Farewell, America! (Relocating to Europe Hereafter)
Hello there,
We've taken off from the States and landed in sunny Annecy, France! This lovely town nestled in the French Alps is our new home base, and we can't wait to share our adventures with you.
We've been wandering the globe for a while now, and our family members have collectively visited 184 countries—even our furry feline pal has 10 stamps in its passport!
Now, it's time to dive into a fresh beginner's guide to our European adventure.
Moving Across the Pond
Well, here we are in Annecy, a picturesque town brimming with Alpine charm and beauty. It's located near the Swiss border, surrounded by enchanting lakes, majestic mountains, and a captivating old town. Plus, we're just a quick hop, skip, and a jump away from Geneva's airport, ready for our next escapade.
Leaving behind our life in North Carolina, we've sold our home, cars, and shed most of our possessions. After six months of downsizing, we're setting sail for a new life in Europe!
Of course, things never go quite according to plan, but isn't that the fun (and messy) part of life? Hence, buckle up, as we navigate the rollercoaster ride of moving abroad and sharing our stories as expats in a foreign land.
We've lived in Mexico and Italy before, so we're no strangers to the ups and downs of adjusting to new cultures. Whether it's the good, the bad, or the utterly chaotic, we're here to give you the real lowdown on expat life in France.
So, if you're curious about what life is really like, make sure to sign up for our mailing list and follow us on social media.
The New Gig
While our nomadic lifestyle has taken a hit due to Google's recent search algorithm updates, we're refocusing our efforts to embrace the future.
Enter virtual and augmented reality! This rapidly growing technology is transforming the entertainment industry and will soon change the way we consume media.
I've embarked on a new venture, producing VR 180 videos to immerse people in stunning travel and nature destinations worldwide. As the technology progresses, these headsets will become smaller, cheaper, and more advanced—eventually replacing traditional TVs, laptops, and even cellphones.
If you haven't had the chance to demo the new Apple Vision Pro or Meta Quest 3 headsets, I can't recommend it enough. It's an eye-opening experience that blurs the line between reality and virtual worlds.
My goal with Escape VR is to bring these breathtaking destinations to viewers from the comfort of their homes. No matter where you are, you can explore exotic locales in vivid, 3D detail. It's an unparalleled way to travel, and I'm excited to share this journey with you.
Why France?
As the rise of authoritarian politics, AI, and environmental crises loom over the United States, Europe seems like a safer haven. Not only does it offer a more secure environment, but the lower costs of living, excellent healthcare, and beautiful landscapes make France stand out as an appealing choice.
From stunning countryside vistas to bustling city life, France provides a unique blend of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Plus, Annecy's bicycle-friendliness and picturesque charm make it an ideal location for a simpler, more laid-back lifestyle.
Moving to Europe is a big leap, but with multiple citizenships and passports under our belts, we're eager to take on this new adventure. Whether you're interested in joining us or just along for the ride, stay tuned as we share our experiences living as American expats in a foreign land.
Like they say, the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page!
So, pack your bags, engage your curiosity, and join us on our European adventure!
Together, we'll discover the highs, the lows, and everything in between that makes expat life in France an unforgettable journey. Bon voyage!
[1] CLC - Annecy.fr. (n.d.). Living in Annecy - Annecy by the city. https://www.annecy.fr/en/moving-to-annecy/[2] OECD Data Portal. (n.d.). Latest economic indicators for France. https://data.oecd.org/country/FRA/[3] Nomad List. (2021, March 05). Cost of Living Comparison - Cost of living in Annecy, France vs New York, United States. https://nomadlist.com/compare/new-york,-usa/annecy,-france[4] Washburn, B. (2019, April 08). Life in Europe on a Digital Nomad Visa. https://johnnyfd.com/europe/[5] The Local. (n.d.). How to open a French bank account for expats and foreigners. https://www.thelocal.fr/20200422/how-to-open-a-french-bank-account-for-expats-and-foreigners
- As we settle into our new home in Annecy, France, we're eager to delve into a fusion of home-and-garden exploring and travel adventures, sharing the nuances of our European lifestyle.
- With our new venture, Escape VR, we aim to bring breathtaking travel and nature destinations from around the world into your home, blurring the lines between home-and-garden confines and escapades beyond your front door.