Brian K. Bailey

Experiencing Culture Shock in France

Culture shock is often felt sharply at the borders between countries, but sometimes it doesn’t hit fully until you’ve been in a place for a long time.
Henri Cartier-Bresson

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! (or stages of culture shock, either)
Monty Python

I studied cross-cultural communications before moving to France. I read multiple books on integrating into a new culture. I was told what to expect to feel over the first year or two of living in a new country. Even with all that preparation, I was not really prepared to recognize the feelings and stages of culture shock.

Cultural Anthropology, Anthropological points of view by Paul Hiebert (Howard Culbertson, 5901 NW 81st, Oklahoma City, OK 73132 | Phone: 405-740-4149)

Let me regale what I experienced over the first ten months in France and how culture shock affected me unawares. And what I did to address the culture shock and continued to enjoy my time in Paris.

October 2021 (Month 1): A new adventure! I was excited and optimistic about my new life in Paris. Even though I didn’t speak the language, I fumbled through looking for an apartment and setting up a cell phone. I asked people if they spoke English to help me with these steps. Thankfully a lot of French speak English and were gracious enough to work with me. Paris celebrates Halloween, which helped me to feel a little at home. I started taking swing dance classes, attending dances, and attending church services to build a normal rhythm in my life.

November 2021 (Month 2): I wish I spoke French! This month I moved into my new apartment in Paris and really wished I spoke French. Setting up electricity, gas, internet, and a bank account would have gone a lot smoother if I spoke French. During this month, I asked my French friends to translate for me when I needed to speak to someone who did not speak English. The French do not celebrate American Thanksgiving which was my first feeling of homesickness. I found a British sandwich shop that served a great turkey sandwich to observe Thanksgiving in the way I could having just arrived in Paris.

December 2021 (Month 3): No gas in a cold month and desire to spend holidays with family! The homesickness was starting to feel strong. I also ran into the problem of having my gas cut off since I did not set-up the service correctly in November. I used Google Translate to get through the websites. Again I worked with my French friends to translate telephone conversations when dealing with the utility companies. In addition, I spent Christmas with my family in Florida, USA, to reset the homesickness barometer. This is the month I started my French lessons to address needing to speak the language.

January 2022 (Month 4): A new normal schedule! I started feeling the need for a regular pace of activity to fill my week. This month I developed my Paris schedule with 20 hours of French classes each week, weekly swing dance lessons/dances, and church services. The regular schedule helped me develop new friends in these three areas who helped me tremendously to adjust to life in Paris.

February 2022 (Month 5): Will I ever learn French?! This month I was beginning to feel frustrated with how hard it was going to be for me to learn French. I had been studying for three months, and I was not feeling like I was progressing very well. I felt disappointed in myself, partially due to my age, and wondered if I were ever going to be fluent in this new language. In response, I talked to my French instructor, my fellow students, and my French friends. They all assured me that I was progressing as expected and that it took a long time (a year-and-a-half to two years) to become fluent in a new language.

March 2022 (Month 6): I need to hear English! This month I started feeling irritable and short tempered. It took me a week or two to figure out what it was. I missed hearing English around me in the background. Once I realized what the issue was, I took a week trip to London (by train) to immerse myself in English. I skipped this month of French lessons to give myself a break. Between these two actions, I addressed this stage of culture shock and moved passed it successfully.

April 2022 (Month 7): I need American BBQ! This month I felt the need for some good old American food. The specific craving was for American BBQ. Thankfully, there are a number of these restaurants throughout Paris. After trying all five or six of them, I settled on one or two to visit once a week to fill this craving for American food. My favorites are Rosies Smokehouse BBQ and Freddy’s BBQ. Although, there are a number throughout Paris and all of them were pretty good. One big item missing from Paris is Banana Pudding. Apparently the French do not like this particular dessert. Those places that offered it decided to discontinue the dessert since the demand was too low.

May 2022 (Month 8): Who am I? This month I started feeling a general listlessness – a feeling of not really belonging anywhere. Do I belong in Paris now, or do I still belong in the USA? I felt like a ship drifting in the sea with no rudder or engine. In the past, I wouldn’t discuss these kinds of feelings with others. But, having learned from hard lessons of the past, this time I did. I expressed my existential conundrum with my friends and family. Once I expressed what I was feeling, I felt much lighter. Coming to terms with living with little responsibility or possessions frees me to enjoy life as it comes. My prior life of feeling worth or productivity through my jobs or activities was no longer applicable.

