Sunday, January 6, 2019

Barge Date:  11-22-2018

Yes, I made it.

So you have been holding your breath, wondering if I was languishing in a French prison or exiled to Napoleon's favorite island. No, not that at all.

Arrived at the airport and scouted out where I have to be the next morning. In doing so, I discover
what the shuttle train is called and where to find it (not as nice as Atlanta's). Look for CDGVAL; seems to be opposite side from tarmac. If you have to go from terminal to terminal in a short time you must take the shuttle. Have dinner with a lot of other tourists at the hotel and I bet all will be descending on the airport at the same time as me.

Nearly first in line the next day.  The guy behind me has an interestedly shaped carry on and I ask about it.  Would you believe a professional kite flyer who travels the world so he can fly at interest sites.  Some times you don't know what the next guy has in his bags, so ask.

Once Air France got the baggage conveyer going it was easy until the dreaded passport control. I passed over my passport and I could immediately see a raised eyebrow.  She asked where I live - a trick question.  I responded Thomasville, GA.  Three ladies just behind joined the conversation by says "we live in Tallahassee".  I think the friendly distraction made me seem more human.  Anyway, I threw in that I had had a residence permit for Belgium good through July to make her counting of days more interesting.  She asked for the Belgium card which I did not have because it had to be returned but I did offered a photocopy of the card.  Golden.  Have a nice trip.

Was home in time for the next hurricane. Lucky me.

In a few days I will visit the French consulate in Atlanta to apply for a French long-stay (more than 180 days) visa.  While we are in France this seems to be the best option.  Will be a type that takes into consideration that my wife is an EU citizen.  I have all the documents but I am planning on something going amiss and then needing a second visit.  But the paperwork should be done quickly (they are now using an outside company to do the grunt work) and I should have what I need in 3 weeks time.

Hope to return April 1, 2019 but the kids will be making it difficult for a solid stay. LiQiong graduates at the end of May and Andrew and Christina will be married in early July.  So probably will return to France only after the wedding.

Stay tuned.  2019 promises to be a great year in France.