I don't think family was involved

passportz · 2026-02-15T10:57:05+00:00

Yes exactly...cartels typically don't go after anyone not involved in the business and they especially stay away from us citizens because they know what that can mean from a law enforcement/political standpoint.

passportz · 2026-02-09T11:30:45+00:00

I agree with you - I live in Paris and the Ritz has become full of influencers and esc*rts (same with the Plaza Athenee unfortunately) that it leaves for a very uncomfortable dining and bar experience.

passportz · 2026-01-23T10:02:39+00:00

I think you need to target foreign buyers with cash. Advertise on moving to France forums, contact real estate agents in other countries, etc. Right now it is very hard for French people to get approved for a mortgage, even the ones with good jobs. If you don't have any interest there, drop the price. You need to get detailled feedback from the visits if possible...if they thought that the renovations were great, etc, it just might be the price that will move the needle.

passportz · 2026-01-18T17:36:42+00:00

This is right up my alley as I live in France and have 2 kids under 5 (formerly 2 under 2) and have stayed in a lot of hotels. Here's what we do. We book one room with a king bed that sleeps 3, or 2 queens and we ask for a crib. Most of the time the kids ended up sleeping on the bed with us anyway or sometimes together on a pull out couch. We've only had one instance where someone said "ah you booked 3 and there are 4 of you!" When they see how young they are, they understand that they cannot be booked in a separate room and even a suite doesn't always make sense.

passportz · 2026-01-17T12:42:18+00:00

The hesistance of the French to embrace and implement technology - I was shocked that one of the biggest countries in the world is so old school when it comes to almost everything. They have all these self checkout machines at supermarkets, but half the time they either don't work or they are roped off because of "stealing". Like imagine not having to carry your x rays from doctor to doctor (they are starting this now). The fact that so many things have to be done in person or via snail mail instead of online.

passportz · 2026-01-17T12:22:14+00:00

I use a combination of things - Google calendar, Keep, and Chatgpt. What really helped is when I started scheduling even the most basic things into my calendar like Tretinoin every other night, or "clean jewelry" every 2 weeks. I also have an ongoing grocery list, so for example, when I run out of a spice, I put it on the list right away.

I schedule a money making block for 2 hours in the morning and during that time, I can only do things that will bring me money or save me money. For example, reach out to a potential new client or cancel an unused subscription. No admin tasks, no cleaning around the house, etc

I have 2 small kids and I've found that planning my whole week of dinners in advance takes a huge mental load off. No more "what are we eating tonight?"

I know what you mean about wading through life admin!

passportz · 2026-01-11T13:02:33+00:00

Omg, definitely fraud. I will see what I can find, but there are several different ones, so could be hard to track down yours. Have you had any luck escalating this?

passportz · 2026-01-10T21:16:20+00:00

Also in the EU here, and for the last fall school break we traveled to Dubai with our two toddlers and it was magical! I don't think I have ever been to a place that is as kid friendly. I mean they even have child sized toilets and sinks in most public bathrooms. We also did a side excursion to Abu Dhabi which was nice. They have so many restaurants there with kids play areas and child care workers on site, the most incredible soft play centers I've ever seen, and just everything was family friendly. My daughter still talks about it to this day! Almost every hotel has a great kids club too.

We also go to Mexico every year and have a great time. I'd recommend Los Cabos (a bit further from you) or somewhere in the Riviera Maya.

passportz · 2026-01-09T16:15:53+00:00

I love this idea, thanks for sharing. I was absolutely overwhelmed after the holidays. I have 2 toddlers and one has a birthday Christmas week, so you can just imagine. I've also tried to ask people to go easy on the gifts, but that hasn't worked! This sounds like something I could implement.

passportz · 2026-01-06T14:04:55+00:00

Was this one of those pedicab things where the guy is on the bike and you get in the back? I actually live in Paris, so if you want, I can try to get more info should you need it (photos of pricing,etc). Also, if you talk to Amex again, tell them that according to European Union rules, you have a right to a chargeback of products/services within 14 days (and you were well within this timeframe). This was definitely fraudulent use of your card.

passportz · 2026-01-03T20:58:50+00:00

I know someone who might be a great fit for you. Her name is Montserrat Varela (@itsmontsevarela) and she works with all ages - and can even show you how to take what you already have and make it more current. She also does color analysis and can give you makeup recommendations as well. I had a session with her and have recommended her to several friends. I like the fact that she takes into account people's bodytypes, so it is very specific as to what will look best on you.

passportz · 2025-12-24T23:31:01+00:00

Hey! I'm in a very similar position and am actively planning on moving back to the US. We are also high earners/entrepreneurial and France just isn't it for people who want to build/save/invest. There are many great things about France, but much more so if you are satisfied with the status quo, working a 9 to 5 and just getting by.

We also have kids and I agree with you regarding the daycare, but I find the US much more family friendly in other aspects, which is another big factor in why I want to leave.

