Nouvelle Addresse

 I have a new address.  Or rather, I will FINALLY have a new address on Monday, August 22, when I meet with the inventory specialist and get the keys to my new, two-bedroom apartment.  This has been quite the learning experience, and I am sure there is more to come.  Today I signed the contract and paid: the agency fee, the security deposit, the partial rent from August 22 through August 31, the September rent (although they assure me that check will not be cashed until September) and the check for the services of the inventory expert.  I spent an hour being schooled in French rental laws from the viewpoint of the tenant.  I learned how to write out a French check--yes it is markedly different than a US check, and furthermore, the amounts have to be written in -----French!

I have to go to my insurance agency this afternoon and get a certificate of habitation insurance for my new address--the certificate I have has my current address on it.  Then I start the process of getting the electric turned on in my name--that should be the adventure, just by itself.  I still have some money left, after all the check writing this morning, in my French bank account, which is a good thing.  I have a feeling that the electric company will want a deposit.  It's interesting here--several electric companies compete for one's business, but I will do whatever is easiest, probably EDF, which is the biggest and longest-established of the companies.  

It's time to find phone/internet/tv.  I thought I saw a connection for a land line, which would please me no end.  I think I will go with Orange, as someone told me SFR is on the ropes.  They are the carrier for my cell phone, and the service is particularly lousy.

Then I need to go to the tax office and find out where, how and how much habitation tax I need to pay.  I have to go there anyway, to finalize getting my visitor's tax stamps for my visa renewal.  August is going down as an expensive month, but I knew it was coming and had prepared for it.  

Fortunately, I have time to get this done. I have "double booked" my new and my old apartment for about a month, so I can still use my current place until September 20.  An unfurnished apartment in France means just that--to the bare walls.  I am lucky in that there are some cabinets and shelves in the kitchen.  I will need to buy appliances, but they are not as expensive here as they are in the US, and are actually more energy efficient.  I found a good price for the big ones--washer, fridge, stove/oven combination and maybe a dishwasher, and they can be delivered.  That's a big factor for me.  Then I can turn my mind toward furnishings...and some of my Carcassonne friends are over the moon about getting to furnish MY apartment. 

I am trying to get excited, but still it seems that there are a lot of hurdles to clear before I can truly feel more than anxious.  Once the power is turned on and I have the keys, then perhaps, I will feel excited about my first true French nest.  But I am making progress.  Now it's off to the insurance company.

I have not been able to take photos of my own, but for those who want to see it bare walls, I have enclosed the link to the agency's website and their photos of the place.

http://www.guyhoquet-immobilier-carcassonne.com/annonces-immobilieres/location/appartement/3-pieces/carcassonne-11000/2788227.aspx?ideo=8258864&nrpp=11