Immigration Woes

It's funny (as an American) to think of yourself as an immigrant. It's like I didn't understand it before. We are now in the category of "those foreigners." Don't you find it odd? It's a totally new perspective.

You know what really comes in handy for living abroad? Google Translator (http://www.traslate.goole.com/) That thing is freaking awesome! I have used it for tech support on Cindy's phone and used it just a moment ago to prepare for the plumber, who should arrive in about an hour! You should try it!

Anyway, today I had to get my physical as part of my immigration process. It was a strange thing. We got up at 6am to go way across town to this thing called the ANAEM (the national agency for welcoming foreigners and migrants). Once we got there, I was hearded through all of these stations with tons of other people. I had to get weighed and measured, pricked and x-rayed and then I had a conversation with the doctor in my bra and pants. How wierd is that? No gown, just bra. LOL - Good thing my medical history has made me a little less modest than most people are! So - they gave me a paper that says I'm healthy and now I have to apply for my carte de séjour pretty soon - who knows what I will have to do for that. (It's a greencard by the way)!

Did you ever wonder how they might tow a car in a really busy / compact ara? Well let me tell you about towing cars in France. Basically - they pick the sucker up with straps. I'm not kidding you. They have a crane and they just lift it onto the truck bed. It was one of the craziest things I ever saw. I thought for sure they would drop it right on it's hood! We got to see this spectacle yesterday while we were enjoying an amazing (2.5 hour) lunch. I'm glad that wasn't my car - what a mess! I don't really know what you do to claim it either - it's not like they leave a note. Funniest part - right after they picked it up, another car took its spot!

Well - that's it for now. I know you're anxious to see the flat - believe me - we are anxious to get it in some kind of order so that we can show it! I will do it as soon as I can!

Bisous,

Lorraine