Although this blog is mostly a “professional” blog that mainly provides tips about Paris And the rest of my parts France or in-depth articles about French cultureBut from time to time I also write a little. About myself Because I discovered that quite a few of you are interested not only in the information the blog provides but also in the person behind it.
I haven't really written about myself since 2018, and not because there was nothing to write about. The year 2019, which is about to end, was undoubtedly the most exciting year of my life, a roller coaster of ups and downs that surprised even me. So now that I've finally managed to stop for a moment and organize my thoughts, it's time to tell you about what I went through that year and even make a "dramatic" statement.
Summary of the previous chapters
Longtime followers of the blog already know more or less my life story, but if you started following me relatively recently, I decided to write a sort of “summary of the previous chapters” for you (those who already know are welcome to skip to the next chapter of the article).
Until September 2015, my life was pretty standard. I lived in Givatayim, worked as a marketing manager for an online gaming company, and lovingly nurtured the blog Francophiles Anonymous, which was less than two years old at the time. But then, while traveling in Paris, I received a phone call that would change my life. On the line was a “headhunter” offering me a dream job…in GuernseyThis offer fascinated me greatly and after some difficult deliberation I decided to embark on an adventure. If you would like to read more about how I arrived in Guernsey, you are welcome to read the article Life on a deserted island.
However, after nearly three years of living in Guernsey, I began to feel that it was a bit too much for me. True, the island is lovely and the people are incredibly friendly, and the fact that you can see France on a good day is a nice bonus. However, the loneliness and distance from Israel made me decide to look for a new place. In the end, the choice fell on Malta (If you are interested in reading more about my move from Guernsey to Malta, please read the article Goodbye Guernsey, hello Malta).
And so in October 2018 I moved to Malta to start a new job and at this point our story begins...
How do you turn a lemon into lemonade?
My stay in Malta started off not bad at all. Cute apartment in town Salima A few meters from the sea, a new island with a fascinating history, nice people and challenging work. However, as time passed, something at work began to creak. I won't go into details of course about what was there, but after about 8 months, the company I worked for and I decided to part ways as friends.
Losing your job is never easy. Losing your job when you know that you've lost your work visa and that at any moment you could receive a letter from the authorities asking you to leave is even harder. So I started looking for a job with all my might, so that I could stay on the island.
Anyone who has ever been unemployed knows that one of the biggest problems when looking for a job is the dead time that passes until you receive a response to your resume, a call for another interview, or an answer about whether you were accepted or not. During this time, you can go crazy, every phone call makes you jump, and if no one gets back to you for a long time, thoughts like “Why doesn’t anyone get back to me? Am I even worth anything? Will I even find a job? Etc.”
Luckily for me, the blog really saved me here because it completely eliminated the “dead time”. Every free second I had I invested in writing and improving the blog. And you know what? Suddenly I discovered that I had never been better. I would wake up in the morning, write on the blog, go to the gym, write on the blog again, have dinner and take a walk around the island (I also went to job interviews from time to time 🙂 ).
Day by day I felt more and more relaxed and happy. True, the income from the blog was modest, but it was enough for a basic living, but there was no substitute for the peace and immense self-satisfaction I felt. In short, everyone knows the saying “If God gives you lemons, make lemonade.” So that’s exactly what I did and the blog was worth a few mouthfuls of sugar that I added to this lemonade that turned out to be very tasty.
Time passed lazily, I enjoyed life, I interviewed at a few companies but didn't find anything I really liked. Then the letter came from the Maltese authorities asking me to leave the island...
The Francophile “plowed” France
True, I knew this letter would arrive at some point, but I had pretty much built on the fact that the wheels of Maltese bureaucracy would work slowly. It is certainly a bit traumatic to receive a letter that requires you to vacate within a few weeks (it arrived late because the Maltese postal service can compete with the Israeli one and I discovered that I only had about two weeks left).
After the initial shock, I started thinking about how I could turn this situation around to my advantage. If there's one thing I've always lacked while working, it's vacation time. What can I do, I never had enough time to visit France and explore it the way I really wanted to. Luckily, I was currently on an unlimited vacation, so I decided to pack up the few belongings I had, store them at my parents' house, and go on a series of trips to France.
