Probably moving to Europe, how do I change my system?

Whilst something of an editorialised version of Peter Mayle’s book , as is the nature of screen adaptations , and with a couple of departures from the original , this might be worth watching by way of inspiration .


My French mother-in-law loves his books and she lives in Provence. I’ll have to read it. It has become quite famous.

I’ve been going to Provence for over twenty years. I still don’t know how I survived some of those five hour meals on Christmas Day.

And, no, we won’t be renovating a house or an apartment. My wife has decreed that that is out of the question.
 
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And, no, we won’t be renovating a house or an apartment. My wife has decreed that that is out of the question.

Ahhhh , Well you might just survive the transition then , Bonne Chance .
 
I’m told that if buying an apartment, there should be a recent electrical assessment included in the paperwork supplied by the seller before you sign the compromis de vente. That’s not the case when buying a house but we did get energy efficiency, radon, termite and flood risk assessments, I forget what else.
The compromis de vente commits both parties to the sale within a certain time frame with ten percent of the purchase price at risk should either side pull out without a valid reason. There is no such tie in in the UK and it made for a nervous time when the buyer of my UK property started being difficult just before completion but in the end we had a week to spare.
 
I’m told that if buying an apartment, there should be a recent electrical assessment included in the paperwork supplied by the seller before you sign the compromis de vente. That’s not the case when buying a house but we did get energy efficiency, radon, termite and flood risk assessments, I forget what else.
The compromis de vente commits both parties to the sale within a certain time frame with ten percent of the purchase price at risk should either side pull out without a valid reason. There is no such tie in in the UK and it made for a nervous time when the buyer of my UK property started being difficult just before completion but in the end we had a week to spare.
Thanks for the information.

Can I hire my own inspector? I hope so.
 
Can’t think why not.
 
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You're welcome, you are making a big bold move, the least to do is to welcome and help.

Yes, be patient and check everything that might be a potential problem. We used to have doormen, some that worked good, but that time is passed and it feels safer without them now. Maybe it'll come back with serious doormen for very good building but it might take time for that.

Regarding the food, as long as you drink good water, and do still some activities weither it's for brain or exercises, it's okay. And seriously, good food is hard to resist ! As for the alcohol, yes be wary as we have many good wines where as usual, price doesn't always mean better taste that can be affordable. Though, I must admit some are real mood openers and leaves very good memories. It would be nice to be able to compare daily good french and italian food as well.

Best for health in there is to get a glass bottle water supplier, the difference with plastic bottle is noticeable but it's sadly pricier.

Gunnar, you have a stylish lamp !
Our lamp. French designer and made in France. We bought it 20 years ago and still think it fits well in our big room which is a combined kitchen, dining room and living room.

 
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Thanks for the information.

Can I hire my own inspector? I hope so.
For sure you can. If needed depends on the apartment you decide to buy.
 
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Thanks for the support.

The unions are strong in New York so doormen are still common in most buildings. Some buildings try to save money by doing without.

Labor is expensive, to say nothing of the cost to tip all of your doormen at Christmas. The old New York joke is, if you don’t tip your doorman at Christmas, they find you dead in the alley.

Is it standard for the buyer to pay for an independent inspection of a house or apartment like it is in the states?

We have reduced our wine consumption quite a bit but are looking forward to the olive oil from Provence and the cheese from everywhere.

Can I just use my ZeroWater pitcher with filter instead of subscribing to a water service?

My wife and I are working to improve my French. It’s going to be a struggle.

I feel it’s time to make the leap. Waiting ten years will make it much more difficult. We are waiting for approval from my wife’s company. They’re an international translation conpany so we hope this won’t be a big deal.

We sat at the dinner table the other night and tried to think of some place we’d like to move to in the U.S. We came up with nothing.

We want to go back to a more urban lifestyle. I’ll go back to a car-free life.

We’re tired of New York. I’d try Chicago but my wife won’t hear of it because of the cold.

San Francisco is too expensive. That applies to California as a whole.

So, that’s it. We don’t want to live anywhere in this huge country, lol.
ZeroWater. Yes you can. First test of your French skills ….


In France you can enjoy the life. Food, cheese etc

And Lyon is well located . Close to a lot of places worth a visit. By train or flying.

True, if you live in a big city you normally don’t need a car. You rent one when needed.
 
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Our lamp. French designer and made in France. We bought it 20 years ago and still think it fits well in our big room which is a combined kitchen, dining room and living room.


Cool lamp. I like how France supports small designers and manufacturers.

When visiting Paris, we went to the workshop of Max Le Verrier, an Art Deco sculptor from the 1920s. The grandson is still producing his work using the original molds.


We bought this small lamp.
 

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