We have completed one of the last steps to become a "legal" resident in France. We have had the benefit of Dan's company along with a legal firm help us file the necessary paperwork to attain residency.  Our visa will expire in three months so getting the proper paperwork filed on time is of utter importance.

Dan and I had to have a medical exam at the immigration office yesterday.  Our appointment was at 8:30 am so we woke early and found the office, which was not in the most stellar of neighborhoods.

We arrived at 7:45am only to find a line 20 people long. We found our way to the back of the line, thankful that it was not raining or too cold.  Grafitti was painted on the buildings, urine stains marked the sidewalks.  A lone porcelein toilet sat near the curb waiting to be picked up by the trash men.  

The kids barely noticed and played "eye spy" and "trampoline" (hanging onto our hands and jumping up and down).  As 8:30am approached, the line was nearly 100 long.  We noticed about 15 people step right to the front of the line, we assumed they would push their way inside.  We shrugged our arms, this is such a part of French life. The doors opened and we were shocked that the staff noticed and ordered these people to the back of the line. (The French are very passive and rarely take such a stand). 

We shuffled inside with everyone else, I was nervous because I had heard that this experience can be "interesting" for woman.  I have heard to "be prepared to parade around with your top off going from doctor to doctor."   Yikes!  Orders were barked out, I was told that I did not need a medical exam because I will not be working in France.  Phew!! 

Dan was whisked off. I sat next to the kids playing their "leapsters" praying that they were right because I really do not want to come back to this place.  Dan had his chest x-ray, bloodwork and an exam and was finished within an hour.

He sent off all of his paperwork to the legal firm and we are crossing our fingers that we will have this important part of our residency complete.......fingers crossed.