And so I found myself plowing through France as I had never done before.
- In July I traveled toBrittany
- August in Paris
- In September I went with my parents to Brittany again andDordogne To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
- In October I returned to Brittany for a trip that I will never forget.
- In November, I continued my parents' 50th wedding anniversary celebrations and traveled with them toProvence.
These trips were simply wonderful and during them I met wonderful people and gathered material for quite a few articles that I will publish in the future. While traveling in France during the summer, I started thinking to myself why not move to Paris for a while? After all, I am in love with this city and feel that no matter how long I am there, it is never enough. And of course, I haven’t even started talking about the benefits this will bring to the blog, since I will finally be able to report “live from the field” and tell you in real time about new restaurants that are opening, interesting things that are happening in the city, and more.
However, just before I started working on a work visa in Paris, something happened that completely changed my plans…
The power of love
During one of my short visits to Israel, I met someone particularly charming. To be honest, she's not someone new to my life, but someone I've known for over 20 years. I loved her from the first day we met, but life took us each our own way. Over the past few years, she's popped up in my life time and time again, but unfortunately, the distance between Israel and Guernsey (and later Malta) never allowed us to try and form a relationship.
The meeting on that visit shook me. I realized how much I loved her and I realized that there was no way I could afford to lose her this time. I knew that the only way to give our relationship a serious chance of success was if we moved to live in the same country, so I decided to return to Israel towards the end of this year after I had finished all the trips I had planned. I knew that it would not be easy because it would mean that I would have to find a new job in Israel and of course a place to live and basically start my life over. In short, it was quite a headache, but in my opinion it was a price I was happy to pay.
Then while I was traveling during September inBordeaux Suddenly my phone rang. On the line was my manager from the company based in Guernsey. After a brief polite conversation, he told me that they had made a lot of changes to the company and asked me if I would perhaps like to come back. I thanked him very much for the offer and told him that I really liked the company, the people and the role, but at this stage of my life, I don't see myself living in Guernsey, but would rather live in Israel.
Much to my surprise, he told me that it sounded like a great idea to him and that he would be happy if I worked for his company from Israel and would be responsible for the company's clients in Israel and Malta. I immediately remembered the same offer to work in Guernsey that I received in a phone call in September 2015 in Paris and immediately realized that he had come full circle. The stars aligned as I wanted and I am returning to Israel 🙂
The Francophile returns to Israel
So there you have it, after almost a month away from Israel (a trip to Provence, then a conference in Malta, and a work visit to Guernsey), I'm returning to Israel in the second week of December. I'm really, really excited about the change and happy at the same time. It's fun to travel the world, but it's even more fun to come home, especially when there's a great love waiting for me there.
The next few months will certainly be very busy (I have to decide where I want to live and find an apartment, settle into my new/old job, etc.). During this time, the blog will continue and run as usual, although there may be a certain decrease in the number of new articles, due to lack of time.
After I settle comfortably in Israel and start some kind of routine, I promise to “give it some gas” and provide you with quite a few more new articles and maybe even meet some of you outside of the blog and the virtual world. I have many plans and lots of open questions, but one thing is for sure: 2020 is going to be a very interesting year. 🙂
Hi Zvi,
Since I met the Francophiles through Facebook and your newsletter, I've enjoyed reading your impressions. Because your blogs have a great mix of travel recommendations and sharing your personal life.
You have made me and your many readers a close group despite the virtual nature.
I wish you a pleasant adjustment to life in Israel (not easy here politically and socially) and great happiness with your partner. I hope you will soon reveal her picture…
We'll be in Paris in two weeks for five days of museums, art, and some Christmas atmosphere.
All the best and lots of luck to you.
Sarit
Thank you very much Sarit, best wishes. Have a great time in Paris ❤️
Hi, Zvi, Facebook decided that I am your fan, so who am I to disagree? I enjoyed reading your blogs, glad that you celebrated your parents' 50th birthday (my husband and I also celebrated our 50th birthday), but most of all I am glad that despite the winter, love is blooming in your heart. Follow your heart, good luck with your work, and I will patiently wait for good news.
Thank you
Hello Zvi, I enjoyed reading about your fascinating journeys, both external and internal. Good luck.
Thank you
Good luck, dear Zvi.
