The Transmogrification of Mrs Noah.

   As some of you may know, Kim decided some time ago to go the whole hog in our adopted country and take out French nationality. It`s not a decision to be taken lightly but Kim felt that it was fitting for her.  She is always a person who throws herself into things. For my part, I did not feel I could take this step, not from any imperialistic pride in British nationality but because I did not feel it could be done. Being born English, a process of law could not, in my estimation, alter my essential orientation. However, I was quite prepared to support Kim`s desire to become French, and she started the process three years ago, receiving a letter from the Prefecture at the end of  August last year to confirm her change of nationality. She now has  Livret de Famille and French I.D. too!
  Let nobody tell you it`s easy!  French bureaucracy is one of the slowest in the world, and the documents and certificates required were formidable, all had to be translated into French at several Euros a page by an official translator. I suppose that the problems and delay do have the effect of discouraging any frivolous applicant, I admit I would have been tempted to tell them I had changed my mind if I had thought to join her, or even employing some stronger terms!
  However, the thing was done and dusted and she became officially French at the end of August last year. However, like the opening of a new motorway, even if it`s been open for traffic for a couple of months, there has to be a proper opening ceremony and Kim`s took place today. She was invited to come to the Prefecture at Niort to receive her official papers from the Préfêt himself, so we set out this afternoon all dressed up to attend the ceremony.
   We had a bit of a problem finding the Prefecture, although we had an address. Our Satnav is rather old and Niort has been recently refurbished in the city centre, which confused the machine. Eventually, we abandoned the car in an underground car
park and set out on foot, which would have been better if Kim`s posh shoes had been more comfortable. Still, we tracked it down in the end and entered the impressive building, being told to wait with the other new French in a tall corridor. Kim and the other candidates were called forward into another room and informed of their new rights, privileges and responsibilities. Eventually the supporters were called in as well, and the Préfêt, impressively dressed in a black suit with gold foliage on the sleeves and collar, individually handed each new compatriot their file of papers and certificates, with a few words to each. Then, he donned his round hat, also decorated with gold foliage, put on white gloves and saluted while the Marseillaise was played Then, the real business done, we were invited to step outside for a group photo and then for a few nibbles, with a non-alcoholic drink. I couldn`t help thinking we do the food and drink better in Loubillé! The ceremony itself, however,  was surprisingly effective and

Kim admits it made her feel more accepted as French afterwards.







  Bye for now, going to kiss my new French wife!