About MamanKangourou

Currently Lives:

Loire Valley, Loire Valley, France

Citizen of:

Australia

Some Forum Posts:

France: Help! Baby in Paris:

hi sfless... here's a link to a (hopefully) helpful thread on the topic! http://bbs.babycenter.com/board/baby/babyfamily/1379791/thread/2243788 Good luck, et bienvenue! kanga :)

France: Relocating to Paris:

Hi Tjain, rents in Paris are SERIOUSLY EXPENSIVE! so go for top dollar here. To get some idea, have a look at www.fusac.fr or www.lesiteimmobilier.com for rents. Do you know if you want to live in the centre of Paris or the outskirts? If you're thinking the burbs... think the west of Paris which is leafier and nicer and a little more spacious. One thing to look out for when renting is that many apartments for rent don't have a fully equipped kitchen. You often have to buy the cupboards and stove and fridge and everything which can really add up! In the centre of Paris I can personally recommend the 15th or 14th as very nice places to live. Forget anything in the 7th or lower numbers as they as really really really expensive. Don't worry about things like a car in your package. Parking spaces are so rare that if you do find one, you will NEVER move your car! and the metro network is fantastic anyway, so no real need for one. Paris is also extremely expensive. Here are some guidelines. If you eat out a lot, you'll go through something like 40 euros for a cheapeat for two and the sky is the limit if you go for something classier. A coffee will cost you something around 3 euros in the centre of Paris. And a beer will cost anything from 3.50 to 6 euros (yes, the same beer!). The International Herald Tribune (newspaper in English) is about 2 euros I think (we have a subscription so not sure what the newstand price is). The variety of foods is I think a bit limited, but you can find good asian and fresh produce in chinatown in the 13 arrondisement (Tang Freres is a bit of a tourist trap, but there are other big supermarkets around it). You're Indian right? be prepared for the mildest Indian curries you've ever tasted (it's like they don't put any spice in at all, just wave the jar over the curry...lol). Health insurance is vital for you as a non-citizen, as you won't be re-imbursed by the secu (govt welfare system) so go for the max coverage on that. And finally, do you already speak French? If not, get cracking now! You will really need to know as much as you can before you get here. It will make such a difference to your first few months. Can't help you with the tax, sorry. All I can say is go for as much as you can get (and if the company pays for things like your health cover and rent ... great ! make sure you still get a high living away from home allowance). Hope all this helps. Good luck ! Kanga :)

Australia: Moving w/ kids! Dealing w/ Grandparents!:

Hi Angus, I understand your situation - and you have my sympathies! I'm an aussie, my husband is French and we are currently living in France but about to relocate back down under in a few months. First and foremost, things just aren't working out for us in France, but I'm afraid that the number two reason for moving has become the in-laws. Not only are they unsympathetic, they have become downright aggressive! We had plans of keeping in touch over the msn chat network, with webcams and sending regular pictures and updates to all the family here in France. Instead, my hubby and I have cut off all contact with the IL's themselves as they are just unbearable (not just for their reaction, they have other problems as well). Obviously, this is an extreme case and need not happen in your situation. I found a particular website very helpful in just being able to vent, or in knowing that I'm not alone in having problem IL's - checkout www.babycenter.com and the bulletin boards there. here's the link http://bbs.babycenter.com/board/baby/babyfamily/6687 Something weird happens to some people when they become grandparents... Anyway, good luck ... and if you need to vent - feel free! I'll listen. lol. Kanga :)

Australia: Advice on coming to Oz:

Hi Cinders... congrats on getting into the course. In response to your Sydney vs. Melbourne question - there is a lot going for both cities. I'm a Sydney girl (although currently expat in France), but prior to moving, I visited Melbourne at least once a year just for fun and always have a great time there. Sport (the watching of it, at least, if not playing of it) is huge in oz. I think they are more fanatical about it in Melbourne. Dining out is pretty much a sport of its own in both cities, and the food and variety of cuisine is brilliant. Both cities are not far from wine growing regions and mountains and countryside. Sydney is way more expensive than Melbourne. Real estate prices in particular in Sydney are ridiculous (either buying or renting). The transport network in Melbourne seems to me to be more efficient. The trams are great. Sydney is currently experiencing (and has been since the Olympics) some serious problems with trains, traffic and buses (take a look at the www.smh.com.au Campaign for Sydney to get an insider's perspective). I also find Sydney to be a bit more pretentious than Melbourne - I think Sydneysiders take themselves a bit too seriously. Having said that though, Sydney has better, more easily accessible beaches. Sydney has the most beautiful harbour in the world (poor Melbourne just has a river). The average temps in Sydney are warmer (Melbourne is bloody cold in winter). Good luck in oz!

Date Joined:

7/19/2005

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