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Explore every episode of the podcast Bonjhola

Dive into the complete episode list for Bonjhola. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
EP 51 - So you want to move to Europe?18 Nov 202400:32:51

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EP 50 - Rebecca Goes to Eugene and Reflects Upon Her First Visit Back to the States15 Nov 202400:38:46

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EP 41 - FLASHBACK - Aimee Takes a Train to Montpelier, and Shares the Gritty Reality of Living in a 2000-Year-Old Neighborhood.13 Oct 202400:45:04

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EP 40 - Aimee Finishes Summer Travel with a Trip to Valencia - Here's the Lowdown11 Oct 202400:29:38

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EP 39 - Ninety Year Old Frenchmen LOVE Rebecca; also - tips for measuring progress and picking up much needed vocabulary08 Oct 202400:29:58

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EP 38 - FLASHBACK - Aimee's Trip to the States: She Finds Less Value in Objects While Her Child Gets High on Consumerism27 Sep 202400:34:45

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EP 37 - FLASHBACK - Rebecca Goes to Fontainbleau and Evades the Bliss Point24 Sep 202400:36:35

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Ep 36 - FLASHBACK - Aimee Suddenly Has the Power to Eavesdrop on EVERYBODY16 Sep 202400:32:37

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Aimee goes to London, eavesdrops on everyone and realizes a major mistake in leaving her family back in Spain. 

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Ep 35 - FLASHBACK EPISODE - The Struggles of Language Learning; Aimee Discovers She May Not Suck at Spanish After All13 Sep 202400:28:36

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Ep 34 - FLASHBACK EPISODE - Aimee Gets a Spanish Tutor, and Here's Why10 Sep 202400:29:36

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Ep 33 - Rebecca Geeks Out About The Trash Holes of Avignon09 Sep 202400:30:58

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Ep 32 - Sweat, Grit, and Perserverance: Recording Life’s Marathon Moments03 Sep 202400:44:52

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Aimee and Rebecca dive into Aimee's visit to Paris to visit Rebecca, Damian and Murray, which also coincided with the Olympic Games. They discuss the exhilarating experience of watching the marathoners, including the determination of both the frontrunners and those who battled just to finish. The conversation explores themes of resilience, the transient nature of pain and glory, and the importance of documenting life's significant moments as it relates to their own lives as expatriates. Whether you're an athlete, a world traveler, or someone looking for a bit of inspiration, this episode is filled with stories of courage and perseverance. Tune in for laughs, deep reflections, and a reminder that every journey, no matter how small it may seem in hindsight, is worth remembering.

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EP 49 - Taxes as an Expat or The journey of Rebecca learning to let go of control continues on Bonjola11 Nov 202400:37:23

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Ep 31 - Rebecca learns to work less (but not do less) and we talk a bit about making and keeping friends.20 Aug 202400:40:53

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Ep 30 - FLASHBACK: Rebecca Settles into Paris: Shopping, Protests, Cultural Differences, and Dancing Adventures20 Aug 202400:34:02

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Ep 29 - FLASHBACK to May 2024 - What "Normal Life" Feels Like As An Expat in France and Spain15 Aug 202400:25:06

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Ep 28 - FLASHBACK EPISODE: Navigating Friendships and Family Ties While Living Abroad12 Aug 202400:33:08

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Ep 27 - Flashback Episode: What Aimee Packed to Move to Spain08 Aug 202400:29:15

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Ep26 - What is it like to Live in Paris During the 2024 Olympics?06 Aug 202400:33:08

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Ep 25 - Flashback Episode - 50 Day Countdown to Paris: Navigating Uncertainty with Optimism23 Jul 202400:26:45

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In this flashback episode of Bonjhola Aimee asked Rebecca about how she was feeling about the 50-day countdown to her upcoming move to Paris. Their differing outlooks—Rebecca optimistic about champagne celebrations in Paris, Aimee cautious about the challenges ahead—reflect the emotional journey of preparing to leave behind life in the United States. They chat about navigating visa uncertainties, logistical planning like pet health certificates, and the emotional weight of deciding what to keep or let go. Rebecca shares her aspirations for personal growth in Paris, aiming to escape the relentless hustle culture of the U.S. and embrace a slower, intentional lifestyle.

