Author Archives: kmazz

Unknown's avatar

About kmazz

I spend as much time as possible pursuing my interests in global culture, photography, arts and politics.

Le Bain de Noël

Posted on December 22, 2024 by kmazz

For however long, Nice has been the site of an annual Christmas jump in the Mediterranean Sea. Today was the first time I attended, as an observer. It was noisier than I had expected, with a DJ and announcer on … Continue reading →

Posted in christmas, expat, expat in France, expat life, France, French Riviera, Holidays, le bain de noël, Nice, France, Noël | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

L’Accueil des Villes Françaises (AVF)

Posted on December 20, 2024 by kmazz

In cities all over France, there is a variant of the US Welcome Wagons called the AVF. They are wonderful volunteer-led associations that create programming in culture, sport, language and technology with the aim of bringing newcomers and more long-term … Continue reading →

Posted in expat, expat in France, expat life, France, Le Haut Pays, Nice, France, rural France | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

La Carte De Resident de Longue Durée

Posted on December 1, 2024 by kmazz

A day I thought would never arrive was announced by text from the Préfecture of Nice. “Your resident card is ready for pick up. Tax to pay: 225.” While in 2024 I had become eligible to apply for a ten-year … Continue reading →

Posted in expat, expat in France, expat life, France, French elections | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

La Salle de Sport

Posted on October 1, 2024 by kmazz

For months now, I’ve been fighting the morning dread, the inertia, my distaste for gyms in general, to regularly attend classes at a local gym. My doctor needled, my neighbor importuned and my own guilty conscience nagged me into finally … Continue reading →

Posted in expat, expat in France, expat life, France, French elections, Nice, France, VotefromAbroad | Tagged | 6 Comments

Les extrêmes

Posted on June 24, 2024 by kmazz

Through the thick air from my open windows, I hear seagulls screech, a newborn’s wail, the blasting of music from someone’s car and occasional outbursts from the denizens of the corner cafe behind my building. During the relative quiet of … Continue reading →

Posted in expat, expat in France, expat life, France, French elections, Nice, France | 6 Comments