health coverage and licensing paperwork, but there is also some hesitation on whether or not to bother because we might be in Italy….

If we don’t have a real step forward by the end of the week, then I want to pull the plug and stay in France to remove the instability. Both of us are at about the end of our threads with patience in not having a place of our own. So, fingers crossed 🤞🏽 that we have the good news we want ASAP!

~T 😀

Lavender Season in Provence

Going Mental, Meanderings Abroad 1 Response »

Jul 142021

One of the images that I have always had of the Provence area has been of lavender.

Somehow, though, I had completely forgotten about the season and so when my social media started showing pics from others of their forays into the fields to get that quintessential shot, I determined we needed to make a visit to try our hand at our own picturesque moments.

Apparently, there are two types of lavender and only one is actually used for the lavender products that we find for sale. You can Google about it if you’re interested in details. More importantly, I learned that blooming season is rather long from the end of June into August. (If you want to get the sunflowers 🌻 as well, then sometime in July is recommended.)

My research found that while there are a number of fields, Valensole is the most popular and it was closest to where we were staying.

It was well worth the trip and we did catch the sunflowers as you can see. I’ll do another post on Sunflower Season as we caught fields of them in Italy as well. 😀

Although we may not have gotten the glamour shot, we enjoyed experiencing the fields and see with our own eyes what the fuss is about. ☀️

~T 😀

16 Months of Togetherness

Going Mental 1 Response »

May 202021

Yes, pictures are coming, but saving that post for when I have fewer words to share. 😅

M went on a trip for mostly business, but a little pleasure (for both of us) this week. He left on Tuesday afternoon and returns on Saturday evening.

His original plans were to combine a stop in Spain and Brussels, but the Spain portion got moved, so rather than cancel or limit the Brussels portion, he extended it. Plus, then he’ll still go to Spain next week. 🙌🏽

Now, I’m not going to lie. When the trips were planned initially, I was not for it as the timing was less than ideal. Panic and PTSD rose in me so that my poor husband thought that I wouldn’t let him go at all – ever. He had forgotten that I have been dying for some solitude, quiet, and independence for months – 16 in fact.

However, the timing coincided with having to move out of our rental and head to Italy thereafter along with the fact that I still do not have more than a number to legitimize my being in a foreign country. I think I had a fair point on why he shouldn’t be traipsing off. Though, I probably could have expressed with less drama and emotion, but well… it’s done. 🤪

So, when we found out that we had to return to France 🇫🇷 anyway, I was more open to the idea of him going off for a few days – more like ecstatic! 🤣 Even though it meant coming back a bit earlier and paying more money for a place, it has been more than worth it!

While we have ridden out the past year plus quite well and our love remains fully intact, there is a lot to be said for a bit of time apart. Before, I could enjoy quiet moments at home most days with M off to work at his office. Then, we started sharing workspace. Our styles greatly differ by the nature of our work, but also by who we are as individuals. Although he, as an extrovert, wasn’t able to see others and charge up in that way, he could still refill his batteries by venting on the phone, Zoom, etc. Unfortunately, this does not work for an introvert, who needs silence and alone time to recharge. My batteries have been running on low for 16 months…. 16 …

It’s only been two days, but already I can feel a sense of myself again. I have made sure that I see friends each day so that I don’t completely close up into my shell, but my batteries are charging reminding me of who I am when full.

With about two more days to go, I will continue to recharge but also take the opportunity to think about how to bring back the balance for myself once M is back. It’s not like he can go away every week – nor do I really want him to -, but the importance of making sure I can recharge better has been noted. 😇

~T 😀

Europe Phase II Part 2a

Going Mental, Meanderings Abroad 1 Response »

May 162021

Bonjour from France again! 🇫🇷

So… the Universe heard my pangs of frustration and loneliness by providing us with our plan of action for Phase II Part 1 and 2.

Part 1 Recap

I already covered most of Part 1 in the previous post. We ate as a coping mechanism, but thankfully it was only one real meal a day in early afternoon applying daily intermittent fasting so that our bodies could use as much time as possible to digest the tasty offerings of the Italian cuisine.

Basically, our visa situation both got simpler and more complicated at the same time. Our Internet woes were only really remedied by taking advantage of cafe culture, which generally works best for me anyway, but isn’t as good for running an online magazine as my big screen iMac. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Our plan to move to a bigger place has become reality, only in a different country….

