Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

What did you do before you came to France, becky? Were you working or studying, what things are you interested in?

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

"Just up the road" in North Hérault.
I'm sure that Perpignan's got a lot more to offer than my neck of the woods! In my village of 1100 souls there are more than a dozen activities to cater for most, and many more in the nearest town.
You're being coy about your bf's own activities. Without wishing to pry, it doesn't sound as though he is "keeping" you. If you're living on your savings, without any work prospects, and homesick, then, in your place, I might be inclined to return to Yorkshire for a while, to think about my future.
Meanwhile, get your bf to accompany you to the Mairie for the list of Clubs and Associations! :) And find some way of officially justifying your domicile! IMO you need private healthcare insurance if your bf can't name you as dependant on his.

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

I worked as a cashier in a bank which was indeed okay but a little dreary at times, i've always kind of drifted as i've never really know what i've wanted as a career. I did train at college in hair and beauty and after i worked in retail, then admin for a construction company then the bank job.

I'm interested in working with children or maybe in the beauty industry or something like that as i'm forever buying product after product etc But until i learn the language chances are slim haha!

I love keeping fit, cooking and eating out, movies, socialising, reading, yoga, nature/animals

What do you now work as?

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Yes i suppose, i just need to get out and about! I am quite a shy person especially when i can't really speak to people. He plays rugby and helps his dad with his work sometimes but he is also looking for a new job! He certainly does keep me, he pays for most things which i don't like depending on someone. I'm certainly grateful for him, although i struggle with not living the life i did back in England as had my own friends, money to spend on what I wanted and now I have to be very careful with everything i spend. Sorry to sound like a moaning minnie think i've just hit a rough patch luckily i'm having a week in England soon so that should re charge my batteries.

Also i'm needing to re insure my car fairly soon, would i need to change something on my English car? i.e number plates, lights etc

Bonne journee!

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Yes you should find out about registering your car in France, if you intend to commit to living here permanently.

From what you've said it sounds a bit as if you're not entirely sure in your own mind where you'd rather be. None of my business I know, but it's your life to do what you want with, don't let anyone try to take it over. You owe it to yourself not to waste the best years of your life kicking your heels in one place and wishing you were somewhere else. There are too many people doing that and putting on a brave front and IMHO it's not the way to be happy. Anyway lecture over, like you say we all go through bad patches.

I probably wouldn't recognise Leeds these days, it's more than 10 years since I was there. I used to work night shifts at Yorkshire AutoTrader which was near Yorkshire Television centre, opposite the bus station, just down from the Playhouse. I don't even know if the building is still there, that part has probably been redeveloped, it kind of felt ready for it. I used to start work at 7 in the evening and I was usually late, and as I ran across the road at the crossing I very often used to nearly crash into Paul What's his name that used to read the weather on YTV, the one that wore fancy ties (well he still might for all I know). He obviously didn't believe in hanging about after his job was done and he was usually running across the road in the other direction at one minute past seven.
There's my trip down memory lane for today ;)

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Have to agree with this. Use your week in England among family and friends, to think seriously about your future.
Meanwhile, who does your bf play for? I adore rugby and would be at every match! Couldn't you join up with the other wives/gf's and make friends there?
All the best, and let us know if you feel better about living in France but need advice from fellow expats.:)

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Hello again,

I did go and have a look at the "Puma thing", & looks like Becky can get her own cover on the basis of being resident in France, even unemployed. Here's the link (sorry I can't find an English version):
Le portail du service public de la Sécurité sociale / La mise en place de la Protection (...)

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

I now live in Quebec. At various times in the past I lived in various places in France :).

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Hi Becky!

just dropping in to say hello! It can be tough going at first. Sounds like DMU and shirtback are giving you good advice. A slightly different note... I have a friend who lives in Perpignan, she's from Yorkshire too and married to a french guy. She's got a wedding business going on and the other week she was asking us if we knew an english speaking beautician/hairstylist. Might this be something you would take a look at?

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Thankyou! I shall definitely get my bf to take a look at this. Hope your having a good weekend 😊

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Ahh mayn you are so lucky! I'd love to live in Canada!!

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Hi, I couldn't open this link, but it should be added to the FAQs "Healthcare" thread!!:thumbup:

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Hello there!! Ahh cool, nice to know of other English in Perpignan! I've not met one yet haha

Yes it's something I'm passionate about more the beauty aspect but I am interested and would like to know more! I haven't done it for work for a few years but I do it for friends and family often!

Happy Sunday!

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

I missed your post about your qualifications! You should really concentrate on getting your French together, as there are probably a lot of English-speaking French beauticians/hairdressers giving stiff competition for any jobs going, if pf's friends' opportunity doesn't lead to anything. To keep your hand in, why not offer your (free) services to the rugby club's womenfolk once you've got to know them?
And a Bon Dimanche to you!:)

Re: Lost in Perpignan
 

Added.