Author: Soraya
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Leaving France for the United States
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The day had finally arrived for leaving France for the United States. We were off to Paris on the TGV! (The fast train) My suitcase was miraculously packed, though it had put up a good fight. Honestly, suitcase zippers deserve way more recognition. Their sheer determination to unite two sides…
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French Visa Dilemma
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Time has flown by here in France, and I am quickly approaching my three month mark. Technically, I am at two and half months. With that milestone in sight I wanted to start the process of applying for a Carte Vitale to register for the French Health Insurance. Individuals with…
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A Day Exploring Car-Free Murren
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Seeing the light peer through the curtains, I eagerly pulled them open to reveal the Swiss Alps. The view overlooking Lake Thun and the village below from the chalet was breathtaking! The crisp morning air, the shimmering water below, and the towering peaks in the distance set the perfect scene, what…
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A Scenic Adventure to Thun
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Next up is a scenic adventure to Thun. On our way to Thun, we made a spontaneous stop at a park along the Thun River. It was nothing short of breathtaking. The view was spectacular, an enormous lake stretched before us, surrounded by the towering Bernese Alps. It felt like…
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A Swiss Adventure
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Waking up in the chalet that morning felt like stepping into a real life snow globe. Light snowflakes drifted lazily past the windows, coating the world outside in a soft, magical hush. The dogs, blissfully unaware of the day’s agenda, bounded through the untrodden snow at the base of the…
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Road Tripping Through The Swiss Alps
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After soaking all of the Christmas magic in Annecy we were ready for our next adventure, Switzerland and road tripping through the Swiss Alps. The especially breathtaking villages of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald are just a short 30 minute drive from each other and about three hours from Annecy. Lauterbrunnen is…
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French Christmas Market Magic
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I’ve been living in Annecy for a while now, and it’s truly starting to feel familiar. I’ve discovered little shortcuts to my favorite places, making the city feel even more like home. Right now, I’m getting ready for a visit from my daughter, and as always, we’ve packed our agenda…
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The Rhythms of Retirement in France
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Living a retired life in France has been an experience both familiar and transformative. Having spent enough time here to settle into the rhythms of retirement in France, I’ve realized that though the setting is different the experience of my days still carries threads of who I’ve always been. Routine…
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The Next Adventure in Annecy
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Timeless Charm with cobblestone adventures in the French Alps As the Uber driver pulled away with a cheery “Good Luck!” I stood in the foyer like a seasoned explorer about to embark on the next adventure in Annecy. I was surrounded by my suitcase and a collection of oddly shaped…
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Marriage Reflection and Change
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Today, I am setting aside my usual focus on travel to share something deeply personal, my marriage. While I have mentioned my two grown children in the past I haven’t spoken about my husband. This wasn’t an oversight but a deliberate choice. I needed time to find the right way…