My name is Ashley. I’ve moved to Provence, France from Montréal, Canada. It was quite a big change!

1. Why did you move abroad?
I moved with my partner in search of a slower way of life. I always loved Europe for the food, architecture, and work-life balance. The south of France is also gorgeous and sunny!

2. How do you make a living?
I’m a photographer as well as a tour guide of the local markets. The most difficult thing about moving was carving out a job for myself. It took 2 years to figure out what I wanted to do and how.

3. How often do you communicate with home and how?
I video call my friends and family on a regular basis.

4. What's your favourite thing about being an expat in Provence?
The landscape and the food. Every time I drive anywhere I’m surrounded by stunning vistas of mountains, orchards and vineyards. I’ve also become very accustomed to the quality food products here and all the rituals that go along with them.

5. What’s the worst thing about being an expat in Provence?
Work is very slow or non-existent during the winter months. Therefore, you have to work like crazy in the summer to be able to make it through the winter.

6. What do you miss most?
I miss my friends and the friendliness of North Americans in general. They are easier to make friends with.

7. What did you do to meet people and integrate in your new home?
Integrating is a slow process. I often meet locals through other expats.

In a small French village, the best thing is to take your time whenever you go anywhere so you can stop to talk to acquaintances.

8. What custom/ habits do you find most strange about your adopted culture?
Not being allowed to drink before everyone arrives to a party/dinner party. A very old fashioned approach to how things should be done. A lack of knowledge about other cultures.

9. What is a myth about your adopted country?
A myth is that French people are rude. They aren’t. They just have no customer service!

10. Is the cost of living higher or lower than the last country you lived in and how has that made a difference in your life?
I would say that the cost of living is a little more. However, the things that I find important in my life like travel and food are less expensive.

11. What advice would you give other expats?
I would say have patience and determination in that it will all work out. Stay positive and meet as many people as you can.

12. When and why did you start your blog?
I started my blog out of peer pressure from my friends! They thought I would have a lot to share and it turns out that I do! I want to share with people the best of this beautiful part of the world.

Ashley's blog, CuriousProvence

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