My youngest daughter is halfway through a 2-1/2 month sojourn in France. This Easter, she was fortunate to spend the weekend with a French family in the village of Soissons. The village is northeast of Paris, about halfway to the Belgian border. The Cathedral Saint-Gervais & Saint-Protais dates … [Read more...] about It’s Not the Easter Bunny, It’s the Easter Bell!
France
Almost French/I’ll Never Be French
Last week my youngest daughter flew from Orlando, FL to Europe. She’ll be spending about 2-1/2 months in Lille, France to round out her gap year between high school and college. In honor of her French adventure, I decided to review a couple of books by expats in France. Almost French, subtitled … [Read more...] about Almost French/I’ll Never Be French
Which Countries Have the Best Health Care?
In the Expat Web group on LinkedIn, a member asked recently, “As an Expat, which countries do you think have the best and worst health care systems?” Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, Malta and France all received positive comments. One poster said Japan’s was “the worst I ever experienced.” … [Read more...] about Which Countries Have the Best Health Care?
Where in the World Do Employees Get the Most Time Off?
According to a survey by Mercer, it's not who you might think! By looking at a country's statutory annual leave, statutory holidays and public holidays, they compiled a list of where employees get the most time off. One caveat: it's based on what an employee working a five-day week for 10 years is … [Read more...] about Where in the World Do Employees Get the Most Time Off?
Finance Your Life Overseas with a French B&B
I've written previously about ways to finance your new life abroad if you're not ready or able to retire yet. Here's a delightful discussion of running a B&B, or gite, in France. Guest Post by Steenie Harvey, International Living There’s more to sunny southern France than Provence and the Cote … [Read more...] about Finance Your Life Overseas with a French B&B
End-of-Year Lists
International Living's annual Quality of Life Index. Every year, IL produces a Quality of Life index, which usually differs quite a bit from their recommendations on best places to retire. France has topped the list for several years running. France (was #1 last year as well) Australia (moved up … [Read more...] about End-of-Year Lists