I’ve heard of people going back home after living abroad for a while and feeling self-conscious, out of place. As if they can no longer relate to the people from their hometown. It’s isolating, I imagine, to feel disconnected from … Continue reading
How I Keep My American Phone Number While Living in France
My first year of living abroad in France, I was quick to get a French phone number. Not only is it necessary for banking and other local services, but French phone plans are very reasonably priced. However, instead of ditching … Continue reading
Life in France with Dogs
Once you’ve figured out how to move to France with dogs, the real question begins: what is it actually like to live there with them? Beyond paperwork and logistics, living abroad with pets means navigating daily routines such as walking, … Continue reading
Moving to France with Dogs: Finding a Dog-Friendly City and Apartment
About a year ago, my husband and I sat down at the dining room table and mapped out a checklist of the characteristics we wanted in our next city. “Dog-friendly city” was one of the first things we wrote down. … Continue reading
My First Trip to the ER in France
Last month, I went on a four-hour hike through the snow in Chambéry, France. I put on my oversized jacket, layered up in every way, and put on my best wool socks. Equipped with a pair of leather, wool-lined boots, … Continue reading
Adventures and Misadventures in Renovating an Apartment in Nice, France
After trying for several months to find a long-term rental apartment in Nice (a losing proposition for various reasons), we decided to bite the bullet and purchase our home. We enjoyed living in Nice, having hopped from a Home Exchange … Continue reading
You Have to Make Your Life
Having to stand up for myself in a country where I’m trying to establish the rest of my life has been no easy feat. A thin layer of perspiration has formed and now permanently coats my face simply because I’m … Continue reading
Want to Renovate or Build a Property in France? Start Here
Note from the editor: Cindy Petitprez is an interior architect and decorator from the north of France, a place, she says, “where warmhearted people go hand in hand with beautiful landscapes.” Cindy contacted me with an interest in connecting with more … Continue reading
How to Renew the Passeport Talent
Bonjour tout le monde! I’m excited to share with you a brief guide to the beloved (read dreaded) passeport talent renewal process for first timers. I’m new around here, so I’ll share a bit of backstory. Initially, my passeport talent … Continue reading
Paris is Still Just a City
In my final year at university, amidst the chaos of final exams, graduation, and a future being all mine for choosing, moving to Paris was all I could really think about. I didn’t care about making a name for myself … Continue reading