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Ep 24 - Flashback Episode - Aimee Visits Paris & Is Glad She Moved to Spain16 Jul 202400:28:09

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In this episode of Bonjhola Aimee reflects on her family's recent trip to Paris and compares it to being an expat in Spain. Join in as Aimee and Rebecca have a candid conversation about cultural differences, urban living, and the surprises of navigating life abroad. From contrasting perceptions to firsthand observations on cleanliness and societal norms, they offer insightful reflections that challenge stereotypes and highlight the complexities of cultural interactions. Whether you're considering a move or simply curious about life in these iconic European cities, this episode provides a thoughtful exploration of what it means to live and thrive in unfamiliar cultural landscapes.



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Ep 23 - Do You Tip In France, Or Not? Rebecca Dishes On The "American Tax" At French Restaurants20 Jun 202400:37:39

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In this episode, Rebecca talks about the Big Question: "Do you tip in French restaurants, or not?!" 

Having spent more money than she planned to at the beautiful Parisian restaurant, Victoria (with its priceless view of the iconic Arc de Triomphe), Rebecca shares her take on cultural expectations and financial faux-pas while navigating exorbitant wine prices and interpreting cultural cues. If you've ever overspent in order to avoid social shame (or you want to avoid doing that!) this is the episode for you!

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Ep 22 - Hot Meat & Spanish Humanity: Aimee Makes Friends With The Beggar on The Bridge13 Jun 202400:37:29

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In this episode, Aimee shares another laugh-and-learn expat moment at the butcher in Girona where she's warned that "her meat is too hot." Then she pivots and gets real about befriending the beggar on the bridge as part of choosing how to see the world. Using curiosity to close the gap between her world and the life of the Man On The Bridge, she talks about what moving to Spain is teaching her about connection and compassion, and challenges herself to look beyond surface appearances and societal stereotypes.

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EP 48 - The London Recap, Missing a good PNW Autumn, and what we're missing about the USA03 Nov 202400:38:23

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Ep 21 - Zero Modesty: Rebecca Tells Us Exactly What It Was Like To Have The Medical OFII Visit For Her French Visa06 Jun 202400:16:46

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Bonjour! In this episode Rebecca shares the details of what it's like to go through the OFII Medical Visit required for her French visitors visa - an important milestone in her visa journey. Prepare to be topless, and just trust the system...

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Ep 20 - When Moving Abroad Triggers Emotional Eating - But Hey, At Least The Comfort Food's Fancier30 May 202400:40:50

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In this episode, Aimee and Rebecca show their "human side." Rebecca shares what sparked some emotional eating while adapting to life in Paris and, thanks to Aimee's work as a professional nutritionist, they chat about the biological and emotional triggers behind comfort food cravings, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in managing stress (whether or not your an expat!). 

Meanwhile, Aimee gets vulnerable about her feelings when facing beggers on the streets. She bravely shines a light on some uncomfortable truths, candidly discussing her anger and bitterness towards societal disparities and homelessness, both in her former home of Seattle and her new life in Spain. 

It's a deep one folks. Are you ready to give some thought to how we maintain our humanity and compassion for others and for ourselves, even when that's not the first thing we feel? Let's do this together! 

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EP 19 - Rebecca Finds Her Next Paris Apartment... & Dishes on Healthy Eating in France14 May 202400:27:42

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EP 18 - Aimee Lets Her Child Roam the Spanish Streets... ALONE!23 Apr 202400:35:15

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Episode Description: 

In this episode, Aimee gets real about what it feels like to let her 10-year-old son roam the streets of Girona, Spain, a departure from the overprotective parenting norms of the US. Drawing from her own upbringing in the 80s, Aimee explores the cultural shift in parenting styles, influenced by societal fears and the insights of psychologist Jonathan Haidt's recent interview with Bari Weiss. 

The conversation delves into the challenges of finding social connections for her son in a new country, navigating school choices, and relearning how to live differently. Despite cultural differences, Aimee finds solace in the school's proactive stance against screen time, providing a glimpse into a more traditional childhood experience.

Even as Expats we have to live our real lives - if you're a parent navigating the unique challenges of raising a kid in a new country, or anyone curious about the cultural differences about parenting in Spain versus parenting in the United States, this episode is for you!

Resources:
Smartphones Rewired Childhood. Here's How to Fix It.

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Ep 17 - Flashback Episode - What You Don't Expect When Your Visa is Approved, Geopolitical Shenanigans and Capture the Flag22 Apr 202400:51:00

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Ep 16 - Expat Expectations: Is being an expat how we hoped it would be?15 Apr 202400:45:22

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Episode Desciption:

In this episode, Aimee and Rebecca reflect upon their initial expectations of how they would respond to expat life vs the reality once they've arrived and are integrating. Rebecca dons her therapist hat and Aimee gets some support on the chasm that lies between what she expected and what she's actually been able to accomplish. 

