After much procrastination (on Dman’s part) and paper-gathering (on mine), I’m finally about to receive my titre (or carte) de sejour, which is the first step to getting my French passport.
On July 15 (the day after Bastille Day seems appropriate, right?), I am to go for a medical examination and I’m supposed to receive my carte that day. Easy-peasy.
Or so I thought until I received a letter yesterday telling me July 15th consists of a half-day of instruction on French civic training—Liberté! Egalité! Fraternité!—and information about life in France. And I’m going to be assessed on my level of French, speaking and writing.
What?!
Not only am I to be subjected to a medical exam by the Asia doctor (I already bitched about this on my FB and Twitter), I’m going to have to go to class and take a test?
Dman says it’s a new Sarkozy rule that all people applying for residency in France have to know how to speak French and have some basic knowledge of the country’s history. I guess I can understand that. But I kind of dislike how none of the ladies at the Prefecture managed to give me this pertinent information, just telling me that I’m having a simple medical exam. So either they don’t know or they’re not interested in freaking people out—in person, anyway.
I think my French test should go well. But due to my competitive Asian test-taking side, I’m going to have to pass with flying colors or I’m going to be pissed.
I guess there’s a reason I’m being examined by the Asia doctor.
hi Maggie,
I love reading about your adventures and seeing the world through your eyes. I’ve followed your music and career over the years and see you as a musical pioneer and inspiration for my own music. Congrats on finding love and your new baby!! I’m heading into that territory, so I’m reading intently in order to be prepared for the future.
best to you,
Melisa
Melisa,
What a sweet (and much appreciated) message! I’m going directly to your site to listen to your music. Thanks for reading, listening… and I promise “no holds barred” when it comes to letting you know about impending baby!
XO,
M