It's Here!

It's here!! My French Visa actually beat me home from vacation this weekend! This means I get to actually purchase my airfare, and that my departure date is aiming to be August 4th.

10 days.

10 days to pack for 4 months, clean my room, do laundry, figure out my August travels. I'd better get to work.

One Step Closer...

An excerpt from an e-mail I received last week:

"Bonjour Mademoiselle R. ,

I am very pleased to inform you that I have just received the approval to issue you a long stay visa in order establish yourself in France."

*insert loud squeal here*

Also in the e-mail were instructions on setting up an appointment at the French Consulate in Miami, along with the forms I'll need to fill out and bring with me.

At 10:30am on Thursday morning, I'll be in Miami, sitting at the French Consulate, one step closer to my move. From what I hear, the wait time is 2-3 weeks from when you apply for your long stay visa to when it's approved.

Projected Date of Departure (Europe): August 12th or 13th.

Days left until 1st day in France : 42

Waiting Game...

I got my approval from the French Department of Labor that says I'm able to go over as a wage worker! My host mom had to put up a fight with them, but after almost 7 weeks of waiting, it was finally given the positive rating. The best part about it is that there is no time limit, unlike the regular au pair visa which only lets you stay for a year. This also allows me to have a part time job if I choose!

I'm now anxiously awaiting paperwork from the French Consulate in Miami. What I'm hoping is that since I already have approval from France, that I don't have to go apply for a visa. But I'm a little excited to go to Miami, since I've never been.... I'm dying to take pictures of South Beach's Art Deco buildings and sample some delicious food!