An Aix update - Interesting times in the South of France
We've now been here in Aix since early July, with a two week home exchange in Toulon. During that time we drove the 50 minutes back and forth more than a few times, often with flat pack boxes of furniture from IKEA. And the IKEA's here in France are almost exactly but not quite the same as the ones in the US: More customer service people, huge kitchen design departments with over 20 work stations, and the IKEA café serves beer and wine. The one we went to in Toulon was all on one floor, with underground parking, and a separate pickup area for internet orders and stuff that had to be special ordered.
We've also used Fly which is the French version of IKEA, along with buying furniture from brocante stores. Plus we have learnt about Castorama, essentially the Home Depot of France, with more than a touch of Lowe's thrown in.
Our electrical problems continue though we hope to get yet another quote so that we will actually have a safe electrical system in the apartment. At the moment nothing is grounded. There is an earth/ground/terre wire going into our meter, but that's where it stops. I hooked up a ceiling light today and suddenly several sockets that didn't work, did. But one of the other ceiling lights began to flicker on and off, even though it wasn't switched on. So, I disconnected the ceiling light and the flickering stopped. But the sockets in the lounge don't work, so it's back to multi-plugs and extension cords. The English electrician who showed up did that teeth sucking thing and decided that he needed a new boat. He wants 27,000€ to redo the apartment. I haven't responded though a couple of friends have suggested asking if he had quoted in old French francs instead of euros.
The bank has been sorted out and our account is now in Aix, though, because we are 'foreign persons' we are not permitted to have an interest bearing account here, despite having one for the past 11 years. But it's better than dealing with the manager in Paris, who had no desire to help us in any respect.
The lack of window screens here is interesting. But there are things that plug in the wall that emit something that mosquitos hate. There's very little air-conditioning, but we've gotten used to that.
We actually have made the decision to apply for a long stay visa and move here permanently. With the flat and a bank account, that apparently becomes much easier. We're going to sell the house in Philadelphia, take that money and invest it, and live here. The cost of living is lower here.
Electric - Philadelphia - $90- 120/mth - Aix - $30-45/mth
Water - Philadelphia - $45-60/mth - Aix - $20-30 mph
Internet - Philadelphia $100/mth - Aix $35 with international calling/VOD
The condo fees run about $250/300 with water and heating included - and it's a secure car park and a building super/concierge.
The tax d'habitation and foncier - local rates are half what they are in Philadelphia.
We have to sort our smart phones and such but that's really not such a big deal. Plus, there's an Apple Store in the center of Aix, so we're covered on that.
We still have to talk to our financial guy, get the visa, and do the health insurance thing(which is complicated) but this is entirely doable.
The things that we will miss about the States? Our friends, good food wrap, good aluminum foil, really good bug spray.
And on edit: Because it's going to take us at least 9 months to sort out permanent resident status, the apartment will be available for rent in October, November, December. Then February, March, April. Possibly part of May. And next summer.
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