There's someone up there who arranges the stars.
Wishing you a successful relationship, lots of articles, and a wonderful 2020.
Good luck on your new path.
Thank you
Hi Zvi, good luck, have fun in Paris with your wife, I'm traveling with a loved one who returned... to Paris for the New Year!!! Have a successful year.
Nice to hear. Enjoy today in the city of lights.
Good luck, welcome back.
Finally returning home... how beautiful.
So let's have a good start and an even better continuation.
Thank you
Great! Welcome home. You have become my friend through your blogs. I hope you “go to the wedding” – you come across as a sensitive and loving partner and will surely be a wonderful father.
Thank you
Your articles are wonderful! Good luck!!! And I love your optimism
Thank you
Dear deer
We were privileged to meet you and your parents, albeit briefly, in Guernsey… You are a charming guy full of knowledge, enjoying every moment reading your blogs…
Creating a wonderful website and I will continue to follow with eagerness.
This time you really touched us, we wish you and your loved one much success and happiness to the lovely parents!
Hugs and kisses
Tvasa Abramovich and Yoram Indyk
Thank you
Hi Francophile, thanks to you I learned about this concept and realized that there are a few other people who feel the same way as me. I love reading every post of yours and always look forward to hearing more and more. You made a great decision, it's important to give space to love and I'm happy for you for your decision. I'm sure you'll continue to do what you love the most and we enjoy it just as much. Good luck on your new path. Dina
Thank you
Dear Zvi,
I wish you much success, and I am happy for you on your “renewed” partnership…
The search for an interesting destination related to France always leads to you.
Renewed reader, Ronit 🙂
Thank you
How happy I am for you for the wonderful direction your life has taken! Good luck and love!
thanks for sharing.
And now I want some good cheese with wine – is that possible on Saturday morning?
Sounds like a great time for that to me.
I was happy to hear that you were coming home and even happier to hear that you had found the love of your life – again. Please get in touch when you arrive and we can chat.
I'm so glad you didn't write your name here.
Hello Zvi
It's a pleasure to read such honesty.
Story for a movie
I suggest that you start a series of lectures on the subject on Friday afternoons, for example in a pub (for a fee, of course).
And continue to speak at events and conferences. They are always looking for people with an interesting, world-encompassing life story. Plus, the photos you took and the quiet places can fill a two-hour lecture.
Congratulations on the path you have taken.
And that you shared with us
pleasure
Alma Comet
Haifa
Thank you very much Alma. Great idea ❤️
Thank you so much, Zvi. Thank you so much for all the articles you post here. I read every word and am only "thirsty" for more.
Thank you for the questions I asked you and you answered me completely.
Matter of fact about Paris, my love.
I wish you all the best in the world, happy to know that there is love in your life and that you are back with us in Israel.
Good luck in everything you do and I hope you continue to interest us with your articles.
Happy Shabbat and good luck❤️
Thank you very much Froma for the wishes and Happy Shabbat ❤️
Hey, friend.
I'm so glad you found love and work. Actually, all love requires work. It's exciting to read your honest and candid writing.
I hope that despite the upheaval and change, we will still travel together, and even take Francophiles with us to Brittany and Normandy.
Good luck, friend.
Hi Danny.
Thank you very much for the wishes and I hope that in the near future I will be able to discover Normandy with you (we have already explored Brittany together).
deer
deer
Thank you for sharing so inspiring ❤
I have enjoyed reading you for a long time.
Wishing you success on your new/old path.
Have a successful civil year in all areas!
Thank you very much ❤️
I always enjoy reading the posts on the blog and this time I especially enjoyed it. Very moving. I wish you success and lots of good things in your relationship, work, and in general.
Thank you very much Tali
Hi Zvi,
I read the article with great interest… In the short time that you have been my virtual friend, I have managed to learn so much: to maintain a dialogue through the photos we have taken (despite the different style, there are common themes that we photograph). Second, I have started learning to write a 1000-word article! (The new article awaits your return to Israel) Third: your ability to share your personal feelings with people (compared to my need for privacy)).
Wishing your parents health and happiness on the occasion of 50 years of marriage. I am also celebrating 50 years of marriage this year in March in Italy with my family and grandchildren.
