10 ways living in FRANCE has CHANGED ME over the last six years
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- čas přidán 31. 01. 2024
- Life is an ever-changing tapestry, and sometimes the most significant transformations happen when we venture beyond our comfort zones. In this video, I share a personal account of my six-year journey living in France and how this experience has redefined me in profound ways.
This video is not just a reflection; it's an opportunity for shared exploration so be sure to join the conversation in the comments below. Thank you for being a part of my journey! 💖
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You’re living the dream, Patricia! I’m itching to move to Europe…I spent about a third of my 25 years in the US military overseas; retired (from the military at 44 years old) about 10 years ago-worked for a few years as a govt consultant and started a small ecommerce business. Just waiting on my wife to retire from her US Fed Govt career in a few years., so we can start our new lives!
I am indeed living my dream. Best wishes to you and your wife as you embark on yours! Thanks for watching.
I love France!!
I have visited about 3 times.
I love it!
My husband, adult children, and grandchildren are rooted in the U.S.
I love best… the freedom of being African American is not a weight. Also, I do feel like a Global citizen!!! Americans are woefully narrow-minded.
… Oh, yes! I have always loved the language… even though I do not speak it.
French is so Beautiful.❤
Yes, there is a different energy here. And there is a lot to love here.Family ties are wonderful too though.
Hello Patricia . Je vous souhaite un bon Huit Mai . Je fais mes exercices quotidiens de phonetique anglaise grace à votre chaine en répétant votre contenu jusqu'à devenir meilleur . C'est ainsi que vous avez votre meilleur frenchie qui essaye d'intégrer l'accent americain ! Bonne semaine Patricia ! Je viens de passer un leger cap d'amelioration ! ☀️☀️
Bonjour. Merci. Votre accent sera un accent américain mais pas trop du sud ni pas trop New Yorkais non plus. 😀
4:00 In fact, *the notion of distance and personal space also exists in France,* and in Europe in general.
It's not that the French neglect to take care of their personal space. It's rather that they are much more tolerant than American citizens of *sharing* this space with relative strangers, out of *necessity* or *solidarity.* Out of habit, it may seem like indifference, but it is not exactly indifference.
Studies have shown that this notion does exist, because *we don't allow ourselves the same postures, the same gestures, depending on how close we are* to other people's sensitive or vital organs. It's not that people don't respect you. Rather, the *non-verbal language is different* when it comes to expressing respect.
Having said that, there are also people who lack respect for others, in which case you shouldn't hesitate to let them know. But it's better to do it in their language.
This is a new perspective for me. It's interesting to hear personal space described not as proximity but as mannerisms. The bottom line is it's a cultural difference that has taken me some getting used to. 😅Thank you for sharing this.
Love this walk about! Ii have wanted to go to France since my high school years when i was left behind as a finalist for exchange. I also follow nomad capitalist, and black in Japan--I specifically love your gentle pace and African American female perspective! Hope to move in the next 3-5 years. Bless you for this!
Thank you. I'm glad I'm adding a much needed different perspective. Best wishes with your plans.
Great town, loved the footage of your town, and I loved to hear how you have grown, thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you for watching and commenting. I'm glad the footage of my town and my story inspired you. 🙂
Variations in “time and space “ is one of the most difficult things to adjust to. And many reasons for conflicts. Very few people are aware of that when they travel
Variations of time and space. I mike how you put that.
Hi Patricia, I'm impressed that you've been able to get over the personal space hurdle! Being an introvert, somewhat of a hermit, and far-sighted to boot, I still have to step back to speak to anyone. For that, the Covid pandemic was a gift!
One thing I found hardest (and still do to a certain extent 40+ years later) is everyone talking at once. The communal conversation, so to speak, instead of people taking turns talking and not "interrupting." It takes a high level of skill with any language to understand several voices at once. And of course, now I'm hard of hearing and need to read lips, which I can't do on several people at the same time!
It wasn't easy. I bring myself back to that aha I had that gave me a different way to feel about it. And communal conversation, yes, this is hard and is exhausting with the language and if I'm in a noisy place, that makes it harder too. Hopefully you'll be able to get help with hearing aids. Bon courage ! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Just found your channel when viewing your vid with Int’l Living. I just moved to Strasbourg on my own from NorCal a few weeks ago. Thank you for this excellent video. Liked and subbed and will be watching!
Congratulations ! I love Strasbourg. Thanks for watching and subscribing!🙂
Thank you for the best video you have created. Loved the walk. Then listening to you….what a pleasure. ❤
Oh wow! Thank you! I'm happy that you enjoyed it so 😃
Her voice is so beautiful.
@@jaxonwilson4722 😊. Thank you!
You’re an inspiration!!! I fell in love with the French countryside, I love Lyon. I was afraid to pull the trigger because of the language barrier. This is my sign to learn French. There’s no excuse I don’t have children or anything holding me back. I’m from Maryland I pay $1800 for a 1bdr it’s getting old. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Do it! Finding something to motivate you to practice French daily is key as well as finding a belief in yourself that you can learn it. I used Pimsleur but there are lots of good programs out there. Find one that suits you. Best wishes.
