Week 8

It seems my blogs are getting longer every week. There’s just so much to say! I’ve broken up the text with more photos to make it easier to read.

Overall, I find myself happy and relaxed. This week I noticed some very small internal shifts. I’m not even sure how to describe them. Just very brief moments where I felt like I was home. There are still challenges and things to learn but I feel like I’m standing on solid ground.

On to the blog…

Challenges

These dang phone numbers! After a lifetime of using Canadian phone numbers with 10 digits, I’m struggling to memorize my own phone number in France. It also has 10 digits but they are arranged in pairs. For example, my phone number in Toronto is 647-293-XXXX. My phone number in France is 06 78 37 XX XX. You wouldn’t think this would be so hard to remember but I rarely get past the 78 without having to look it up.

This week, I went to the radiology clinic to book an appointment for x-rays for my knees. I needed to give them my phone number but couldn’t remember it, so I pulled up an app on my phone where I knew I would find it. But the clinic was in the basement and I couldn’t get a signal. So I went upstairs – still no signal. I walked up and down the street holding my phone in the air until I finally got a connection. I took a screenshot, hobbled downstairs and gave them the number. Next time I’ll try to remember that I have a screenshot in my photos. Or better yet, learn the number!

I did get a bit distracted trying to get a signal out on the street because I saw persimmons ripening on a tree in someone’s yard!

Learnings

This week, I’ve learned a lot about health care in France. I’m going to go into more detail than I usually do in the blog. If you are experienced in this topic and see something that needs correcting, feel free to comment or send me a message.

I will need a generalist doctor as a starting point and was lucky to get an appointment with an English speaking doctor in Pézenas. I’m willing to explore options for specialists who don’t speak English but felt it was important to be able to communicate easily with my generalist or family doctor. My appointment – an initial intake – cost €31.50. Subsequent appointments will cost a little less. Once I have health are coverage, I will be reimbursed 70%. My mutuale – private health insurance – should top it up to 100%. I haven’t bought a mutuale yet, but I’ve found one for approximately €85/month.

At the beginning of November I will apply for health coverage. I’ve struggled to understand the process because it depends on whether you’re employed, a student, married to a French person, etc. It took a while for me to find what to do for my situation – a very happily retired Canadian. Even then I was confused by the difference between a social security number and a Carte Vitale (health card). I believe I have it figured out now, thanks to Facebook. More on that below.

From what I understand, I will fill out form S1106 and submit it with required documents after I’ve been here for 3 months (November 1). Once processed, I will receive a social security number by mail, along with further instructions. I believe at that point I’ll submit a photo and proof of residence, then my health card will be sent to me. The process can take several months or longer. That part is still a mystery.

Back to Facebook. From the beginning of this whole process, I’ve leaned on groups like Strictly Santé (Health) France, Landlords and Tenants in France, Applying for a French CdS (visa), Canadians in France, etc for guidance and answers to questions I couldn’t figure out on my own. Most of the groups have extensive files that explain laws, processes, rights and responsibilities. And, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, members of the group will point you in the right direction or at least share their own experiences. Facebook can be a cesspool, but it can also lead you to helpful online communities.

Joys

Many years ago, I was married to a man who was enthusiastic about pipe organs. I learned to appreciate music that I otherwise wouldn’t have but, truthfully, was also happy to move on from it. I don’t think I’ve listened to organ music in over 20 years. Just not my thing, I said to myself. This week, I went to an organ concert at the Collégiale Saint-Jean in Pézenas. I found myself truly enjoying the 90 minute event.

The organist, Frédéric Deschamps, played pieces from Mozart, Debussy and Chopin, along with several of his own compositions. My imagination was sparked when he pulled out all the stops (or at least many of them) for Morzart’s A Little Night Music which was composed in the mid-1700s, the same time the organ was built. The music was very familar to me and it was fun to picture the organ builder, Jean-François Lépine, hearing that music for the first time, maybe on his newly built organ. The piece wasn’t composed for organ so it’s unlikely, but who knows!

With so many cathedral pipe organs in Europe, I suspect there are more concerts on the horizon for me.

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Heritage Days in Pézenas

Last weekend, Pézenas celebrated Heritage Days. I took the opportunity to visit buildings I hadn’t yet explored. In particular, I loved the beatutiful Illustre Theatre which was built in the late 1500s and was once home to Molière. It closed in 1947 and reopened in 2012 after a 15 year renovation.

I also loved my visit to the workshop of Pézenas native Serge Ivorra, known throughout France for his reproductions of old doors. One of his biggest projects was the renovation of the large gate of the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris. His woodwork is incredible.

I had a wonderful sensory experience when I stepped into his workshop. I was overwhelmed by the smell of cut wood and oiled tools and, thanks to the power of scent and memory, my dad was right there with me. For a few minutes, I felt his presence and saw the workshop through his eyes. What a lovely gift.

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I spend a day in Montpellier this week. I wanted to go to Ikea to pick up a few things, so I took the bus from Pézenas to Montpellier. Once there, the obvious route would have been by tram to the centre, then another tram out to Ikea. I saved that route for the return home. Instead, I got on another bus that took a circuitous route through the suburbs. What a beautiful city! I will return to explore some of the neighbourhoods.

I made a point of visiting the Montpellier Botanical Garden. That term always makes me laugh. Unless we’re talking about a beer garden, what else could it be but plants? Or rocks, I guess.

Anyway, the Monpellier Jardins des Plantes was created in 1593 under the orders of Henri IV to develop health through medicinal plants. It’s still associated with Montpellier University’s Faculty of Medicine and continues to attract researchers from all over the world. I didn’t have nearly enough time to explore it – next time I will take a map of the gardens.

Here are just a few sights that caught my eye:

As I post this week’s blog, I’m heading out the door to jump on a bus and then a train. I’m meeting a friend for lunch in Carcassone. It will be great to catch up with a friend from Canada and to wander la cité.

À bientôt .