Radio Silence (Apologies)

In spite of most rumors, France is a capitalist country. The country may have socialized medicine, public transportation, five weeks of vacation, and other socialist tendencies, but the free market is still alive. You have the choice to spend your money anywhere you choose. You have the choice to sell to anyone you choose.

And many of the French, it seems, are choosy.

I concede, the word “choosy” may be a bit unfair. Conservative is more appropriate. If living in France teaches you anything, it is how easy you have it for certain things in the US, including:

1.) Opening a bank account

2.) Obtaining a cell phone

3.) Renting an apartment

4.) Getting your metro pass

5.) Dealing with an internet provider

Many things are much harder to get here than in the US. Cell phones require a bank account, bank card, lease agreement, and passport. Bank accounts require a passport, lease agreement, employment contract, and about a thousand signatures and ten-thousand initials. Renting an apartment – be prepared to go to the cleaners. The rules also change depending on who reveals them.

Thus, many things are difficult to get, and the radio has been silent for far too long. This blog will get on some regular schedule as regular internet becomes available. Until then, expect some chop.