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 Jeff Steiner's Americans in France.Resource for people that would like to live or travel in France. |
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NewsletterMarch 2013
Sunset in the French Alps
I took this photo near my house in the small ski resort of Orange. It was a cloudy day but the sun did appear just in time for sunset!
Madame le Maire
After the presidential and legislative elections of 2012, 2013 is a quiet year for elections with none scheduled until 2014. Then the cycle starts again, with municipal elections on March 9th and 16th and European Parliament elections in June.
In Paris it's increasingly likely there will be the first woman mayor - Madame le Maire. Present mayor, Bertrand Delanoë, announced he will not seek reelection in 2014 after two terms. Mayoral terms in France are six years. Delanoë is backing Anne Hidalgo, who seems to be the front runner on the left. Green Party Minister of Housing, Cécile Duflo, is considering running.
On the right there are two women candidates. Rachida Dati former Minister of Justice, now a European Member of Parliament and ex-minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet (NKM). NKM served as spokeswoman for Nicolas Sarkozy's presidential campaign in 2012. Former PM François Fillon seemed to be interested in running in 2014 but declined. If a woman is elected, she'll be the most visible woman politician in France. This position could trigger a run for president, most likely in 2022.
Delanoë is very popular. He easily won reelection in 2008. His popularity does give Hidalgo an advantage. But until Delanoë's election in 2001, Paris was controlled by the right. If President François Hollande continues to be unpopular, that could drag down the left vote. But the right has it's own problems: the contest between Dati and NKM could turn into a proxy contest between François Fillon (supports NKM) and Jean-François Copé (supports Dati). Their end year end battle for head of the largest party on the right the UMP, may splinter voters. The right has promised an American style primary to chose its candidate for 2014. That would be a first for mayoral election in France and could built momentum for the general election.
PhotoFly Travel Club
Run by Steve Juba, an experienced traveler and professional, planning unique adventures around the world for over 5 years. The club is great for solo travelers and friends that want to experience group travel in an authentic and intimate way without all the touristy crap! They go on trips around the world every month and the group is totally free to be a part of! Learn more about them at www.photoflytravel.com.
Quiz answer
Here's the answer to last month's quiz: Louis Chevrolet. It was in Beaune that Chevrolet became interested in mechanics and met racer William K. Vanderbilt. It's unclear how they met but one of the more interesting stories has it that Chevrolet fixed the tricycle of Vanderbilt's son and Vanderbilt was so impressed he invited Chevrolet to the US.
Currencies Direct & Tour de Finance
Last month I talk with Cosette Cutrara of Currencies Direct and how they can help and save you money with currency transfers. We talked again a few weeks later about the Tour de Finance Currencies Direct is organizing in 10 French cities from March 18th to April 12th. What's nice about the Tour de Finance is that it's not just about finance but there will also be expat information about France related to taxes, pensions, mortgages, healthcare and schools. I'll be stopping by the Lyon event on March 18th.
Tour de France
My 'Tour de France' continues on Expats Radio with a visit to Corsica.
From the Mailbox
WordCraft: With 20 years experience in business writing, you can rest assured that you are in safe and experienced hands.
Hospice de Beaune Wine Auction Weekend: 14 November-17 November 2013. For the best personal attention, the group is for a maximum of 14 people and reservations MUST close on 10th March 2013.
A Year in Burgundy: This 2012 documentary follows one year in the life of seven winemaking families - viticulteurs in Burgundy.
Chamonix Valley Photographic Walks: Go Gastronomic in March - A special series of Photo Walks with unusual and secret itineraries for the amateur food-buff and curious traveler.
Paris Comedy TV Show: A group of Paris-based ex-pats, head up by Kiwi filmmaker Melissa Bamford, are currently developing a cross-cultural comedy drama series following the trials and tribulations of life on foreign soil.
Art and Cooking Classes in France: 4-day 3-night cooking session in Provence with lodging, market visit, Michelin restaurant. Since 1995
French Lessons: David Tolman of FluentFrench.com offers pronunciation practice over the phone.
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