June 2022 (Month 9): Why am I here? This month I started feeling uncertain of what I am doing in France for the long term. I was feeling that my motivation lacked compared to my prior life in the USA. I no longer had the strong drive to accomplish a long list of tasks and goals. Having discussed this too with my friends and family, I came to terms with my level of motivation and how it was appropriate for what I was doing in Paris: learning French, dancing, attending church, and enjoying the city. I was not suffering from a total lack of motivation, just an amount commensurate with my level of responsibilities in Paris (or lack there of).

July 2022 (Month 10): Now what? A sabbatical, really? The feelings of listlessness and drifting aimlessly continue. I wonder what am I going through now and why I cannot shake these feelings. I spend a lot of time in prayer, and in discussions with family and friends. I even take a week to be back in the USA to take care of some pressing issues back there. After all this introspection and analysis, I realize that this time in Paris is much more like a sabbatical than a new career. Over the years I had heard of many of my friends take sabbaticals, especially professors and missionaries. I realized that I had not taken a break of more than a few weeks in over 30 years. No wonder I needed to decompress and alleviate all these decades of pent up stress. Realizing this lifted a tremendous burden. Knowing that I am experiencing a much-needed sabbatical frees me to experience the emotions in that light.

August 2022 (Month 11): Coming to terms with the next steps! Now it has been over ten months that I have lived in Paris. This has been worth every day through the combination of new experiences, new friends, and whatever frustrations have come my way. I am indebted to my friends, family, and God for being with me through these months. I have grown a lot, changed a lot, and mellowed out a lot, too. As my first year comes to a close in less than two months, I am examining the next steps. Regardless of what happens or where I go, I wouldn’t trade this year in Paris for anything.

Until we meet in Paris…

Exchanging my US Driver’s License for a French One

A few months back, I was able to exchange my US driver’s license for a French one (permis de conduire). The process was fairly straightforward but did take a few months to finish. The most important things to remember are to exchange it within the first year of living in France and that you will not be getting your US license back. It’s a formal exchange for France for your US license for a French one. I do not know yet if the prior issuing location even knows. So, if you still need one for traveling in your home country, I would check with your home country or state Department of Motor Vehicles.

REMEMBER: COMPLETE THIS PROCESS WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF YOUR VISA OTHERWISE YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE THE FRENCH DRIVER’S COURSE IN FRENCH TO OBTAIN YOUR FRENCH DRIVER’S LICENSE. AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE YOUR FOREIGN DRIVER’S LICENSE TO DRIVE IN FRANCE.

To start the process, make sure you have validated your Visa with OFII (https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/).

Check to make sure you can exchange your current driver’s license for a French one. There is a list of countries and US states that France recognizes. Here is a recent list (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/—_liste_permis_de_conduire_valables_a_l_echange_09.12.2021—_cle8735a7.pdf), but be sure to check the latest list before submitting your application.

Apply to the Agence nationale des titres sécurisés website (https://permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr/).

You will need:

Your valid drivers license (valid before your Visa effective date)
A driver’s record from your home country/state showing you are in good standing with your DMV
A certified translation of your driver’s license into French
A certified translation of your driver’s record into French
Copy of your passport (full page including signature) with the following on the scanned copy with your signature “J’atteste sur l’honneur que cette copie est conforme à l’original. Fait le XX XXX XX à Paris.”
Copy of your Visa or titre de sejour (full page) with the following on the scanned copy with your signature “J’atteste sur l’honneur que cette copie est conforme à l’original. Fait le XX XXX XX à Paris.”

To apply for the driver’s license exchange…

1. Go to the ANTS website

2. Click on “Echanger un permis étranger ou obtenu dans une COM pour un permis français”

3. Click on “Commencer votre demarche en ligne” to start the process. Be sure to read all instructions to ensure you have the latest changes in requirements or instructions.

Once you’re approved, you’ll receive instructions on where to send the driver’s license and originals of the translations/driver’s record. Be sure to make copies of everything since France will not return anything to you.

While your new driver’s license is being produced, be sure to keep the attestation as well as copies of your prior driver’s license until your new French driver’s license arrives. The French Driver’s License is valid to drive in most of the world as well as throughout the European Union. Be sure to check wherever you are traveling outside the EU to understand the driving requirements of those countries.

