the essential
Living in France since 2023, this Californian couple finally chose to return to the United States. The reason: a lack of sociability felt among the French and the complexities of administration. But not only that.
Joanna and Ed McIsaac-Kierklo, an American couple in their sixties, had dreamed of spending their old age in the south of France, where they had settled in Nîmes after leaving California. Seduced by the sweetness of life during a two-month stay in the 2010s, they left everything to carry out their plan to move to the south of France. However, after a year, they came to a bitter conclusion, reports CNN.
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The couple quickly fell into a routine that he describes as a “nightmare.” “Every day we suffer.” even outbid Joanna. Beyond the culture shock, the couple points to a lack of sociability in France, explaining that social interactions are more distant than what they were used to in the United States.
On a gastronomic level, their disappointment is also palpable: despite their initial passion for emblematic French dishes, Joanna admits to not having appreciated the food on a daily basis.
Administrative hassles, difficulties finding a doctor…
Their frustration also increased with administrative complexities. “Things are very difficult to understand here,” laments Joanna, judging the French system incoherent. Additionally, she and her husband were disconcerted by the difficulties in obtaining medical care: after seeing six doctors, none accepted new patients. “I wish more people would show the unpleasant side of France,” says Joanna.
Disappointed, they booked a return flight to San Francisco for January, marking an end to their French dream.
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