This week’s episode is a full ride. I kick things off with the saga of trying — and failing — to pick up my visa thanks to a date mix-up, a website that refuses to send verification emails, and customer service advice that was… less than enlightening. (If you’ve ever dealt with French bureaucracy, you already know.)

But there was a major win: after weeks of searching, I finally found a U.S.-based broker who can legally invest my money while I live abroad. A huge step forward toward building the financial foundation for the future bed & breakfast dream.

So join me for bureaucratic chaos, a little self-deprecating humor, and a genuinely exciting milestone on this long-term journey.