I hope this was clear and useful for you.

Until we meet in France…

A Week in London

Recently, I spent a week in London, traveling by train under the English Channel. Lucking out, the weather in London was warm and sunny except for one day of rain. I had a great time exploring the city, going to museums, walking along the Thames, eating great food. It was nice to get away from Paris for a week to another great capital city in Europe.

Taking the train from Paris to London: While there are multiple ways of traveling to and from London, I took the train. Eurostar (https://www.eurostar.com) runs non-stop between Paris’ Gare du Nord and London’s Saint Pancras stations. It travels under the English Chanel and follows a lovely trail through the French and English countrysides. Customs and border control take place before you board the trains, so once you disembark in London (or Paris) you can just leave the station right away.

Getting Around London, the Oyster Card: I used public transportation in and around London. Mostly using the Underground, I was able to use an Oyster card (https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/) to quickly get in and out of the stations. I topped up my Oyster card a few times since the Underground charges different rates for how far I went for any given train trip. Travelers are required to badge in and out for every trip while using the London Underground. For the buses, travelers are only required to badge in upon boarding the bus.

Harry Potter World: I cannot visit London without also going to Harry Potter World (https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk). I love the display of sets, costumes, props, and stories of how the movies were made. Each time I go, they have changed around the displays putting new ones in each time. My favorite is to drink butterbeer at the cafe next to the Knightbus. Butterbeer is basically a sweet cream soda for those that haven’t had the pleasure yet.

Leicester Square: One of the popular spots in London is Leicester Square (https://www.leicestersquare.london/), pronounced “Lice-ter”). Surrounding the park at Leicester Square stand (or sits) a number of statues of famous story or movie characters.

Victoria Embankment Gardens: Along the Thames are some beautiful gardens. There’s a wonderful fish-and-chips place there, too, along with an historical structure from when the embankment was further inland from where it is now. The weather was so beautiful that day that I spent about 3 hours walking along the Thames.

Out and About London: London is filled with sights, museums, and restaurants throughout the city. I spent a few days just walking around the city to explore its many delights.

View of the London Eye from across the Thames river

Brighton: Having a free evening, I took the train to the English coast and visited the town of Brighton. Being close to London, the seaside town is featured in number of British stories. It has a large pier and is quite a large town these days. I took a few hours to enjoy the sea air and walk around.

The trip to London was a lot fun with revisiting old haunts and exploring new places. By train, London is only about two-and-a-half hours away. It was a nice get away. Even if you visit me in Paris or London, we can get away to the other city in little time. Many other towns in Europe are only a short airplane or train ride away.

Until we meet in Paris (or London, or Munich, or Barcelona)…

Mid-Spring in Paris (and Tea-Time, too)

It’s now the end of March in Paris, France. The flowers have been blooming for a number of weeks, while the leaves on the trees have just started to fill-in. There are still a number of trees that are bare and will take the rest of the spring before everything is green. The birds are singing, the kids are playing on the grass, the lovers are making out on blankets in the parks (so French!).

I am still excited to be living in Paris. Spring in Paris brings me a feeling of new life and joy. I continue to have to pinch myself that I am actually living in Paris. This past week, the sun has been shining and the temperatures have been in the mid to upper 60s Fahrenheit. The entire Spring won’t be this beautiful, but we’ll take it when it happens.

As the Spring has progressed here in Paris, I have been taking photos to capture the progression throughout multiple blog posts. I hope that you enjoy these snippets of springtime in Paris.

Post-COVID at Disneyland Paris: Now that France has lifted just about all of the COVID restrictions, life in the city and at Disneyland is beginning to return to normal. Here’s a picture of the line at Phantom Manor. Up until recently, there were plastic barriers between the lines to reduce the spread of COVID while in line. Now the plastic barriers are gone. I did not realize how claustrophobic the lines felt with tall plastic barriers everywhere. The lines now feel much more open. It’s wonderful to see everybody’s faces again. It’s been a long time since people out in public were as sociable as before COVID.

Post-COVID lines at Disneyland Paris – No COVID Barriers anymore or masks. So much more space and friendly faces.

