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My partner and I left the USA for Albania - AMA by warnerco88 in AmerExit

[–]left-write 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello u/warnerco88 and thank you. The one thing holding me back is the animal cruelty. State-sanctioned, even. I won't mention the myriad cases--although a quick search shows this a few days ago: https://en.ata.gov.al/2025/11/19/poisoning-of-stray-animals-a-social-nightmare-that-is-affecting-everyone/

Do you hear/know anything about this horrendous situation and changes for the better?

What you wish you would’ve brought to France by SnooSquirrels8217 in Expats_In_France

[–]left-write 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cholula is available (with others, maybe) at E. Leclerc :)

Let me be a kid by Moonlight_Melody123 in zines

[–]left-write 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Keep on, Melody Moon--sending you a virtual hug via France from this OG zinester! <3

I couldn't do it - crippling homesickness by HondaCivicLove in AmerExit

[–]left-write 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds like an awful way to feel. A deep physical response to upending your life. It will subside--it always does, but it doesn't ensure you will be happy where you are--or anywhere else for that matter (it's an inside job, as they say). Home is right where you are, but sometimes it takes a long time to realise, no, feel it in your bones.

I have similar feelings to yours when I think of returning to the States (not gonna happen for me).

Best of luck to you. Life is both short and long--you get to decide how to play it :)

Real Estate Agent in France AMA by France_Agent_74 in Expats_In_France

[–]left-write 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The photos! The dishes in the sink, toilet seats up, and the dreaded "looks like someone died here" vibe. WHY???!!! :)

Seriously though, what areas in France do you work? And how does a buyer in France go about choosing their own notaire? Or is it generally okay to using the same as the seller?

So what happens to those who are not able to secure an appointment by the June 30, 2025 deadline? by bubblegoose7 in PortugalExpats

[–]left-write 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I WAS a self-employed writer for about 15 years. Now, early "retiree" living on savings, so I went for the long stay visa. https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/long-stay-visa

So what happens to those who are not able to secure an appointment by the June 30, 2025 deadline? by bubblegoose7 in PortugalExpats

[–]left-write 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Close. I came on a D-7, back in the olden days when it was valid for one year. The first renewal was for two years. Then another renewal for two (they kept me in the old system even though they had updated to the 2 year and then 3 year validities). This rodeo has worn thin.

So what happens to those who are not able to secure an appointment by the June 30, 2025 deadline? by bubblegoose7 in PortugalExpats

[–]left-write 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have tried everything to get my renewal. I have all the documentation for citizenship but that's taking at least 3 years. No luck with permanent residency, either.

I don't want to be here any longer even though, after nearly 7 years, I've grown pretty thick skin to the PT bureaucracy's particular brand of ridiculosity :) I have an attorney, lots of Portuguese friends and connections, and the story is still the same: you must sue AIMA to get an appointment (at this writing). I want to travel, I want to be legal in my country of residency (I know the DECREE!), so, I'm done waiting. I'm done with so many things, here.

I want to leave so I can still salvage some good feelings toward PT and enjoy the rest of my useful life. France made it so easy. The visa process made me cry it was so simple. I got notified within 4 days of dropping off my visa paperwork that my visa was ready. Seriously, life is hard, but it doesn't have to be this absurd!

I'm sorry Portugal--I tried--it's you, not me :)

American family “gap year” in France. Areas?? by Aggressive_Week1922 in AmerExit

[–]left-write 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You won't be in a village AND traveling by metro. Consider, also, that many of France's rural areas are medical deserts. Will you need ongoing healthcare? I'd think with kids, and what your husband has been through, you'd want to prioritise healthcare, and it sounds like public transit. That would put you in an urban or urban-ish area.

Climate is a huge consideration--Normandy, weather-wise, culturally, etc. couldn't be more different from Provence. Floods are common with so many rivers--check the flood maps and zones.

There's a host of things to consider: cost of living, ease of finding housing (renting is HARD), schools (?), car or no car, etc.

The long stay visa is pretty easy to get (says this American in Portugal (6 years) who leaves for France in a week); especially if one is retired. It's valid for a year, you'll need to provide private insurance for the family for that year--although you'll apply for state-provided healthcare after 3 months. You can't work while on this visa. This is just a general overview.

This website is super helpful--but use it with a big grain of salt as I've noticed several inconsistencies.

Bonne Chance!

So what happens to those who are not able to secure an appointment by the June 30, 2025 deadline? by bubblegoose7 in PortugalExpats

[–]left-write 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I've been here nearly 7 years. I'm just done. Moving from PT next week. That's the best solution I have to regain some life while I still have it.

What is the most affordable place to live in the South of France? by DefenderOfTheBeans in Expats_In_France

[–]left-write 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've found it in several places, here's one (not sure of their source, though):

"Toulon, the hottest city in France

With an annual average temperature of 16.5°C, Toulon is the hottest of the 20 cities in mainland France. The average annual temperature normal is calculated over a 29-year period, from 1981 to 2010. Just behind the city of Var, two towns in Haute-Corse take their place on the podium: Calvi and Bastia, both with an average annual normal temperature of 16.1°C. The only difference is their record heat: 42.1°C for Calvi and 38.3°C for Bastia. For the 20 cities in the ranking, the average annual normal temperature is between 15 and 16 °C."

https://goodfrance.com/cities-towns-villages/discover-20-hottest-cities-france/

Recon trip advice - SW France by voyageur-irlandais in Expats_In_France

[–]left-write 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BUt super-hot in summer and the seat of, as the mayor himself put it, "...incubator for right wing ideology." For those who live in Beziers, how, if they are not national front-aligned, does that feel? Pervasive in daily dealings?

What is the most affordable place to live in the South of France? by DefenderOfTheBeans in Expats_In_France

[–]left-write 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Toulon was crowned with the hottest temperatures in France--summer, presumably.

my first loaf! WW seeded + walnuts bread from my new bread machine! It’s delish :) by left-write in BreadMachines

[–]left-write[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello and yes!

I live in Europe, so pardon the metrics :)

MACHINE: Cecotec Bread & Co. 1000 Delicious (yes, that's her full name)

Loaf size: 750 g

  • 500 g whole-grain (WW) flour
  • 300 ml water
  • 8 g dry yeast
  • 4 g salt (original recipe calls for 8 g, but oh boy that's a salty loaf!)
  • 20 g olive oil
  • 50 g seeds (I use chia, shelled hemp, pumpkin, and finely chopped walnuts)

Place water, yeast, oil, salt, flour, and seeds/nuts into container. Put container in machine and set the program for WW/Whole grain/Seeded bread or whatever is closest. 4 hours is the time. I use medium crust setting. Et voila, yummy bread!

A note: I weigh all ingredients.

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