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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Rebecca reveals the outcome of her visa application process and shares some struggles found in the end stages of packing up to leave their home. The conversation also touches on the uncertainty of expat life and the need to embrace each day. Aimee and Rebecca highlight the importance of being mindful and grateful for the opportunity to live as expats.

Key Takeaways:

• The process of deciding what belongings to take and what to leave behind can be challenging, especially when certain objects hold sentimental value.
• Becoming an expat brings a heightened awareness of the uncertainty of life and the need to appreciate each day.
• The tax implications of living as an expat can be complex and require the assistance of tax advisors in both the home and host countries.
• Embracing the unknown and being open to new opportunities is essential when living as an expat.

Notable Quotes:

• "I am now extremely conscious of the fact that I never really knew what my life was going to look like in two years." - Rebecca
• "We are so damn lucky to be here, and I will do everything I can not to take it for granted." - Aimee

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home

Send a text

In this episode Rebecca askes Aimee what she feared would be true and hoped would be true, and Aimee shares that, and what really happened, sharing insights about navigating visa challenges. Discover how Aimee's initial worries about visa approval turned into a smoother-than-expected process, and explore the unexpected delights of settling into a new culture. 

Reflecting on her new quality of life, her new Spanish community, the sense of belonging she feels, Aimee shares valuable settling-in insights for anyone considering a move abroad. 
 
Liked this installment of Bonjhola? Don't hesitate to share it with your fellow adventurers and expats-to-be!

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home

Send a text

In this episode Rebecca and Aimee chat about how our (expat) environment shapes our eating habits, covering everything from how we crave comfort through food to how hidden influences (from aggressive advertising tactics to societal norms) shape our dietary choices.

(Watch out: Rebecca asks Aimee a question which leads to a salty nutritional rant. 😆 )

Curious about the intersection of culture, food, and well-being? Eager to ditch the American fast-food culture and embrace the slow-paced dining rituals of Europe? Wondering if moving abroad could help you finally live the healthy lifestyle of your dreams?

Whether you're an aspiring expat or a curious food enthusiast, this episode offers a tantalizing glimpse into the joys and challenges of embracing new culinary horizons. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and encouragement on your own journey toward holistic well-being abroad.

Enjoyed this episode? Share the expat love and spread the word! 


Resources:

• Purple Carrot - A vegan meal delivery service mentioned by Rebecca
• Blasphemous Nutrition - Fleshing out the facts of the Plant-Based Paradigm - will avoiding meat make us healthier?

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home

Send a text

In this episode, Rebecca shares the nerve-wracking journey of submitting her French visa paperwork at the visa processing center in San Franscico, dishing out the bureaucratic deets and sharing the nail-biting nervous feelings that come with handing off one's US Passport.  😬

And of course, Rebecca's expat tale wouldn't be complete without a sprinkle of pet adventures, so she also shares trick and tips for traveling with a furry feline friend, from crate training to stocking up on "kitty crack" treats for the journey.

From margaritas at a Mexican joint to a breezy stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Rebecca and her hubby make the most of their visa milestone with a taste of California sunshine.

Enjoying Bonjhola? Don't keep it to yourself! Share the expat love and stay tuned for more tales from Amiee and Rebecca's journey. Catch you in the next episode!

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home

Send a text

Episode Summary: Aimee and Rebecca discuss the challenges they faced during the visa application process, and Aimee shares her struggle with the Spanish heat and the importance of reaching out to expat communities for support. Rebecca talks about finding pet-friendly housing in France and Both hosts highlight the importance of having an immigration lawyer to navigate the complex visa requirements.

Notable Quotes:

• "The afternoon alcohol coupled with the heat totally knocks me out for the rest of the day. I'm useless." - Aimee
• "Having a lawyer that deals with visa applications on a daily basis is indispensable." - Rebecca

Resources:

• Bonjola Podcast: Website

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home

Send a text

In this episode Rebecca rides the rollercoaster of visa applications and faces whisker-worrying moments of getting her cat Murray ready for the big move. 

From decoding visa jargon to playing detective for a vet who's not on vacation 😩 Aimee and Rebecca arm you with much-needed knowledge for your own expat escapades. 

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home

Send a text

In this episode  Aimee shares how she unexpectedly found her family a place to live in Gerona thanks to a stroke of luck from a fellow expat leaving for Australia. They delve into the complexities of navigating the rental market in a bustling European city, where seasonal fluctuations and cultural nuances play a significant role.

The conversation takes a spooky turn as Aimee shares tales of their resident ghost, "Walter Geist," whose antics add intrigue to their historic neighborhood in Gerona's Jewish quarter. From elevators opening mysteriously to unexplained noises, Rebecca and Aimee explore the fascinating intersection of history and modern living in their European abodes.

And what's an expat discussion without a nod to the cultural oddities? Aimee introduces the topic of bidets, a common European home essential, and the quirks that make expat life both challenging and enriching.

Enjoying the Bonjhola podcast? Don't forget to share it with fellow adventurers dreaming of their own move-abroad!

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home

Send a text

In this episode, with only 65 days until departure, Rebecca tackles an important tasks in her French visa journey: securing health insurance for her impending move to Paris!

Join Rebecca and Aimee as they chat about the complexities of international insurance, from deciphering policy requirements to navigating language barriers, while talking about the cultural disparities in healthcare access and the unexpected challenges of adulting abroad. 

It's just another candid discussion packed with encouragement for fellow dreamers contemplating a move overseas. 

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home

Send a text

Welcome to the first episode of "Bonjhola," where hosts Rebecca and Aimee share their journeys as they uproot their lives and move from the United States to Europe. In this introductory episode, Rebecca, a seasoned interior designer, and Aimee, a practicing nutritionist, discuss their upcoming moves to Paris, France, and Gerona, Spain.

Expect candid conversations about the realities of transitioning to a new country, navigating different visa processes, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with such a life-changing decision. Rebecca and Aimee pull no punches as they share the good, the bad, and the messy details of their experiences, offering valuable insights and advice for anyone considering a similar move.

Join them as they discuss the logistical challenges of relocating with pets and families, the importance of finding the right immigration lawyer, and the unexpected surprises they encountered along the way. From visa requirements to cultural adjustments, Rebecca and Aimee provide a raw and unfiltered look at the expat life, complete with practical tips and plenty of humor.

Whether you're dreaming of living abroad or simply curious about the realities of expat life, this podcast is for you. So grab a glass of sangria and join Rebecca and Aimee as they navigate the ups and downs of moving to Europe one episode at a time.

Don't forget to subscribe for future episodes filled with more real stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs!

Where to find Aimee: 

• Instagram: @vibrancenutrition
• Nutrition Coaching: vibrancenutrition.com
• Podcast on Nutrition: Blasphemous Nutrition
• Substack on Nomadic Life: NomadicNomMom

Where to find Rebecca: 

• Instagram and her life in Paris: @beseriouslyhappy
• Podcast for Interior Design-preneurs: Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know
• Biz Coaching for Interior Designers: seriouslyhappy.com
• Book on Interior Design Psychology: Happy Starts at Home