We made it, friends!

We are in Orléans for the next 5+ weeks, exploring neighborhoods, produce markets, shops, and bakeries. We’re trying out our French on the locals when we can. Greg starts conversations with “Je parle Français très mal” (in English: I speak French very badly) and has so far found that some humility is welcomed as is the effort to try to speak French.

The apartment we are staying in is from about 1500, when they built what are called “half timbered houses.” Check out the photo of the insane stairs, none of which are the same height or depth, that we must climb to get to our apartment.

We got three really important Day 1 things done today:

• Validated our 1-year visas so we are recognized as temporary residents of France now. This also starts the 90-day clock on enabling us to apply for medical benefits.
• Got our new French cell phone plans and phone numbers. We went all out and got the full unlimited plan that costs us a whopping €19.99 each per month (about $23 with current exchange rates). Internet for your home here is about that same price which is so amazing after paying T-Mobile and Comcast prices.
• Shopped for groceries for our little apartment. It’s going to take us a while to figure out how to eat a bit differently here because almost nothing is the same as in the U.S,, but so far, so good!

Now we’re a bit jet lagged (9 hours ahead), but happy to be here!

“À bientôt!” (see you later!)