Part 2 – The Visa

It seems that the procurement of the mystical Type-D visa is reasonably straightforward from the Italian embassy. Since our last “residency” is considered France, thanks to M’s ability to get it swiftly and my dependency (not so thankful), we think we don’t have to consider the US aspect for me.

Although we were led to believe that we could simply go to Nice, which isn’t far from where I wanted to be based anyway, to be near my friends, we learned that thanks to the Pandemic C, all consulates have been closed and the only place we can do this visa processing is through Paris.

The upside is that we get to visit Paris. It’s a city that I’m not all that enamored with after visiting it once on my own for a few days in a very cold and wet November a few years back. M loves the charm, which I deem cliche and over-hyped. So, he is determined to show me the reason why it is considered a city of love 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 …. We shall see. 😜

Unfortunately, the earliest appointment we could get is for June 10th. This is about a month away. Luckily, the consulate is communicating quickly and clearly via email, so I feel a bit more at ease with that.

So, why are we in France now?

Well, M has to travel around the EU for work. Now that the borders are open again with just a negative PCR, he is eager to go away. As it has been about 15 months since we spent a night apart, I’m equally eager for him to go away. 😉

Since M wants to travel and I really cannot go across borders unless by car, where the likelihood of being checked is slimmer, (have done two crossings now and not been stopped 🤞🏽) I felt that it was safer for me to be in France should anything happen as at least I am in the system here for my residency application. Plus, I have friends here and can speak some of the language. I could not say the same for the tiny town that we were living in; and the dark stone-walled apartment that I would end up hiding away was not conducive to stability in my mental health, which is a bit on edge as it is with the stress all of this is applying to my carefully constructed sanity. 🤹🏽

Therefore, we have rented a lovely place near where we were before (and my friends) for the next six weeks. At the time that we rented, we didn’t know that it would be possible to get our visa on the same day as the appointment as we had heard it could take a couple of weeks. So, we wanted to be safe….

We will have to be out the day before my birthday, so am not sure what we will do as that is a long way away and our plans are ever-changing. However, I am already a million times happier having only been here for about four hours. I’ve got my friends on notice and plans in motion. 💃🏽🥂

I’ll share some photos next time. For now, I’m just reveling with lighter air! ✨

~T 😀

Europe Phase II

Going Mental 2 Responses »

Apr 272021

Six months ago, we landed in France planning to rent for a few months and then finding a place to put down roots long-term.

As life continues to remind me, most things rarely go as planned…. First, there is COVID with lockdowns and difficulties in being able to explore areas. Then, there is a lack of knowing exactly what we want. More importantly, there is the Footner element that requires fluidity and flexibility in any type of planning.

It doesn’t mean that there isn’t eventually follow-through, it just means that the timing and commitment to a decision may not happen as one (I) might prefer/desire/hope/dream!

Therefore, for various reasons, we leave on Sunday for what I’m now calling Phase II of our European settlement adventure.

Where are we going?

We will be heading to a small town in the province of Umbria, Italy.

Why are we going there?

Well, the short answer is because we paid a good chunk of cash to ensure that we can get visas. Although, by some weird twist of fate, M has already gotten his French visa, I have yet to hear anything regarding mine. My “free” 90-days stay has long passed, which causes me a bit of strife even though I do have a registration number and can be here as a former EU citizen’s spouse. However, the complications of Brexit, etc. make me less comfortable with those mere threads of bureaucratic legitimacy, so off to Italy we go where I already have an agreement for a residency visa there for at least the next five years – renewable.

What does that mean exactly?

It means that we have to have a ‘residence’ in Italy to legitimize the visa and all other paperwork and status comes through Italy instead of France, as we had originally planned. Thus, we need to head to Italy for a month or so to get the paperwork done and to move forward with our settling in Europe. We have a place rented, though we may find a larger space as our aim is to have a “winter” home there as well as an address to send our stuff that is still in Japan. There are worse things to plan, I’m sure! 😛

I have made M promise that we are coming back to this area of France as my new friends are here and I don’t want to just disappear. Though, he has put some typically “Footner” twists into the Phase III plans, but since those could change by the time I finish this post, I won’t bother to put it down into print just yet. 😉

So, Europe Phase I has been lovely and definitely worth the Japan departure six months ago. My French is coming along fairly well, though I have started an online class to improve my speaking and listening. I figured it was a good time to do so since I’ll be away from any chance of being exposed to it while in Italy and I don’t plan to learn more than a few words in Italian so as not to get too comfortable!

~T 😀

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