Since October I've been preparing for my journey - my move to Paris. But I could only do so much because I first have to receive a long-stay visa from France. Although I cannot think of any reason I'd be denied the visa - I couldn't do many things because of the "what if" ...
An appointment with the French Consulate (Los Angeles) can only be made, no more than 3 months before you wish to enter the country - so, since my plan is to arrive in Paris on September 1st I made my appointment for June 1st (today) .... of course, just making the appointment was an adventure as it is only done online - and they don't just open up a calendar, I ended up checking everyday for weeks so that I could get June 1st ...
Because you have to "make an appointment" I thought that I'd be meeting with a person and having an interview on why I wanted to move to France - silly me! All the sleepless nights in worried panic were for nothing ... I did speak to a person, she sat on a stool at her desk with a wall of plexi-glass separating us .... she had an open pass through in the plexi-glass and all she wanted were the required documents (3 pages of instructions on what to take, how many copies, etc), my fingerprints, my picture and my money .....
I'd like to say it went well - and it did, to a point .... she rejected my proof of medical insurance ... Although Kaiser covers me anywhere I travel apparently that isn't the kind of insurance they're looking for ..... so she told me she'd take my visa application (and all the associated paperwork) but it would not be processed until I sent them (via e-mail, thank goodness) I don't have to drive back up to Los Angeles) the correct medical insurance coverage ....
I drove back to San Diego determined that I'd get what they need by the end of the week so that I can get a firm "yes" that I've got my visa and I can really start/finish what needs to be done so I can go ...
Long story short (well, maybe) .... I got home in the early afternoon and by 4pm I had purchased the correct medical insurance (hmmm ... really wasn't ready for that expense - ahhhhh) and have already sent them proof .... now, within 2 weeks I should have my answer!
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