I've been sent your way~ heading to Lyon

JanieJones

My H has been transferred to Lyon for 6 months.  I plan to go and stay there for the summer (June-August).  I need to hang back so I can get the dogs ready to travel (one needs a microchip) and get some of our house things finished up before leaving and then I'll start work again in September.  He leaves in 2 weeks.

We live in Canada (SW Ontario).   

 

So, tell me about living abroad?  I have so many questions I don't know where to start.  What things did you need to take care of back home before leaving for an extended time, what things did you wish you'd brought along, what has just taken up space in your luggage.

 

myblueangel19

If you are going only for three months, you won't need that much and shouldn't miss many things. I did  a year abroad in Scotland and realized very quickly that I completely overpacked. As for things back home, if you are keeping your apartment/house, make sure you have someone get your mail and stop in on occasion to check things out. Find arrangements for your car, if you have one. Other than a few basic things, you are gone for 3 months which is a little like a long vacation, so there aren't too many loose ends to take into account. As for your marriage, skype  was a lifesaver for me when we were doing long distance!

ETA: make sure you have your medications if you take anything (allergies, BCP, frequent headaches, etc).It is not worth the hassle to search out your meds, make-up, beauty products, etc. I brought WAY too many clothes/shoes when I studied abroad. Bring things that can mix and match, a pair of dress shoes that goes with everything and a daily pair you can walk in .

azure_azure

Welcome! I'm also from Ontario, living in France. Lyon is gorgeous, you will love it!

No answers to your questions as we haven't lived in Canada in years and we didn't have a house and we just sold our car when we left.

As blueangel said, you should look at it as a long holiday. Summer is usually quite hot in Lyon, but pack some sweaters and a light jacket, just in case.  

 

Tofumonkey

Hi there, I'm another Canuck (Alberta), living in the UK.

I'd also look at it as an extended holiday, as you'll only be there for 3 months and aren't going to be setting up your life there in that sense. In 3 months you'll probably miss a few things but really, it's only 3 months. Bring a few cooking spices that you use a lot, some medications that you are comfortable with (Nyquil, pepto, motrin)

I'm surprised that you are going to be bringing your dogs to France for only 3 months. (trust me, I get it, I moved my cat and dog from China to the UK and I'm sure they'll end up in Canada at some point as well), but I'd be concerned about them being a bit of a hinderance while you are there. You're only there for 3 months and will probably want to take advantage of cheap, quick and easy travel throughout Europe during your stay, what would you do with your dogs? As well, if I were on an extended holiday I'd rather spend my days and evenings out all over the place than home for my dogs, or having to get home to feed / let them out.

That's just me, though.

 

JanieJones

I guess in terms of what to bring, I was thinking more for my H, since he'll be gone longer.  

He's working 6 days a week, so there won't be much opportunity for travel while we are there.  We'll be stuck in town mostly.

He's going to sell his car before leaving, mine will just be stored for my stay. 

 

 

Tofumonkey

Oh, for your husband? 

Is he going to be staying in a hotel, or an apartment? Is he going to be cooking, or eating all meals out? 

Tofumonkey

Kindle or Ipad loaded with books, or at least set up so that you can buy books online. Meds that he likes, for sure. 

JanieJones

he'll start in hotel, then get a flat.  (by the time I go there).

 

He'll likely do some cooking (once in the flat), and some dining out.  Lunch at work.  Should he bring a couple basic things like a can opener/bottle opener?  I know he could also just buy this at a grocer if the flat hasn't got it.

 He's got a playbook with a kobo eReader, and it has video chat which is excellent.

cypruskibris

Even 6 months isn't that long - especially for a guy.  If he's anything like mine he doesn't need many creature comforts.  You don't have to sell a house or anything.  I think the above suggestions are all good.  I would even consider 6 months an "extended holiday" more than an actual move, especially since you're both going to be back in your same home at the end of the 6 months. 

I would check to be sure that I could still pay all my bills on time.  If everything's online, that should be easy, but you wouldn't want to forget one and come back to a bunch of late fees.

Lyon is known to have fabulous restaurants!  But when I was there I was too poor to afford them. I hope that you can enjoy them.

Another thing to think of is what will you do while you're there?  Yes, it's only 3 months, but if he's working 6 days a week and you can't travel because of the dogs, I would try to have a plan in place for how I was going to spend my time so as not to go crazy from boredom?  Do you speak French?

stever

Jealous! I love Lyon!!!

And everytime I moved abroad I'd just pack like I was going on a long trip and assumed I could get everything I needed where I was going.

Have fun!

JanieJones

I went to a French school in Canada from pre-k through 8th grade, and was skipped ahead 2 years in HS french, then did french electives in University, so I know the language well, but am years out of practice.

The most my H has ever travelled was 3.5 weeks in Germany after 10 days in Japan.  I want him to be comfortable while away.

 

Most of our bills can be paid online, and we are looking into lawn care, though depending who ends up house sitting they may take that on for us. 

Tofumonkey

I wouldn't stress about sending him with things for his flat, chances are good that he's going to be renting a furnished flat, and anything that he doesn't have he can just pick up along the way.

I'd also treat 6 months as an extended holiday.

I'd focus on:

Things he typically uses every day

Clothes/shoes/accessories for work, sleeping, days off and activities like great walking shoes, shorts, etc. as well as stuff for holidays - beach stuff, etc.

Gadgets - iPad, laptop, phone that will work over there (getting it unlocked, etc.), iPhone speakers, international adapters, online netflix account sorted (he'll be bored in the evenings at times, I'm sure)

A few food related creature comforts - 2 boxes of emergency KD (trust me, even if you don't eat the stuff at home, you seem to want it when your abroad), ranch dressing mix, a bunch of peanut butter cups, etc, and crap like that that on rough days will give him a bit of a taste of home.

Med stuff ( seriously. I know I've said it 3 times now, but it's farking critical)

Plenty of socks and undies (nobody likes buying socks and undies in a foreign language. Nobody)

Translation app on his phone

Seriously, just pack for an extended holiday with an emphasis on work stuff and he'll be fine. 

gblake

Hi Welcome, sounds like a great opportunity.  You've received some great advice.  I would just add you may want to pack some specific toiletries.  Deodorant, shave gel, razors, etc.  Maybe preferred Canadian brands you can't in Lyon.  

Enjoy! 

snowyowl

Tofu has already said it a few times, but if it is just 6 months, meds are the thing I can think of that are really important. Personally, advil, pepto bismol, and my favorite allergy medication for spring time when the pollen starts to fall were big. We were just abroad for a year, so medication and peanut butter were the only things we really missed!

ooolalalolo

Welcome! It's sweet of you to be thinking ahead, but I'd also consider that he may already have an idea of cravings or things he will miss while away, since he's going ahead of you.

I hope you are able to do something enjoyable while you are there too, and that you get to see a few things, even if it's only day trips. Will he have any vacation during the time you're there?