Author: Soraya
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Living in France with a Dog: 5 Essential Things to Know
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When I brought my dog with me to France, the biggest hurdle was getting here. The paperwork, the vaccinations, the approvals—all of that I shared in a previous post, Moving To Europe With Dogs .But what I did not know was what everyday life would actually be like once we…
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Tipping in France: When to Tip, How Much, & What’s Expected
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Having moved to France from the United States one of the small but surprisingly confusing parts of settling here was understanding when to tip. How does tipping work here? Is it expected or is it optional? What I have learned is that tipping in France is appreciated but not obligatory.…
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Annecy Venetian Carnival: A Magical Winter Festival
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Living in Annecy, I had the chance to attend the Carnival Festival for the first time,. It is the last weekend of February,. The carnival is a celebration that quietly marks the end of winter and hints that spring is not far behind. The Annecy Venetian Carnival fitting for a…
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French Culture Tips for Expats: Conversation Do’s and Don’t
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Every society has its own etiquette, its own subtle rhythms and unspoken rules when it comes to conversation. What feels perfectly natural in one country can feel slightly off-key in another. After nearly six months of living in France, I’ve come to appreciate the beautiful nuance of the French approach…
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Resources for Expats Living in France – My 5 Most Trusted
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When you move to another country, especially later in life you quickly learn the difference between information that sounds helpful and information that actually is. Over time, I’ve learned to rely on a small circle of resources that are clear, trustworthy, and grounded in real life, not forums full of…
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Living in France as a Retired Expat: What Daily Life Feels Like
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When I began researching about living in France, I approached it the way many people do when thinking about retirement. I looked at location, size, access to art and music, walkability and whether I could comfortably live without a car. Affordability mattered too. Annecy checked all the practical boxes, and…
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Buying a Car in France as an Expat: Step-by-Step Guide
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Buying a car in France can feel intimidating at first especially as an expat, but it’s a very doable process once you know the steps. From paperwork to insurance, inspection, and even alternative ways to buy a car. Here’s everything I learned when I purchased my used car a few…
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A Gentle Escape: Finding Beauty and Calm in Uncertain Times
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There is so much happening in the world right now. So much uncertainty, loss, noise, and division that it doesn’t go unnoticed. I feel it. You probably do too. Lately in particular it feels strange to sit down and write about everyday moments, travel or small joys without acknowledging the…
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Visiting Lake Como : Italy’s Most Beautiful Lakeside Town
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Arriving in Como revealed yet another facet of Italy’s beauty. Nestled near the Italian Alps about 30 miles north of Milan, the town sits bedside Lake Como. A glacial lake surrounded by mountains that rise dramatically from the water. Visiting Lake Como was a top place on our Italy bucket…
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Venice at Night : Walking Through Italy’s Most Timeless City
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Walking through Venice at night felt utterly magical. I would highly recommend experiencing the city after dark, when the crowds thin and the streets transform into something quieter and more intimate. Each winding alley seemed to hold its own personality, every turn revealing a different version of old-world charm. Tiny…