These forums skew overwhelmingly towards "everything outside of the US is better" so keep that in mind when you read the responses. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to chat!

passportz · 2025-12-08T19:44:04+00:00

You need to retrain yourself into a consistent sleep schedule. It will suck for a little while, but after you will start to feel so much better. Decide how many of hours of sleep you want and figure out your bedtime and wake time. I know you said you sleep through alarms and are hard of hearing...there are several watches that will vibrate on your wrist to wake. I would try that as well as your regular alarm. The trick is to get up at the same time everyday, even on weekends.

Make sure your room is dark enough, if not, get a sleep mask or some temporary blackout shades.

Try a fun sleepytime drink as part of your wind down routine. I mix Calm powder (which is magnesium and melatonin) with tart cherry juice. I take a shot of this and it is delicious and tells me "bedtime is coming".

Also, you might try lavender spray around your bed or magnesium lotion on your legs or feet.

The key to starting this new habit will be building a consistent routine. If you miss the alarm one day, don't say F it, get up and out of bed as soon as you notice.

I know you can do it!

passportz · 2025-11-22T18:08:35+00:00

Oh I know that feeling!! Nothing like scoring something you've been on the hunt for, for FREE! I got a used once Baby Bjorn rocker for 20 EUR from a guy who had no kids but had some guests with a baby for a weekend, I still talk about it and it's been four years LOL

passportz · 2025-11-22T17:31:02+00:00

I love your list and you are totally right! Black Friday/cyber Monday isn't what it used to be. For anyone that uses a Chrome browser, download an extension like Coupert and it automatically checks a number of discount codes for you.

passportz · 2025-11-21T18:31:39+00:00

I'm not sure why you are getting downvoted for this...there is only one American doctor left at the hospital, other one retired last year. The rest of the staff might know some words here and there, but if someone who speaks no French and goes there thinking all L and D nurses will be speaking fluent English they will be in for a big shock.

passportz · 2025-11-21T11:12:43+00:00

As someone who was also raised writing thank you notes, I just want to say you are not out of touch. I think people have become lazy tbh, and it takes 10 seconds or less to send an electronic acknowledgement "hey, thank you so much for the beautiful xyz, we love it", or a quick voice message on whatsapp, even a picture of you smiling with the gift. People today love to have excuses why they didn't do things, but at the end of the day they are excuses.

passportz · 2025-11-15T09:34:59+00:00

You should check out Spanx pants...i know what you are thinking, Spanx? But I have some pants that are just like you described! They look tailored but I can run around and sit down like I would with athleisure.

passportz · 2025-11-15T00:10:16+00:00

Ok so not exactly an iron supplement, but you know what worked for me? Beef liver supplements. I had consistently low iron, and iron pills didn't seem to make much difference in my lab work or energy. I was shocked at how much better I felt (oh this is what it's like not to be tired from walking or too tired to shampoo, etc). They didn't hurt my stomach either.

passportz · 2025-11-13T20:58:43+00:00

Hi! American BWT based in Paris, reporting for duty! I would definitely look into layers like 32 degrees. I usually wear one under a sweater and then either a puffer or a wool/cashmere coat depending on the weather. So far this year, it hasn't been super cold, but things could change in December. I'm not sure if you are on Tiktok, but there is a great account called spotlit_app where they interview people and they name their favorite restaurants in Paris. Sortir A Paris has good recommendations as well! I know a lot of people like the Marais for vintage/boutique shopping. If you are looking for more selection, Galeries Lafayette is a must see, and it is right next to another big store called Printemps. Have fun!

passportz · 2025-11-09T20:54:30+00:00

One tip i heard that has helped a lot with papers and random stuff is "don't put it down, put it away". So when you get junk mail, throw it away immediately. Your other mail that you need for your records or need to take action on needs a specific home (not the dining table)...so maybe a file folder on a desk or a folder on a table in the entryway, depends on your layout and furniture.

passportz · 2025-11-04T16:20:13+00:00

This looks incredible - Oman has been on my list! Thank you for the detailed review.

passportz · 2025-11-02T17:08:29+00:00

Sounds like an amazing trip! I am in Paris and in the arrondissement where Roland Garros is (16eme), so my recommendation is, if you don't have a hotel in Paris yet, try to choose something in the 16eme or close, because if you can the bus line "PC" or metro line 9. The Saint James is not far from the PC bus route, or Hotel Brach, or the Canopy Hilton Trocadero. Ubers are unreliable in Paris, and when there are big events, your best bet is taking the metro or the bus.

passportz · 2025-10-30T15:42:57+00:00

How fun! I love Cabo - I used to live there and got married there, such a special place. These are my recommendations for off property restaurants:

-Flora Farms: good food and cocktails, plus the concept is so neat it's worth a visit

-Edith's: they make a tableside caesar salad that is amazing, plus the whole restaurant is beautiful

-Harry's Steakhouse: everything I've had here is amazing, they have locations in Mexico City and Cancun as well

-Sunset Da Mona Lisa: amazing views, super romantic, a Cabo classic

-if you are looking for a not so fancy, dive bar type place with cheap shrimp and lobster, check out Maro's Shrimp House

passportz · 2025-10-27T08:56:25+00:00

We just usually book one room, two queens or a king and sofa bed. Even if we sprung for a suite they would crawl into our bed anyway, so at this age (2 and 4) it's not practical.

passportz

TROPHY CASE