After weeks of gathering the necessary documents to present to the VFS Center in Los Angeles (they handle French Visa applications for AZ), the final items needed were passport-sized photos. It didn’t end well the last time I had passport photos taken.
I’m not photogenic. Period. Especially when I’m not allowed to smile and my sparse lashes are bare.
My passport photo will make your eyes cross and straight hair curl. It has even brought chuckles from the most stern of customs officers, so I was not surprised when my visa photo brought a look of horror from the CVS employee assigned to the photo department. It WAS frightening. I looked like a wild animal that had fought the battle of her life to prevent capture. The photo guy offered to take another pic, but I declined. We could have taken pics all day long, and it would have been the same result. A large pair of sunglasses might have made a small difference, but who knows? I dreaded handing over those photos to the consulate (J.W. would have loved them).
In late March, Ray and I flew to LA with dossiers in hand for our visa appointments. At the appointed time, I was called to the window (imagine a small room resembling a DMV office) to start the process. We began with my passport. The agent tried to hide his shock, but I saw it. I said nothing. There was no turning back.
As he requested an item, I handed it over. He would review it, type something, and we would move on to the next document. Finally, it was time to hand over my glamour shot; I thought he was going to choke on the beverage he was sipping. As if he needed clarification, I blurted out, “It’s horrific; I hope the Consulate in Washington, D.C. has a sense of humor.” He said nothing. I became one with my chair. I turned around and looked at Ray (the man with the gorgeous visa photo) for support. He smiled and nodded.
After reviewing all my documents and filling out a few more forms, it was Ray’s turn. When Ray presented his passport, the agent visibly relaxed. There was a look of relief in our agent’s eyes when Ray slid the visa photos across the desk. I looked away…
All visas issued by France are biometric visas, meaning they capture your fingerprints and take photos. A friendly agent called my name, and I followed her into the Biometric room. The first thing she mentioned was my visa pic. She thought it was marginally better than my passport photo: we were off and running. Ray could hear our laughter as I regaled her with ‘lousy photo’ stories as she tried to capture my fingerprints. Of course, I mentioned the FBI screener in Phoenix had a difficult time capturing Ray’s fingerprints while I sailed right through. I remember she said something about karma… The photo she took was marginally better…
Of course, Ray sailed in and out with a marvelous photo and perfect fingerprints. I expected nothing less. We were advised it could take up to 15 business days for our passports to be returned via 2-day mail, so I was stunned when they arrived the following week.
Inside the Envelope
Ray’s arrived first, naturally. Patiently waiting for the courier to drive off, I turned, tore into the envelope, and grabbed his passport. Would I find the 12-month, renewable in France, long-stay visa, as we hoped, or would the paper wrapped around the passport state his application was denied? The angels sang as I looked in the passport and spotted a gorgeous French visa. Twelve months, renewable in France, he was in! I didn’t believe they would separate us, so I knew my passport would contain the same type of visa (although I did worry a bit).
My passport arrived the next day. Reaching inside the envelope, I pulled out my passport and gingerly turned the pages. I was over the moon to find my long-stay visa. As I examined it, something caught my attention, and I began to laugh until the tears flowed. The kind folks at the French Consulate in Washington, D.C., did not use the frightening photo from CVS in Phoenix; they substituted it with the photo taken in the biometric room in Los Angeles. While I was thrilled with the substitution, I believe it was more of a gift for the numerous French authorities that would be in close contact with the visa photo. I’m good with that! All I can say is, Thank you and VIVA LA FRANCE!
What Now?
It has been a busy few months. We sold our house in April (first offer) and closed a couple of weeks ago; I sold my car the same day. The movers packed up our home last week; our belongings are headed to Marseille, where they’ll clear customs. Finally, they will be loaded onto three small trucks for the drive to Pezenas. Our street is too narrow to accommodate a large truck!
Ray retired last week! Woohoo, and lots of happy dancing! He has been counting down since January; we never thought this day would come.
So, after embroidering countless stockings and pillows over the years with the phrases, “There is no place like home unless it is France” and “My other Chateau is in France,” that dream finally came true. It’s bittersweet, J.W. would have loved this move, but he is with us.
I can’t believe we are traveling with checked bags!
We finished our ‘Get Outta Dodge, Farewell Tour’ relaxing at a local resort. The chill time was necessary for sanity’s sake. Really. Tomorrow, we’ll be on our way to France to begin the next chapter. YAY!!
If you’ve read this far, thank you! Who knows, maybe we will meet in France… Someday.
This is soooo amazing!!! Congratulations on your dream coming true!
xxx
Jackie
Jackie!!! Thank you, my dear. I truly hope you come to visit. Pezenas has amazing vintage shops and fleas! You would love it. XXOO
Best post ever, Barb! You had me laughing out loud describing your passport & visa photos. A lot of us have the same problem, you’re not alone.
I’m so happy that you & Ray have followed your dream & will be on your way to your new home tomorrow! I’ll be thinking of you two & sending love & my best wishes for much happiness, peace, & fun adventures! Keep in touch & Love you Lady! XXOO
Thank you, Sue! If you could have seen the agent’s face, OMG. I know they appreciate ‘beautiful things,’ but they need to consider those of us who are “photo challenged.” I am so excited, but a tad bit anxious. I hope our flat is magical and can expand (storage could be a tiny issue). Please, please, please, come and visit. We would have the best time. Ever. You can’t get rid of me…kind of like a bad penny. I love you too Lady. Make that Madame Sue!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Sue, I’ll drive
What a great post! So happy to hear your way to your happily ever after. ❤️
Thank you, Laurie! I believe I’ll be pinching myself for a long time. XX
How wonderful!!! Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Penny!! Hi!! Thank you for stopping by. We are so excited about our new life in France; let the adventures begin. XX
I am so thrilled for you Barb! Dreams do come true and you are the living proof. Keep us posted on your new adventure, your writing takes us with you.
