Saturday, March 27, 2010

Plus Encore


Paris, we must sit down.  We must talk.  Every time you are about to hear those words you long to hear.  Those three English words, (two in the language devoted to contractions), you blow it.  You start a fight.  You walk out too early.  You don’t call.  You fall asleep.

You’re in bed with another.  Multiple anothers.

“Don’t burn the house down…”

In Paris, apartment insurance is mandatory.  Given the history of Europe, apparent lax fire codes, and Parisian fondness for smoking, this regulation proves wise.  Burglary is another nuisance.  Red wine is difficult to get out of carpets, couches, and ceilings.

Thus before you move in, you must purchase insurance and prove it.

“… seriously, just found out the insurance company cashed the check but decided not to cover us…”

However, the insurance provider must approve you.  There seemingly is no time limit.  You pay, they can choose whenever to drop you.  For example, 10 months into a 12 month contract.

Le sigh.

Like always, the devil is in details.  There was an issue with the first check sent to the company.  Normally, then, if you send another check, and the company cashes, it everyone is happy.  Not in this case.  The company took the cash.  However, through a fault in their AR process, there is no insurance.

Not sure how that worked.

First order of business, legal compliance, especially since Carte de Séjour renewal time is near.

Here’s to avoiding deportation.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Le Greve (or Time Off)

You may have noticed there was no post this weekend.  This was not accidental.  In solidarity with the air traffic controllers, this blog is on strike.


Or, just some time away is in order.  There is more to come, but from time to time, some catching up is in order.


See you in a week or two.