Well mes amis, here we are: the end of the line. France and I must say au revoir. What a wild and wacky time it has been. I’d have to say that my two years in France have been … weird. A good weird, as in completely different from my life before France, but weird nonetheless. I had no idea what to expect and I’ve learned that there’s no other way for me to roll.
Of course I didn’t do half the things I’d planned on doing. I didn’t see every corner of France. I didn’t eat every delicacy on offer in this mecca of bizarre cuisine. And I didn’t become fluent in French, not even close. But I did meet many extraordinary people and I learned how to offend a lot of them with my well intentioned yet vulgar phrases.
I studied this fascinating culture and I learned many things about this marvelous country. I experienced the incredible French health care system. I trespassed on a few fine estates. I got sweaty with a gaggle of French bodybuilders. I was called out as a vagina owner in a packed pharmacy. I stood in a field of sunflowers taller than me during one of my many moments of existential angst. And I wrote a book. Overall, not bad I’d say.
But all things must end and I’m ready to be existentially anxious in a new place. Come 7 a.m. Monday morning Rusty and I will embark on what may prove to be our toughest transition yet. We have to pack as the movers load, drive 4 hours to the Swiss border, pass a full customs inspection, go over the apartment with a fine tooth comb with the rental agent (the Swiss way is one of rigorous standards in all things) and then begin the set-up. The next day we have to register with the authorities and then tackle the tasks of health insurance, driver’s licences, vehicle importation and full psychiatric assessments, obviously.
I’ll be going offline for a while. Now, don’t look at me like that. Our apartment won’t even have lights (Europeans take EVERYTHING with them when they move) so you can imagine internet service may not be first on our list of priorities. That said, if you don’t hear from me after two weeks, send a few RCMP officers over to the customs office in Vallorbe where I’ll be incarcerated for trying to smuggle in 20 bottles of Miracle Whip.
Anyway, I’ve had a grand time and I hope you have too. I know some of you don’t look too kindly on my abandoning La République, but that’s just because you don’t know my little corner of Switzerland yet. Trust me, you’re going to love it. I don’t know how long this blog will endure (or what to call it now) and I don’t know if there will be another book (tell everyone you know to buy the first one and the chances of a second improve), but for now my plan is to continue telling our story to anyone who cares to listen.
Merci France for hosting us so well and merci beaucoup to all of you for coming along for the ride. See you on the other side.
I care to listen, you crazy vagina owner.
Bonne chance et bon courage. See you on the other side.
Here’s to an easy move! Semur will miss you.
I’ll look forward to following your escapades in Switzerland. Good luck as you move on to your new adventure! You mentioned you will miss the many intersting folks you meet in Semur. I’ll bet they feel the same about you!
Safe move, Bobbi!
I can’t wait to hear about your new adventures! And shoes!
Ok…that must have been a sad one to write !
Good luck and I look forward to hearing about your next adventure. I hear the Swiss have good chocolate and there is comfort in that.
Looking forward to reading about your (mis)adventures in Vevey! That area is wonderful, great wines, good food, fab location. Bonne chance, in that funny Franco-Swiss accent.
Bonne Chance! Enjoy it all.. will miss reading your blog so get the power on first! :)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You, my dear, inspire.
Safe passage. And, yes, see you on the other side.
You could call it To France and Beyond…
Mostly lurker, sometime commenter here. I hope you keep blogging – and post lots of pictures of the new digs!
oh my god, that fits so perfectly! although i would change it to “to switzerland and beyond!”
oh bobbi, have a super safe trip, i am sure that one look at you will convince the swiss authorities that you are only a threat to the daily grumpiness of the overworked! do not dare to give up on your blog, we will be faithfully awaiting your return from the internet-less sea of chocolate!
Bon Vayage!
Und, herzlich Willkommen in der Schweiz!
Good luck with the move. It’s true that I feel a bit disappointed of you deserting France but I look forward to your new adventures in Switzerland.
Bon chance with all that you face in the coming weeks….if anyone can Whip up a few Miracles it is you my dear.. Say hi to Heidi for me ( one of my absolutely favorite childhood books) and I look forward to seeing you on the other side too…how about “Chocolate, Cheese and Clocks”…(I said clocks).
Safe trip my friend. Looking forward to reading about your new adventure! Hugs
Your sense of humour is what keeps me coming back, and I’m pretty sure it will remain in place no matter where you go :)
Good luck with the move; looking forward to hearing about your brand new adventure!
Safe trip and happy move, Bobbi! We’re all excited for you and would be coming along to help/observe/chatter with you if we could.
Bobbi, thanx for your terrific first book, and for the next one too when and if that happens. You are gutsy/courageous/bold and best of luck with the move. You deserved all the good breaks you got in France, and will get in your new Country. Bon Chance!!
Bon voyage and bon chance. I do hope you’ll keep us up to speed on life on the other side of the border. I’ve enjoyed reading of your adventures even if I didn’t have time to comment.
We’ll be waiting on the other side with prosecco! Auguroni to yourself and Rusty!
Withdrawal. I’m suffering from Finder’s Withdrawal. You are on such a thrilling quest and I live vicariously through your gumption so I’ll just have to sit here, gathering dust on the dull Long Island Sound, until you come back and make life interesting again.
Finding Me on a New Frontier?
This post slipped by me, so I’m late to the party wishing you a happy move. Which is probably already behind you. Can’t wait to hear all about your new adventures.
XO