@PatriciaBrooksdCarefreeExpat
Dont try to learn grammar but sentences. It s much easier.
Its the way children learn.
That s the way I learn german and people thaugt I was fluent.
Yes, that is why I like Pimsleur. They have you speaking in sentences without learning grammar first.@@JeanPierreDelaitre-gv6mq
Do it do it do it! I love Lyon too, the food scene is just insane there, the basilica, the rivers and bridges. The public transportation system is efficient. It's a great city. It's too cold for me though, I couldn't do the winters. But if you're from Maryland you should be fine lol.
I know I'm old school, because I'm old, but I really found the old 'French in Action' videos useful. The storyline is cheesy and all kinds of cringe things are going on, but French people are speaking French at a normal pace with a normal amount of slang and all kinds of cultural references from film, television and music are thrown in. If you're just starting out you'll get something out of the videos, then when you come back three years from now and re-watch the same episode you'll still get something out of it. I think they're all on youtube.
Come here, we actually understand english quite well, and if you mix with locals learning french is fast !
We Americans are a funny breed. We are so self centered and unless we travel we think we are the only ones in existence hahah. I notice it immensely when i have conversations with my fellow Tampanians who have never left this town. Their views are solely on what is happening here . They have never heard of other musical artists, film stars etc. My circle of friends has become smaller and smaller because I really have nothing to talk about with them. I'm sure you meet people there and realize that they most likely know more than one language . People from other countries seem to just want to always know more and it's wonderful.
I think this is true and not. In general the French seem more concerned with the collective and so might know more about others and their communities, but not everyone here knows more than one language or has a broader world view. I think traveling is a great weight to enlarge horizons. That's what opened my eyes.
Subscribed-thank you Patricia. This video is so helpful -and not that I’m moving to France as I’m not but you’re giving immense amount of information step by step for those desiring to make the move. You’re following your truths and that so important. Thank you and Merci! 👏
Thanks for subscribing! Glad this info is helpful. 🙂
Patricia I’m so happy to see your channel. This is my plan starting live in Europe when the time comes. I enjoy watching your videos. I was in Europe travel with my family and I fall in love. This is my dream . Thank you!!!❤
I'm glad you found my channel too. Yes, Europe is wonderful. Best wishes with our plans!
Love that you are following your intuition and believing in the possibilities that the universe is conspiring to have your back.
Thank you. It's been a journey to get to a place where I can trust it. But it feels good.
Such a lovely town! Thank you for the encouragement
You are welcome. Thank you for for watching.🙂
Beautiful views.
Yes, indeed. Thanks for watching!
Love the video Patricia.
Thank you!😃
Wonderful voice, like Maya Angelou ´s.
Oh, what a lovely compliment. Thank you. My mom took me to see her when she spoke at Stockton State College I was a tween. I hadn't known what I was in the presence of then, but I know now.
I love this has 4K views you rock!
Hi Tiffany!😊Thank you!
Have you been to Villefranche-de-Conflent it is near Prades this is on the other side of the mountain of Céret this is in France you can take the train there for one Euro from Perpignan Villefranche is the last village on this train ride it so cool give up one day to see most of what is here!
Nice..I love your video Queen Anne..France is beutiful...
Thank you for watching. I'm happy that you enjoyed it.
Thank you so much for taking us on your walk! That really was helpful in imagining living there. You are an inspiration, I very much enjoy your videos and appreciate all of your insight. We're starting to narrow down what area of France we would most like to move to, and it's exciting to imagine where we would fit in the best.
You are welcome! It is exciting that you are narrowing down where and it will be even more exciting once you've decided. Best wishes and thank you for watching and commenting.
thank you for sharing . I am on my journey. Lots of nay sayers to give you their fears.
You are welcome. Remind yourself it's your dream not theirs and where possible don't share it with them. Hang in there!🙂
Beautiful story ! Happy 7th year ❤
Thank you.😀
Wonderful video, and I am happy for you! 😊🙏🏾
Ah, thank you!😊
You're welcome! ❤️ 😊
My fist American colleague, in her 20s., lost weight just by eating at regular times, 3 times a day and huge French meals. No fast food.
I can't resonate with none of them (at least for now) since I'm Parisian, but I like your videos about your journey, and your way of thinking, your thoughts...
Also I'm originally from this part of the Pyrénées and these landscapes and mountains make me feel nostalgic and craving to come back.
I'm happy you were/are able to adapt to a totally new culture, found your place in the process and build new things.
So, will you consider applying for the french citizenship ?
Ah, thank you. It's so beautiful here. I can imagine that the imagery has you feeling nostalgic. Yes, I do plan to apply for French citizenship at some point in the not too distant future. 🙂Thanks for watching and commenting!
5:00 re. Space: HT Hall, « The hidden dimension ». I still prefer people to stand far from me.
Right. I wonder how much of this for me is culture and how much of the challenge I feel is a part of who I am, my soul. Had I been born and raised in France would personal space not bother me at all???