Hello Ronit.
I will definitely give it to them.
Have a great time in Italy.
Looking forward to your new article.
deer
The article is ready. I don't know if it's appropriate or worthy... When you have time, I'll send it to you for review and comments...
Fine.
Welcome back. Rise and prosper.
Thank you very much 🙂
Good luck, dear Zvi.
There's someone up there who arranges the stars.
Wishing you a successful relationship, lots of articles, and a wonderful 2020.
Thank you very much Gil
I read the last article with curiosity and interest and was happy for you for the way the stars aligned. I have been following your blog for a long time and you have rekindled my love for France and French culture. I have benefited greatly from your articles and hope that you will continue to write. I look forward to reading your experiences in Brittany and Provence and wish you success in your love life and return to Israel.
Thank you very much Tali
Zvi, as always, it's fun to read you. Your writing makes the reader feel like I live in France, Guernsey, Malta.
Wishing you a 2020 full of love, joyous work, and joyful experiences.
Thank you very much Iris
Thank you for sharing with us, keyboard mice… I felt in light of the stories like a traveler with a traveling university class. Learning, creating in my imagination the places where the true stories took place. I would love for our peronophiles in Israel to meet together with you in Israel.
Hello Hadassah. I would definitely be happy to organize such a meeting in the future.
I wish you success, I enjoy your writings, and I will replace you in two weeks for a week in Paris, my love, and I hope to continue reading your wonderful articles.
Thank you
Hello Zvi,
We met in July of this year in Paris, when I participated in one of the tours you conducted in the Passagem in the city. In one of the conversations you mentioned that you don’t see yourself continuing to live outside of Israel, because it’s time to “settle down” and you don’t see yourself living with someone who isn’t Israeli. Apparently, someone overheard you…
I wish you a pleasant return to Israel and much happiness and success.
Pretty
Thank you
Welcome back, especially to love. Much success and happiness.
I hope I continue to enjoy the fascinating articles wherever you are.
A good week and a good year
Thank you
Dear Zvi,
Good for you.
It is not obvious that someone who has a blog will reveal and share
His personal life: travel, work, loves, etc.
with his readers.
I was excited to read what you wrote and every time I read about finishing work… I was worried that you would announce that you were going on a break or something like that…
I wish you much success.
In the new job
Adapting to the madness of life here in Israel
In your daily life and every day with your loved one
And only good for you.
But as you wrote
There are beautiful places in our tiny country.
Richer than her
More right
Quieter and more
But they are not
Our wonderful and tiny country.
Welcome back.
Successfully
Thank you
Hello Zvi, thank you for the wonderful blog, which is rich in human fundamentals and fascinating. I am following the descriptions of the places and dream of getting there. Congratulations and great happiness, and continue your fruitful and fascinating writing. With best wishes, Mira Abikhazer.
Thank you
Hi Zvi,
I met you at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque a few years ago and since then I have been an avid reader of what you write and what comes to my hands.
It's exciting to find new love, especially when it's also old, and I'm really happy for you.
I wish you that life will always smile at you, and I and all your Francophile friends will continue to read you eagerly and enjoy your recommendations.
Thank you
Hey,
I follow your Facebook and blog and really enjoy reading. You convey the material clearly and it feels like a friend is talking to you.
I am very excited for you about the events of the past year and I really appreciate you sharing with us what is going on in your life. It really adds to the experience.
To the point. You followed your heart in all areas and you were probably right. I wish you lots of success and fulfillment in everything.
Thank you
Hi Zvi, you write and I enjoy reading. Something direct, uncondescending on the contrary from the author. I wish you all the best you want and if you want it enough it will work. I'll wait for what comes. Thank you
Thank you
Hey Francophile! I wish you that your love will blossom and that you will be happy! Good luck!
REGINA
Thank you
Hey deer
We participated in some of your tours of Paris last October, following your wonderful blog that makes you want to drop everything and fly to Paris at any time, season or situation.
We met you – a charming, smart guy full of knowledge, humor, curiosity and love for people. You set an example of how to follow your heart and now you are again following your heart full of love. May your partner know that you were blessed and may your parents tell you that they raised you very well and you came out – proud
I hope we meet again on a trip or just like that, and that your love will succeed and that you will continue to write what is on your heart. It does so much good for so many people…
Assi
Thank you very much, Assi, and I'm sure we'll meet again in Paris or in Israel.
