Entre Les Murs

House-Hunting

Janet and I saw two places yesterday and one this morning, all of which she'd seen once already. The first was in the sixth arrondissement, and really was a terrific location: just South of the Boulevard Saint Germain, near but not in the tourist hurly-burly around the river. It had oodles of charm and enough space - but an impossible kitchen. At the very top of our budget range, we decided to let it go.

The next was in the 16th, close to the Bois de Boulogne. Fourth floor, spacious and also possessed of some charm. The woman who showed it to us was the daughter of the owners, so we were diplomatic in our tour, not peering into every closet and trying the all taps as one would at home. The landlords hold all the cards, at this point in the relationship, so we were on our best behaviour. Once a tenant is in, they can't be gotten rid of, so landlord's are very picky at the outset. Janet had cautioned me to dress nicely, to ooh and ah, but say as little as possible.

Then this morning, we saw one more, in the 17th. With a false start, as we were shown another place on the first floor of a building at the right address - but without realizing we were on the wrong block. The landlady didn't seem to be expecting us, but the apartment was for rent, so she obliged. Inside, Janet realized it wasn't the same as she'd seen before. Perhaps now she'll let me handle the map from time to time.

The correct place was spacious, and except for a wall of aged mirrors in the living room, was attractive and practical. Compellingly, it has plenty of storage, including a "cave" (storage locker) in the building and another room upstairs.

The one in the 16th had a little more space, is walking distance to Janet's work, shopping and the Bois. We decided to pursue it. The paperwork that landlords require is daunting and sometime's difficult for a foreigner to obtain, so we've got our fingers crossed that the package Janet has assembled will suffice. We could lose our other options while we go after this one. It's like dating.

posted 3.8.05