Hmmm yeah, it'll probably take me a minute to get used to l'espace personnel 😅 but thanks for describing the adjustment. Although what I'm really looking for is some l'espace STORAGE for all my junk, hahah.
Hey, hey RVA! I usually go back about every 2-4 years these last few decades. Have a great visit. I'll more than likely go see all my friends down there myself before the big move.
Yes the personal space issue was a surprise as was my mindset shift that helped me work through it. And the stuff and storage issue. Ugh. I did a good job of ridding myself of most of my stuff and renting storage for the sentimental items that remained. In hindsight, i should have shipped them immediately. It would have saved me money. Good luck with dealing with your stuff.
@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst haha, yeah, when I THOUGHT the move was happening this past Sept I was doing these massive weekly dumps of everything, and still had stuff. The garbage guys were like "what is happening!?" I got down to what I consider close to bare bones, but definitely need to go further. Thanks for the key of how you would have done things differently.
Need to catch that stream replay you did with Valerie!
I plan to move to evreux, not very far from Paris, about an hour train ride. I am familiar with Paris but love nature and quiet area. Paris is ok for tourism however i still can walk a lot, everywhere during the day in Paris exploring the city. I wonder if Paris is affordable for a retirement living. I am nervous thinking about my plan. You are very kind. Wish i can make friends with people like you . I speak good in french read and understand well the language as i was in french school until college.
Ah, so wonderful that you have a plan and know where you want to move. And you know the language, three huge advantages. I wish you all the best.
Hi… about a year ago my husband and I were in Perpignan and had lunch at L’arago Brasserie. We had a fabulous lunch there and the profiteroles there were the best I’ve ever had and believe me, I am a profiteroles expert 😋😋😋
Wow, that's quite an endorsement. I'll have to check out that restaurant. 🙂
Been traveling to Europe since 2010 and still havent gotten used to People right on my back whenever im in a queue 😵💫😩
Yes, was one of the biggest challenges I faced up until about six months ago. Bon courage ! Thanks for watching.
@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst I was waiting for my passport to be stamped in Barcelona once. Im used to waiting behind the line, when It was my turn, I walked up to the Immigration Officer and the Whole line walked right behind me to the window 🤨🤪
Wow,@@maxwellwellmax878 . The line is there for a reason. Oh well!
Yep-I have traveled quite a bit all over the world. The norms for personal space is totally different than in the US. Whether it is in Spain, Japan, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, or Ecuador. And, if there is a small gap between you and the person in front of you, people will somehow assume you’re not in line and jump in front of you…
Hello- Would you be comfortable explaining how you support yourself there? FIRE?
The first two year on savings. Now l earn a living as a coach.
I think you must be an amazing couch. I really have benefitted from your videos. I would like to live in france and have been studying the language for a bit (today I cried and decided to give up , but I know this will pass) and to this ends find video like yours. What I didn't expect was your amazing advice NOT about France. This weekend I decided to be a tourist in my own city. What a difference an approach makes. Thank you !!@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst
hi patricia! this is a wonderful video. you have alot of insight. where is this filmed? is it paris and if so which arrondisemant? just beautiful.
Thank you! I'm glad you got a lot out of this video. This is Céret France.
great video, what city were you showing in this video . Looks great?
Thank you. Céret.
🎉Merci Beaucoup! I truly appreciate your input on making that move, I have always felt that France 🇫🇷 would and will be a great fit for me. The challenge’s that you faced at that time, when you first got there were Mount Everest in your mental space. They now have become mere pebbles. You inspired me to take that leap of faith! What would you recommend? Student Visa or sourcing a job ? First? What is the most important step to take in making that desire a reality? I truly appreciate your feedback! I am also a Artist.
Thank you for your message. I'm happy that my story has inspired you. Each person's path to moving to a foreign country is a personal one based on your skills, desires, and what feels best for you. So I can't advise on which path is best for you. What I can say is first decide. Decide on where, which is sounds like you have. Next is to understand your why. Why are you going to turn your life upside and start over again in a foreign country? What will you be able to experience, have, be, or become in France that you can't where you live now. And keep asking yourself why that is so important to link them to core values.This helps inform what path (visa) to go for. (you might find this core values activity helpful www.thecouragecatalyst.com/value ) I hope this helps. Bon courage !
I personally would love to move abroad I really feel that I need to get away from this country even if only for a few years. But the biggest problem as with everything in the USA is cost sure your free to do whatever you want in the USA so long as you got the cash if you don't than it can be a struggle just to stay alive much less try and get ahead in life or move to a different country which to me sounds like a fairy tale it just not something I can do on my own.
How many weeks can one visit in France without a Visa or do I need a Visa just to visit?…Thank you❤❤❤❤
for France and all Schengen countries, 90 days..soon there will be an online travel authorization as well
Don’t pay 40000$ to learn French or study in a US uni. Here, for 250€ a year, you can attend uni. Law studies can be started without A levels.
Après six ans et avec votre besoin d’espace personnel, est-ce que vous faites la bise maintenant?
Oui, je fais la bise maintenant avec mes amis.