Wow.. what a story. Changes and upheavals and great trips, and love! What more could you ask for.
The year 2020 is suitable for new beginnings.
Good luck!!!
Thank you
Yaaaaa
You made my day ♡♡
Hi Yonit.
This is not an end, but just a new beginning.
I will be in Tel Aviv almost every day, so if you are around, I would be very happy to be interviewed (I could also come to the Kfar Saba area, but that is a little more complicated).
deer
Every Saturday I wait for your weekly article, and I have also benefited quite a bit from your good recommendations.
May the transition be easy, may love flourish, and may you succeed on your new path.
Thank you
Hello Zvi
I enjoyed reading your article and was reminded of a trip we took several years ago to Paris following palaces and legends.
Wishing you success in your new path, both professionally and personally.
Best regards
Hani
Thank you very much Hani 🙂
Hello deer,
What does a person really need to live – one loaf of bread… and love all the time!
I wish you success on your new path!
my father
Thank you very much my father
Hi Zvi,
Although your love for France is immense and huge, and helps us plan magical trips in your footsteps, there is no love for a country like love for a spouse.
Enjoy the new status. It's not bad, with the help of the blog and the wonderful articles we'll manage on our own in Paris...
Thank you very much, Yepchi. And don't worry, Paris won't forget, and neither will the blog. It's just possible that a downshift will be necessary to get up.
This post brings a big smile.
I remember your article/post about relationships.
At the time, I posted the article in a Facebook group of mostly single girls, hoping someone would take the initiative.
Your posts are also great because of the personal aspect you put into them.
Many congratulations, and good luck on your new path.
Thank you
Hello dear Francophile
Your story is indeed touching and I am happy for you that it ends in Israel and with great love.
I am a tour guide myself and travel a lot in France, which is indeed a lovely country, and I read your articles with great pleasure. If you need a guide in France – I would be happy to talk to you…
I wrote it down for myself.
Hi Zvi, welcome back! So excited about the wonderful news! Love is in the air…simply wonderful!
I will continue to enjoy your amazing blog devoutly and I hope to finally travel with you to Paris this year.
Thank you
Hello Zvi
I only recently met you after we planned to fly with our granddaughter to Paris on 6/20, but it seems like I've known you for years.
Unfortunately, I understand that a tour guided by you will no longer take place, but at the same time I share in your joy.
Your writing style is interesting and it feels like I'm traveling and reading at the same time. The descriptions and writing are so tangible and definitely demonstrate your love for everything you've done in life and will do. You've been blessed. I enjoy reading your articles.
Congratulations to your parents and I wish you a good relationship with your partner, even though many years have passed since you were finally reunited. There is no doubt that your parents were also blessed with your decision to return to Israel.
Waiting for the next articles.
I wish you success on your new path.
Thank you very much for the wishes.
Exciting as always to read the post, the news and personal developments in your life.
Be happy to return to Israel.
I wish you much success in your new job and the renewed love that was probably always there.
Looking forward to reading more on your blog.
Goodbye Anat
Thank you very much Anat
First of all, congratulations and best wishes. I really enjoy your articles. I have been to many places, but I always read all the articles and continue to follow. Thanks for the information.
Thank you very much for the blessings.
Zvi Shalom
I happily read your lists and stay updated!
Wishing you a happy life in Israel and abroad and lots of articles and updates!
Naomi
Thank you very much 🙂
It's fun to hear about your life path! Much success in Israel 🙂
Congratulations. Good luck to you.
What a roller coaster ride!! And how fun that in the end love wins!!!
Remember the phone call you received right at the end of the tour with me…I'm glad Bordeaux brought good news with it :))
Wishing you a wonderful year!!!
Pigeon
Thank you very much Yona. I wish you a wonderful year of growth and happiness too 🙂
Hi Zvi,
I would like to know whether you recommend Malta as a destination for immigration? And during your time living in Malta, did you find other Israelis living there?
Hey Shir,
There are Israelis in Malta and even a Chabad house, but I didn't really enjoy living there (crowded, almost no greenery and terribly hot in the summer).
deer