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Ep 15 - Reinventions and Revelations: Redefining Yourself Abroad and the Truth About Meat in Spain09 Apr 202400:49:50

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Episode Description: 
In this episode, Aimee and Rebecca explore the challenges and opportunities of living abroad, from navigating bureaucratic hurdles to cultural adjustments. They chat about everything from the intricacies of shutting down a business and navigating visa uncertainties to grocery shopping experiences and adapting to metric measurements. Aimee struggles with the discrepancies in serving sizes between Spain and the United States looking at the differences in portion sizes, protein focus, and the prevalence of pork in Spain, offering insights into the culinary landscape of her new home. But that's not all! They also dive into each woman's expectations about how she will make adjustments in her new homeland while still being attached to the former  - it's a wide-ranging candid convo about the practicalities of expatriate life.

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Ep 14 - Rebecca made it to France... and Murray the Cat Goes Missing!!02 Apr 202400:32:28

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Ep 13 - 48 Hours Till We Leave for France... and No Papers for the Cat!25 Mar 202400:23:00

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Rebecca records under duress, as they have 48 hours until departure and Murray the cat still has no health certificate from the USDA. 

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Ep 12 - To Say Goodbye or Not to Say Goodbye? Expat Lessons From Ted Lasso21 Mar 202400:28:04

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Aimee revisits her grief after watching the finale of Ted Lasso (warning: spoiler alerts) and Rebecca and Aimee discuss the complicated feelings around saying goodbye. 

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EP 47 - Advice for newbies visiting Paris or moving to Barcelona!01 Nov 202400:27:55

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Ep 11 - T Minus 10 Days for Rebecca: Lessons from the Peace Corp and Emotional Eating19 Mar 202400:24:46

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In this episode, Rebecca reflects upon Peace Corp memories which have been coming up a lot as she wraps things up in the USA, giving her food for thought as she embarks to Paris. A nuanced discussion about the value of comfort food and emotional eating is had. 

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Ep 10 - Flashback Episode - Surprises and lessons found in the early days of integration29 Feb 202400:29:20

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Episode Summary:

In this flashback episode, Aimee shares some early integration experiences and discomforts as she begins to settle in her new hometown. The two discuss how community is appearing in their lives in their respective hellos and goodbyes and Aimee shares her experience of sitting in the discomfort of not knowing precisely how to expand her practice in Europe. 

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Ep 9 - Visa Approved, Bags Packed: Navigating Sentimental Attachments and Embracing Gratitude in the Expat Adventure26 Feb 202400:18:00

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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

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Ep 8 - Finding Community and Belonging in Girona, Spain: Rebecca Asks Aimee What She Feared & Hoped For, and What Really Happened20 Feb 202400:16:31

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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!


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Ep 7 - Ditching the Fast-Food Culture: Do We Pack Our Bad Habits or Can We Leave Them Behind When We Move Abroad?19 Feb 202400:24:29

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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! 


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Ep 6 - Rebecca Submits The Paperwork for her French Visa, Plus the Adventures of Murray, the Traveling Cat!13 Feb 202400:25:47

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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!

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Ep 5 - Flashback Episode - The Logistical Nightmare of Integrating Without Visas, and What To Pack for Your New Life09 Feb 202400:48:26

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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

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Ep 4 - Rebecca Navigates French Visa Applications & Pet Travel: The Expat Prep Continues!23 Jan 202400:21:54

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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. 


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Ep 3 - Embracing the Quirks: Aimee's Got a Ghost (AND an In-Home Elevator!)17 Jan 202400:24:48

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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!

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Ep 2 - Rebecca Chooses Health Insurance for Her French Visa (Moving Abroad Requires a Lot of Adulting!)08 Jan 202400:23:54

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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. 

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EP 46 - Rebecca Remembers that You only Get Yeses When You Take the Leap and Ask at Her First French Tradeshow31 Oct 202400:40:38

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Ep 1 - Meet Aimee & Rebecca, Fearlessly Moving Abroad!01 Jan 202400:11:59

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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!

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EP 45 - Aimee Passes Spanish B1, Crazy European Payment Systems, and How to Use Your Phone to Boost Language Acquisition30 Oct 202400:31:07

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EP 44 - Rebecca Moves to the 15th and We Honor Our Inner Toddlers29 Oct 202400:33:17

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EP 43 - Rebecca & Aimee Both Get Colds; What To Pack For When You Get Sick Abroad21 Oct 202400:24:34

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