Some people dream of pulling up stakes and moving abroad to immerse themselves in the cultures of the world’s greatest cities. Two Moorestown residents did just that and decided to buy a place in Paris for nine years. From their experience, they decided to write a book for other interested adventurers to enjoy.
In “Under Paris Rooftops,” published by Chateau Publishing House, Norman and Arleen Shabel bring readers along on their quest to fulfill a long-held dream of becoming part-time residents in the City of Love, and in doing so challenge and strengthen their marriage and trust in each other.
“‘Under Paris Rooftops’ is a memoir of a couple married so many years who decided to jump into the pool and get a place in Paris. The fear we felt wasn’t great, but the beauty was we learned new things. We learned about French law, French real estate and all of the experiences you can have that you don’t have or feel here,” Norman said.
“We wanted to show anyone how it is to live and enjoy Paris, and if you’d like to live in Paris, the book tells you how to do it.”
Arleen fell in love with Paris even before she met Norman, as she had stayed in the city her sophomore year of college. Her love for the city continued to grow, as did her marriage with Norman, when one day, Arleen felt the urge to no longer be just a visitor of Paris, but to live like a real Parisian.
“I had been in love with Paris ever since spending my sophomore year of college there,” said Arleen, a painter, composer and author. “Living there again has always been a dream of mine, but I never expected the journey to become such an adventure!”
Norman was reluctant at first, but ultimately gave in to the idea. Norman, a lawyer who often works in real estate, thought it would be easy, but he was wrong. According to Norman, Frenchreal estate is much different than American real estate. The brokers, purchasing, maintaining and cable were just a few differences Norman said are mentioned in the book.
However, once everything came into place, Norman too fell in love with the city. The Shabels shared experiences at the sites, museums, with the local residents and of course the local eateries.
Throughout the adventure, Arleen wrote down their experiences and encounters. She invited her husband, already a writer of many published works, to join her in writing about their experiences and feelings from their time in Paris, culminating everything into “Under Paris Rooftops.”
“Writing this book gave us permanent memories of what we enjoyed in Paris for so many years,” Norman said.
“Under Paris Rooftops” chronicles the Shabels’ Parisian adventure, including the challenges of a post-recession real estate market, a flexible currency exchange rate and learning a foreign language, as well as the undeniable pleasures of the French culture and cuisine.
“I hope (readers) take away the joy and happiness we had, building and living in Paris. I would like to see other Americans who like adventure and different experiences to read it. It brings so much joy to go into an adventure like this and enjoy the city of Paris,” Norman said.
“I hope that what people will take away is not to stay in your own comfort zone. Get out there and pursue your dream, don’t listen to (the naysayers), just do it,” Arleen said.
To get a copy of the book, go to Chateau Publishing House’s website at www.chateaupub.com or Amazon.
