An American in France
A love for the French language, character properties and one special woman made Andrew Guck move from the States to Languedoc without a backwards glance
F
rom a young age, I possessed a rebellious spirit that defi ed convention. When
my classmates chose Spanish as their second language in junior high, I, along with my adventurous friend Derek, decided to learn French against everyone’s advice. An unexplainable attraction to the language drew us in, and we followed our instincts with determination. Perhaps it was the infl uence of seeing Bart in an episode of The Simpsons embarking on misadventures in France that sparked our initial curiosity, or maybe it was simply a whisper of destiny guiding us towards this romantic language. Our French journey began
with Mrs Dumas, our French teacher, where we learned basic greetings, birthday songs and, admittedly, a few inappropriate phrases that got us detention. Mrs Dumas might not have been amused, but our resolve to explore the depth of the language remained absolutely unwavering.
LIFE-CHANGING MOVE As time passed, life took us in diff erent directions, and Derek and I lost contact for almost two decades. In 2010, fate brought us back together through social media. To my surprise, Derek had not only studied French in
Andrew (right) with his school friend Derek; (inset) in their school days
Paris but also become a pilot in the Coast Guard. Envious of his fl uency, I decided to rekindle my passion for French to better my chances in the job market. I delved into books, CDs and online platforms, eager to reconnect with the language. During this time, I connected
with Alex, a beautiful French woman on LiveMocha, a language platform. We bonded over shared interests in music, fi lms and our cultures. Despite the language barrier, we discovered a genuine connection transcending the limitations of words. By the end of 2010, I found
myself boarding a fl ight to France to meet Alex in person. It was a magical experience, and my love for her deepened
Andrew has carved a niche for himself as an international estate agent in Carcassonne
visa involved bureaucratic challenges and a journey to the French Consulate in New York. Yet, nothing could deter us from our dreams. In 2011, I made the life-changing move to France to be with Alex.
Alex is a skilled cinematographer
with each passing day. We explored the stunning Occitanie region, creating lasting memories at places like Cirque de Mourèze, St-Guilhem-le- Désert, and Lac du Salagou, to but name a few. At St- Guilhem, we found ourselves lost in its charming medieval alleys, turning what was meant to be a quick visit into a delightful adventure. The time came for me to
Andrew with Alex, who he met while learning French and ‘eloped’ with to France 50 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: November/December 2023
return to New York, and we were torn apart by the vast distance between us. However, our commitment to each other only grew stronger. After months of long-distance communication and an emotional reunion, we made the decision to elope, pledging to be together forever. The path to living in France wasn’t easy. Obtaining a
SHARED DREAMS After the whirlwind of adventures and challenges, my life has blossomed beyond my wildest dreams. Some 12 years have passed since that fateful trip, and I now proudly hold French nationality. Embracing the rich culture and immersing myself in the vibrant local community, I have become an integral part of the south of France. For the past three years, I’ve carved a niche for myself as an international estate agent in Carcassonne – known worldwide for its breathtaking medieval cité – clinching fi rst place in sales for our region three years in a row. My passion lies in selling beautiful, character-rich properties brimming with charm, each telling its own unique story. Alex has become an integral
part of my professional world as well. Her expertise as a cinematographer has breathed life into my YouTube channel, where we share the beauty of the properties I represent
© ANDREW GUCK
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