Tea in Paris: One of the joys in Paris is to go to a Tea Salon. My favorite is Mariage Frères (http://www.mariagefreres.com/). They serve hundred of teas with cakes, sandwiches, and just about anything else that goes well with tea. Below is an empty tea pot, tea cup, and plate. This is always the case when I go there. The tea is lovely and the desserts are delicious. When in Paris, I highly recommend taking tea one afternoon (or two or three) at Mariage Frères.

Afternoon Tea at Mariage Frères Tea Salon

As spring continues to unfold in Paris, I will be posting additional stories and albums to help you enjoy the season. I hope to see you in Paris soon to take some tea or spend an evening at a cafe.

Until we meet in Paris…

Louis Vuitton Foundation and American Groceries in Paris

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit two very cool places: a beautiful museum and a place to buy American groceries.

Louis Vuitton Foundation: The museum was the Louis Vuitton Foundation (https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/). It is a gorgeous building of sweeping wings in all directions up and out. The building is quite massive with the galleries inside of all different shapes and sizes. Through 3 April 2022, the Foundation is hosting a collection of French and Russian painting and sculptures originally owned by the brothers Mikhaïl and Ivan Morozov called, The Morozov Collection. Icons of Modern Art (https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/events/icones-de-lart-moderne-la-collection-morozov). The collection includes impressionists, post-impressionists, cubists, and a number of other painters from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of the galleries are in rooms as big as some cathedrals I’ve visited. The building exterior is well worth a trip even if you don’t go inside. But the collection was breathtaking in its variety and quantity. The exhibition is open until 11pm on Fridays and on 8pm on other days of the week for an entrance fee of only 14 euros. Well worth the visit!

In Good We Trust American Grocery Store: Near Forum Les Halles, there is a small boutique that sells American groceries. They specialize on items that are hard to find in the usual grocery stores in Paris. I was able to find orange-vanilla Coke, pop tarts, grape jelly, and honey mustard that I particularly like. Their shelves are lined with American sweets, snacks, alcohol, and a lot of baking ingredients. I am so happy I found this place. For when I need some of those specific snacks, I now know where to go.

NOLA French Connection Band: While walking to a store, I came across a live band outdoor called the NOLA French Connection (https://www.facebook.com/nolafrenchconnection). The band was playing up a storm on the sidewalk to a lively crowd of on-lookers. The band was fun and upbeat with a New Orleans brass feel to them. Check ’em out. The joys of coming upon new and exciting experiences unexpectedly.

Another week of excitement and new experiences here in Paris. They never seem to end.

Until we meet in Paris…

Having my US Degrees Recognized in France

The French are all about degrees, certifications, and experience. Much like the US, the resume is crucial to giving a perspective employer confidence that you will be successful in a job. Being in the European Union (EU), there is a specific process to having your degrees recognized by the EU so that they have the same weight here. I don’t necessarily need my degrees to be a swing dance instructor in Paris. However, when I do branch out into other exploits here, having my degrees recognized by the French government will be critical.

The group that recognizes foreign diplomas is the ENIC-NARIC (European Network of National Information Centres – National Academic Recognition Information Centres). While managed by each member country of the EU, the EU maintains the standards each country follows in recognizing foreign degrees. The recognition process (https://www.france-education-international.fr/hub/reconnaissance-de-diplomes) is in two stages: filing the request (20€) and the examination of the file (50€). In the first stage, they check to see if the diploma recognition would even be possible. In the second stage, they process the recognition and send the Attestation de Comparabilité which shows how the diploma is recognized in the EU (shown below).

I submitted my three diplomas (a Bachelor’s Degree and two Masters) for recognition on January 20, 2022 and received my Attestations on March 2, 2022. It took about six weeks which is about what I was told to expect. Now that my diplomas are recognized, when I do want to look for a job, my resume will have reputable degrees.

The process for each diploma was fairly straightforward except for the somewhat complicated process of sending multiple emails for each diploma. In hindsight, I should have processed one diploma at a time so that I didn’t get confused. Each diploma request is given a different case number, so that’s how I kept them straight.

Now that my degrees are recognized by France and the EU, that’s another major integration step complete living in Paris. It is getting closer to the time when I request a VISA renewal (starts in May 2022). Every step I take to integrate into French culture gives evidence that I am serious about living in France long-term. The more evidence of my integration, the more likely my visa will be renewed.

