Visas in hand

This morning, we woke up bright and early to get to the French consulate's office to get our visas. So not use to getting up at 6:30am!

We waited for over an hour, just to find out we would have to return at 3pm. We hand't been to the Central Park Zoo in a while, so we walked over there first. It was a beautiful day in Central Park, and we enjoyed watching the animals. We had lunch at our fave Indian place, Sapphire, where we had the lunch buffet. Then we stopped by Border's and Best Buy just to use up some more time.

Upon returning to the consulate, we had to wait an additional 45 minutes to get the visas...but we DID get them finally! I'm so happy we do not have to do that again. Some of the workers there were very nice and helpful, but some of them acted like they were on the verge of killing someone. Others believed they were pontiffs...believing they could do no wrong. There was an air of hostility in that place...probably because so many people end up having to return multiple times to get their visas.

We are happy that one more step of the process is out of the way now!!

Still waiting to hear about an apartment that we would love to rent in Marseille. The landlord and realtor are taking their time, and we are very anxious to sign a rental agreement.

Oreo is all set to go to the vet on Tuesday to get his microchip and rabies shot. Poor Oreo, he's becoming a bionic kitty and he doesn't even know it.

Just had to post this....

more animals

6 Weeks To Go...

Yesterday marked only 6 weeks to go before we move to Marseille!

I started my French lessons last week with Nate. So far, I'm doing well with learning the basics....a bit confused with numbers, but there's nothing new with that. :)

We have been contacting people about apartments, and haven't found one yet. We do have a place to stay for up to 2 months if we can't find something before our move, so at least we have a back up plan.

Next week it's back to the visa office....and this time we ARE going to get our visas.

I've started packing things around the apartment. I have 3 plastic totes now sitting in the living room where the book case once stood. The whole move is starting to feel REAL now. (lump in throat).

We are excited about our upcoming Bon Voyage party at the Beck's in Sept. Looking forward to seeing friends and family one last time this year.

7 weeks and counting...

Chris & I went to the French Consulate's office today to get our visas (2nd time there). We made it through most of the steps until the very end and found out we needed to (a) provide them with an address of where we will be staying and (b) give them a copy of my last banking statement. Chris was not told by the embassy that we would need either of these things, so we had no idea. The address is problematic since we are still apartment shopping. We still have time to get the visas though. Once we go back with those documents, it will only be a 1/2 hour before we have our visas in hand.

Speaking of apartment shopping, Chris & I have been searching online. We have found a few prospective places through Century 21 Marseille (they speak English!). I have no doubt that we will find a place.

We are also in the midst of planning our Bon Voyage Party in Indiana. The date is set for Sept 13th. More details to come.

Our flights are booked, so we at least have that! :)

Let the Countdown Begin

Only 8 more weeks until the big move! I cannot believe Aug is already here, and there is still so much to do. I'm staying calm though, and Chris & I are making our list of TO DO before we move.

We attempted to get our visa's last month, but to no avail. The computer system had a glitch when we were scheduling our appointment, so we had to reschedule. We go again on the 12th of this month.

I have been slowly working on my French, but need to devote more time to it now. Our friend, Nate, has offered to be my French teacher, so I am going to take him up on that offer.

Apartment shopping is now underway. We have a list of people and places to check out. Being that we are two months away, we should be able to find something soon.

I am happy to announce that I found someone to sublet my office while away. Very happy about the prospect of being able to go back to my office next year when we return. The location is just too good to give up! The woman who is taking it is great. Her name is Dawn, and she's a RN, Acupuncturist, Reiki Practitioner, and Maya Abdominal Massage Practitioner.

Off to teach a HB class. More info to come. :)