July has been a busy month. We have settled into our condominium in Brunswick and I have filled my days with dog walking, fitness, French lessons, children, and moving details. I have felt almost too busy to write but I think that is probably just an excuse. I’m doing so much that I felt unduly burdened to have to record it and share it here. Again, I think that is just an excuse. I’m tired and I struggle to get excited to share details about the bureaucracy that I now navigate. I have applied for and opened a bank account which took a lot of time and paperwork. My realtor Stella, recommended an international bank that would offer banking as well as property insurance and other services. After sending along copies of tax returns, divorce decrees, utility bills and the birth certificate of nearly everyone I have ever known, that seems to have worked out.

I also have had a great deal of fun transferring funds and currency as the dollar is finally in a favorable position for exchange with the Euro. I have sat at Bank of America attempting to wire sums of money to the currency transfer company I’m using without having a panic attack. Having never really had money, I’m unaccustomed to moving it internationally. Twice now I have had the experience of sitting with a local banker confirming IBAN codes in order to move what feels like a huge of money virtually across the world. Right before the wire is sent the banker invariably looks at me and reminds me that once she/he pushes the button to send there is no going back and they will have no way to retrieve my money if something goes amiss. One day I got so freaked out, I literally had to leave and regroup, confirm the validity of my exchange company again, get hand-held, and return to do the deed. So the money has been exchanged, and this week on July 21st, I will close on my dream house in France all while being in Maine. Initially I was told that it would be necessary that I be present at the final closing. I had also been told that it was unlikely I would close before September since the notaire would likely take the month of August off and nothing happened fast in France. Well, the notaire got through reviewing the documents in record time and was able to squeeze me in before the August break. When I indicated that I would only be able to be there in person in September as previously planned, I was told that it was no problem and that I could have it done in my absence. So much for the ceremonious hand over of keys. I am so grateful to my realtor for managing so many details and allowing me to have this summer time with my family before moving. I’ll keep you posted on the closing!