Until we meet in Paris…

Yves Saint Laurent at Musée D’Orsay

My niece, Alyssa, visited me in Paris this past week. We had a wonderful week exploring the city including Musée Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Champs-Elysées, Notre Dame, and Disneyland Paris. Musée D’Orsay (https://www.musee-orsay.fr) contains a large collection of Impressionist painters and sculptures that both Alyssa and I enjoy. In addition, there was an exhibit of Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) clothes and sketches.

YSL was a prolific clothes designer throughout the 20th century with a large influence on international fashion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yves_Saint_Laurent_(designer)). At the Musée D’Orsay, they displayed a number of his formal dresses and suits in front of the famous clock.

In addition to evening dresses and attire, Musée D’Orsay exhibited a number of YSL sketches. He was a prolific sketcher and often used these sketches as his primary design tool. YSL heaving influenced the fashion world with his unique interpretation of the female form and the clothes that would accentuate her femininity in new ways.

There is so much to explore throughout the city whether in established museums or in less known corners. Paris continues to present new sights and sounds all along the way.

Until we meet in Paris…

Early Spring in Paris

I love Paris in the spring time…
“I Love Paris” by Cole Porter

I explore the “City of Light” traveling well-worn paths along the Seine river to the Hôtel de Ville. I do not expect anything out of the ordinary today which, while not necessary a mistake, certainly came close to my missing a wonderful little touch of early Spring. Next to the Hôtel de Ville is a gate I don’t remember seeing before. And lo and behold, the gate is open, welcoming me into its secrets. With mild trepidation I transverse the gate into the wonders beyond…

Late February in Paris is actually more like early Spring. It’s now usually in the 50s Fahrenheit for the highs. Lows are only in the 40s now. This weekend I spent some time walking Paris to explore the early flowers blooming. It sprinkles a little most days with overcast skies. But, I’m still in Paris!

I visited two places to explore the early flora: Jardin des Combattants-de-la-Nueve and Musée Rodin. Jardin des Combattants-de-la-Nueve is located adjacent to the Hôtel de Ville in central Paris (https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_des_Combattants-de-la-Nueve). The garden is filled with trees and flowering plants. There are cages for rabbits and chickens for during the warmer months. The garden is tucked away behind a gate that wasn’t obvious to me. That is the thing with Paris. You need to turn left instead of right; maybe go straight instead of turn; and almost always if you see an open gate, go through it. That was the case with this garden. I have passed the Hotel de Ville many times and had not seen the garden. But an open gate beckoned and as Robert Frost said, “that made all the difference.” In this garden I found many early spring flowers. The pictures below do not do them justice but give you a glimpse into the beautiful colors of yellow, cream, blue, red, and purple.

Jardin des Combattants-de-la-Nueve and the Hôtel de Ville

The “Bailey’s” were in Paris: One of the statues on the walls of the Hôtel de Ville of Paris is of Monsieur Jean Sylvain Bailly (1726-1793: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Sylvain_Bailly). He was French astronomer, mathematician, and political leader of the early part of the French Revolution. He served as the mayor of Paris from 1789 to 1791, but ended his time on earth by being guillotined during the Reign of Terror. Even though we may not be related by blood, I still enjoy seeing my family’s name in and around Paris, even with the French spelling.

Statue of Jean Sylvain Bailly at the Hôtel de Ville

Musée Rodin: I often visit Musée Rodin about once or twice a month (https://musee-rodin.fr). The “Thinker” sculpture is located there. I adore the vast gardens that surround the manor house. At this location, the early spring flowers were blooming as well.

I look forward to exploring Paris as the seasons change to see the differences in flora types and colors throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall. Paris is constantly changing in my eyes as the sights, sounds, and colors morph over time.

Until we meet in Paris…

"I Love Paris" by Cole Porter

Every time I look down on this timeless town,
Whether blue or gray be her skies,
Whether loud be her cheers,
Or whether soft be her tears,
More and more do I realize that...

I love Paris in the spring time,
I love Paris in the fall,
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles,
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles,

I love Paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love Paris, why oh why do I love Paris
Because my love is near.

Visit to the Cemetery, Père Lachaise, and I’m now Teaching with SwingCotton.com

There is a hauntingly beautiful cemetery in Paris called Père Lachaise (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A8re_Lachaise_Cemetery), (https://pere-lachaise.com). It covers about 110 acres and is the largest cemetery in Paris. Père Lachaise is located in the 20th arrondissement in the northeast of Paris. Even though it’s quite large, the cemetery is surrounded by city apartment buildings. Walking through the cemetery is quite surreal. I find it quite calm even though filled with graves, sepulchers, and mausoleums. Many of the rich and famous are buried here. At the entrance there is a sign with a list of famous names and where they’re buried in the cemetery.

