minor frustrations

in addition, to hanging out in cafes and shopping in the open air marches, there are other things that make up french life. they are not all wonderful, but i try to appreciate them as part of the experience. this helps me get through some of the more frustrating aspects of life here, without expending too much negative energy. they are just more material for the blog.

firstly, i'll just mention briefly that i went to the bank to change my address and there was one person in front of me and it was 30 minutes before i got to the window. i relished the pain. the good news was that i was able to accomplish my task. p and i have a joint account in another bank, and after several meetings, we have not been able to change that address because i do not yet have the official "identity card".

this official identity card, called the "carte de sejour" will allow me to be an official person in france. i will be able to work and do other official things in france, (like change our address on our bank account). i am entitled to this card because i am the spouse of a european citizen.  however, getting the carte de sejour is going to be an epic adventure. i know i will not be the first nor the last to tell a long tale about this quest, but i will tell it all the same.  please skip this entry if it gets too boring.

attempt 1: in september, i made my first attempt. i got dressed up, so as to look respectable and not like one of the perceived "teaming masses". i arrived at the office at 1:15, but there was a sign on the door that the office had a special closing that day between 1 and 2:00. (everywhere i go there are "special closings" during normal office hours for whatever reason). i waited till the office reopened and was successful in meeting with an agent who told me that our lease, would not work as a required "lease" to prove that i had a residence. perhaps because it was not the normal 3 year lease. i needed to have an electricity bill in my name. the electricity is in our landlord's name. so she said that his bill might work but we would have to get a copy of HIS identity card. i knew i would need some of p's pay stubs to prove he had a job, and a bank statement to prove we had some backup resources to live on. however, since his job is not in france, those pay stubs won't work and i need a statement from a FRENCH bank. i had proof of health insurance.

attempt 2: a month had passed, i collected various things and thought i'd try again. on friday, i dressed up. i arrived at the office to find a line at the front door on the street. this was expected and i had brought a book. i got in line. it seemed to be moving very slowly. after 1/2 hour, we were told that the computers were down and they didn't know how long it would be. after another 15 minutes, we were told that they were still down and perhaps we should come back monday, so i left. i hadn't even gotten in the front door.

attempt 3: monday i wanted to get to the office before it opened. i did not make that, but did get there early in the day. i waited outside in line for xx mins. i got in and took a number in the office and got to the desk after another xx minutes. to be fair, the lady was very courteous asked me various questions and typed a lot of stuff onto the computer. she said i needed a better proof or residence and told me to get apartment insurance in our name. i also have to go to the town hall with my marriage certificate (luckily it is a french marriage certificate, as p and i were married in paris 15 years ago) and get it authenticated – to have a current status of marriage. might need to bring p as proof. then she gave me an appointment with the big office – prefecture du police on the ile de la cite, in the center of town. this was progress! the appointment is for end of november.

to be continued... Print this post