Week 2

Week 2 started with many new subscribers to my blog. In an act that could be considered a joy, a challenge and a learning, I put myself out there this week. When I first created this website, it took a long time for me to feel comfortable sharing it, even with my friends. I’m confident in my writing and photography but am not a fan of attention. This week, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and posted the link to an online forum for Canadians who live in (or want to live in) France. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback and am grateful for all who now following. Thank you!

Joys of the week

• I met new people this week, in person and virtually. It’s nice to have more connections, and many have been so helpful.
• The heat has eased a bit and, on many days, a refreshing breeze flows through my apartment. I am newly motivated.
• I managed to cross something off my to-do list! Tech has been a challenge but I’ve finally got my French phone plan in place.
• I get lost here. Often. You might think this would be categorized as a challenge but, to me, it’s a great joy. I love the discoveries I make when I’m not on a chosen path. This medieval town with its twisting, turning alleyways is a delight to explore.

Challenges of the week

• I’m required to validate my visa within three months of arriving. I did so this week – the payment went through, but I didn’t receive the confirmation email. I sent a follow up email to ask for confirmation and, several days later, got a reply saying I had sent my email to the wrong department. I think I’ve now logged a ticket with the correct one.
• Tech – a four letter word! I still don’t have internet installed at home. A second attempt at fibre optics failed but I remain hopeful. I’ve also run into a problem with a VOIP company that I’m trying to transfer my Toronto phone number to. I’ve logged a ticket for this as well and hope it’s resolved soon so I can cancel my Telus account.
• I’m struggling to find a routine. I understand it’s an important part of retirement and think I would probably have established one by now if I lived in Toronto. I’ve always been an early-to-bed, early-to-rise person, but that doesn’t fit with life in Pezenas. I find myself eating breakfast around 10, then looking for something else to eat around 3 without having properly stocked up. Half the day is gone before I’m out and about. It doesn’t help that I have yet to figure out when things are open – stores vs. cafes vs. restaurants, etc. Then there are the seemingly random bank holidays. It’s a big adjustment to a new country, to living in a small town and to life as a retiree.

Learnings of the week

• A small learning. When I ordered my modem, the carrier said it couldn’t be delivered to my home. They had it delivered to ‘the closest’ drop off point. It took me an hour to walk there because I couldn’t find my way through construction as a pedestrian, then 40 minutes to walk back. I have since discovered that there is a drop off point much closer. It was a long hot walk into what felt like industrial Pezenas. It was interesting to see that the town sprawls much further than I thought, but next time I’ll make a better choice.
• A big learning! I get frustrated when I can’t check items off my to-do list. My list now has many more bullet points, with tickets logged and more research to do. This week, several people told me that my first year will involve a lot of administrative tasks. In my mind, I was going to finish up quickly, then get on with my life. I realize now that I need to stop obsessing with those administrative details. I need to devote a few minutes each day to the list and stop sitting around waiting for emails to be returned. And I need to start exploring this intriguing town and this beautiful region of France!

À bientôt .