One of my favorite French singers, Édith Piaf, is interned there (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Édith_Piaf). She was a famous French singer from the mid-1900s who sang many recognized songs like La Vie en Rose and La Mer.

https://youtu.be/kFzViYkZAz4

Édith Piaf singing La Vie en Rose (Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses)

Throughout the cemetery the variety of grave sites are astounding. They range from the simple and understated to huge mausoleums. Napoleon founded Père Lachaise to be open to all Parisians regardless of ethnicity, social stratus, or religion. Since the cemetery is so large, there are many hills throughout with a lot of hiking to get around. It has a park-like feel with large trees and benches lining most of the paths. I highly recommend a visit.

After spending a beautiful afternoon in the cemetery, I jaunted over to Café Merlin for dinner, 151 Rue de la Roquette, 75011 Paris, France. I ate their Merlin pizza (a white cheese pizza) and enjoyed their sugar crepes for dessert. They café menu has many dishes named after characters from Camelot. It’s quite fun and tasty. Overall, a fine afternoon of sun and mild temperatures (low-50s °F).

This weekend I also started teaching with Swing Cotton (http://swingcotton.com). I recommend you check out their website for classes in Paris with me as one of the instructors! I’m teaching introductory swing dance classes where you need no experience in dancing to get started.

My life in Paris continues to be filled with adventure and new experiences. Continue to follow me for more exciting episodes.

Until we dance in Paris…

Medical and Dental Adventures in Paris

One of the most important services to set-up in a new place is medical and dental. My experience with medical and dental in Paris, France, has been fairly straightforward. Most of the medical system is part of the socialized medicine they have here in France. They are very proud of it and call it the best medical system in the world. My experience so far is that it is certainly acceptable and generally available. Since it’s socialized medicine, the out-of-pocket expenses, even for foreigners like me, are not that bad. So far, my out-of-pocket expenses range from 20 € to 100 € ($25 to $115) per visit including specialists. Since I used military medicine in the US, the out-of-pocket expenses here are quite similar for me. When I start paying social security taxes here in France and receive my medical card (the Carte Vitale), my out-of-pocket expenses supposedly go down even further.

My first experience was within a few weeks of arriving in Paris. My eye doctors in the US referred me to an eye specialist here in Paris. The doctor here is a colleague of my doctors in the US and even worked in Bethesda, Maryland, for many years in the past. They were very nice and thankfully spoke English which made the visit go very well. The eye specialist was good enough to refer me to an internal medicine doctor in the same hospital and even set-up the appointment for me.

Doctolib is the centralized appoint system for all things medical and dental in France

The most amazing aspect of French medicine is the central reservation system for almost every type of medical or dental service called Doctolib (https://www.doctolib.fr). It’s a great website and phone app where you can set-up and change medical and dental appointments as well as keep your medical documents to send for each perspective appointment. I find it easy to use and a rather fascinating app. The app seems to have any type of medical or dental practice I can think of. Often appointments are not available for a number of weeks, but it’s very convenient.

So far, I have visited an eye specialist, an internal medical doctor, a general practitioner, and a dentist. Interestingly, many of the words for medical conditions and medicine are very similar between English and French which has helped a lot with figuring out how to communicate. In Doctolib, you can select which languages you want and the app will filter to those practitioners. There are many who speak English in Paris, so I have had little trouble communicating.

The practitioners I have met so far have been friendly and helpful. It has a very similar feel to the military medical system in the US, so it seems familiar to me. I especially like the Doctolib app to organize appointments and medical documents.

Also, the doctors here are not stingy with prescriptions. They converted all my US prescriptions to the European equivalents and gave me new prescriptions for everything. Most medicines are the same as in America or something close for the same medical effect. Since I am not in the French medical system, yet, I have to pay a little more for prescriptions, but only about 15 to 20 euros ($20 to $25) per prescription. These prices apparently will go down as well once I’m registered in the medical system.

Given my experiences, I am looking forward to participating in the French medical system. It looks like it will meet my needs with reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for my budget. This is certainly an attractive aspect of the French society.

Until we meet at the doctor’s office in Paris…