I chuckled over your photo post. You are one of the most beautiful, stylish, and fabulous women I know. But, passport photos are another story! Totally get it.
Much love to you on this exciting new chapter.
xoxo Mar
Thank you, Mar! I am hoping the OFFI people are relieved when they realize I look slightly different from my visa pic. You and Donny need to visit: you’d fall in love with this part of France. Fantastic antique shops and brocantes. XXX
Loved reading your post and wishing you and Ray so many happy memories to be made in your new home. Yay!!!!!
We will always be “chasing the next chapter”❣️ xox
Thank you, Susan! I am believing you’ll be able to visit; I’m not ruling it out! XX
Such an inspiring story! Felicitations et bonne continuation!
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for visiting and commenting; it’s appreciated. It’s been an exciting few months, for sure. Crazy, but exciting. Now, the next phase begins.
Barb,
I don’t even know you but I am excited for you! A new “follower” of yours on Instagram, I’ve discovered your blog and look forward to devouring every entry. Your love for France and all things French, well, we could perhaps be long-lost sisters for sure!
I look forward to hearing more and best wishes!
Vickie in Massachusetts
Hi Vicky!
Thank you for finding me, reading the blog, and commenting. I appreciate it!
We arrived in Pezenas today… that is a tale in itself. We are smitten; so picturesque with super friendly residents. The town is an excellent fit. When we walked by our building, folks were snapping pics, as I did last year (I had no idea we’d be living there).
Well, my long-lost sister, please visit. I’d love to meet you.
Such a wonderful post! So much anticipation and excitement! Best of luck. Looking forward to many posts from France 🙂
Thank you for stopping by and commenting; it’s always appreciated. This journey has been a longggg time in the making, it feels like a dream!
Dearest Barb,
Good grief those ‘horror pass-photo shots’!
So glad that you both pulled it off and got all the paper work lined up.
People that never did immigrate have no inkling how much paper work is involved!
So this means that we’ve been very close to each other in Europe… We departed Bucharest airport on June 13, for Amsterdam.
Flew back the day after our FINAL Father’s Day and now we both are recovering from a very tough and nasty acute bronchitis that was at its peak while in Bulgaria. Needless to say that with Pieter’s weak heart condition we did not want to get involved there in medical complications but get out to The Netherlands and back to the USA.
Hope the antibiotics will do their job soon and that I gain my 6 pounds back! Feeling so very weak and needing to take naps in the afternoon.
Sending you hugs and best wishes for the settling in. Sounds like us moving to Italy in 1989…
Mariette
Hi Marriette,
The paperwork continues… French customs, dear Lord!
It would have been great to see each other while you two were in Europe; what a treat it would have been!
What a time you’ve had. I’m so glad you made it back to the US okay, but traveling while ill is challenging. REST!! You are so tiny, my dear, so 6 pounds down is huge. I’m praying both of you will be feeling better soon. REST- both of you.
Take good care, you are loved.
XXXOOO,
B
❤️❤️
XXOO Mariette!
Well, the resting is not yet taking place the way I ought to dearest Barb as on June 30, Dad suddenly died in his chair in his garden…
Turns out I was the only one out of seven siblings that said her final goodbye, as I’ve done so the other 65 visits home to see my Parents or one Parent.
It has left me with a grateful feeling inside my heart.
Dad got cremated on July 5 and had no Mass but he got a perfect Memorial Mass here at a local Church where he knelt with Mom and us in 1996 (when he also sang a solo) and in 2005 during their longer and final stay here, with Pieter accompanying him at the organ. That leaves me very grateful for having sent him off the way he got involved sending Mom off with a solemn Requiem Mass.
They are united in heaven and no doubt my older sister is very happy!
Big hugs to you and hope you’re now past all the legal documents…
Mariette
Oh, Mariette, my heart hurts for you. What a trying time. It’s not easy losing your parents, but I know he is with your mom celebrating their sweet reunion.
We’ve had a trying few months. Ray’s sister passed away, and although she was ill, it was unexpected. She was just shy of her 61st birthday. Ray is the last of the siblings; parents also are gone. She adored J.W, so they’re probably hanging out.
The paperwork continues. We are now official for one year as we’ve passed our OFFI Medical Exam. Now, I’m gathering documents to apply for our Carte Vital. It’s ongoing…
Take care, dear friend. Give Pieter a big hug from us.
XX,
B
Dearest Barb,
That is a lot of emotional stress for you both…
Ray now being the last one of his family is something but so is Pieter, only he’s a lot older.
The paperwork is nearly killing you and from Brussels in the EU they invent more and more nasty little rules…
A tight hug,
Mariette
Hi Mariette,
It has been stressful for sure, but we are holding up!
Hopefully, we will continue to do so! Whew…lots more ‘highlights’ as J.W. called my gray hairs.
Seriously though, I enjoy living here. Thank goodness, hehe.
Take care; stay well — both of you.
Much love
Dearest Barb,
So sad to read about Ray’s sister and also the fact that he now is the only surviving in his family – just like Pieter is.
The paperwork, especially under the rule from Brussels in the EU, is ridiculous.
Hope you manage and also that it does not cause any unnecessary stress on you both.
Big all around hugs for you both!
Mariette & Pieter
Dear Mariette,
Thank you! Pieter and Ray have one more thing in common.
The rules, the paperwork is mindboggling! The dossier for French health care (phase one) is ready to mail. I’m so relieved; we celebrated last night.
Now, I can gather the necessary papers for phase two (financial). They require two-year tax returns, six months of all bank statements, and so much more. Living here full-time is a serious commitment.
Take care dear friend.
Hugs for you both!
XXOO