We're Leaving Corsica

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Hello kindred spirit! Thank you so much for tuning in! I post a new video on slow living and presence every month but if you're curious to see more of my content, check out my blog! As a writer, I have a full archive of posts written from the past 5 years on my blog about how to find more joy in your life as well as slow and joyful living and presence. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did me making it. Have a magical day, lovely ☀️
#slowliving #simpleliving
We're Moving to France - Leaving Island Life in Corsica (Story 15)

[@helenawoods]

Hello there friend ✨ We're moving back to France and leaving the island of Corsica! This is my final story video. Thank you for following along the story series these last 2 years! If you ever want to go back and see the series again, it'll be in my playlist "the Corsican era" 🌿 💕 I'm currently in Montpellier and have been very sick with Covid this past week but I had this video ready to share with you for this week. 🤗 Excited to share the journey with you as it unfolds!

[@BlueEyedGurl]

Helena I'm sending you good vibes for a speedy recovery. Take care

[@wildflowerwind6941]

So sorry you are sick. Take care.

[@shipradeyshipradey6047]

Take care.. dear

[@joycejames4879]

Hope you feel better soon Helena! Looking forward to you sharing your next adventures. Many years ago I lived I in Nimes & Sete while I studied at the university of Montpellier. They are both beautiful places and very close by if you feel well enough and get the chance to visit. Sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery x

[@dauphinaisdauphinais9161]

So sorry. Feel better soon!

[@talesfromtuscany]

I am probably 3 x your age but have a lived a life so similar to yours with countless homes in various countries. I resonate completely with your joy of embracing change and your passion for travel and adventure. My partner and I, have just purchased our first ever home together in Tuscany but it will not be our permanent home as such. We still plan to live elsewhere and do a fair bit of work-away type work and volunteering. It's an exciting life and it deserves to be fully lived :D Best wishes beautiful lady for the next chapter in your life! xoxo

[@helenawoods]

Such life goals!! You’re living the dream life 😍 a home in Tuscany wow!

[@talesfromtuscany]

@@helenawoods Oh thank you so much Helena! perhaps one day you and your lovely husband might decided to live a short while in our tiny Tuscan village...who knows? 🥰

[@BlueEyedGurl]

Your joy and sense of adventure is so inspiring. I admire your bravery and the way you honor your feelings. Change can be very scary for some. I thank you for sharing your story and showing change can be beautiful and necessary for growth. You are a lovely couple btw💖 wishing you both all the very best💫

[@brifren2]

Bonjour, just wanted to say Corsica is a part of France. It is a French island, so you were still living in France when you stayed there and now you are moving back to the French *mainland*. Le Pays Basque is wonderful, with very interesting history and traditions. Great choice! Also, Strasbourg is not in the North East of France but in the East of France. Lorraine and Alsace are part of what is now called the Grand Est. (I'm from there :) )

[@helenawoods]

Hi Bri. Yes, I recognize your name. You've made comments on my French geography before :) Corsica is French territory, yes. Culturally it is Corsican. After 2 years of living there and so many people telling me that Corsica is nothing like France, I can concur. France and Corsica feel like very different places, with different cultures and different languages. Its technically French. But that's not what I'm talking about here. And in regards to Strasbourg, if you Google the city it says, Strasbourg is "in northeastern France"

[@brifren2]

@@helenawoods Re-Bonjour :) It is true that our beautiful Corsica has its own cultural features and traditions in several areas, but we can say the same of many other region in France, like Bretagne, Alsace, le pays Basque and others, which still have their own dialects, usually spoken by the older generations but also often taught at school. In France we often tease one another according to the regions where we live :) The lifestyle can differ so much depending on the region - but we are all French. In Corsica, it is quite similar to the southern mainland of France because its the mediterranean area, so they have so much in common, with additional Corsican traditions .This is why France is so interesting, with so much diversity in nature and also cultural, it's fascinating! I hope you can visit Bretagne and Normancy if you haven't, they're so different but magic too! :) I made the comment just for the sake of correct information for your viewers who may not know, and are interested in France. Was just trying to be helpful. Please don't take it personally! Strasbourg IS in Eastern France, Alsace is the farthest Eastern region of France, that's just a fact and is how it is officially defined in all French geography books, official French sources, and reliable encyclopedias. Again, the official regional name is Le Grand Est. As we know, the internet isn't always accurate, unfortunately, and the north-eastern area of France is different, thus does not include Alsace/Strasbourg - which are the symbol of the East of France, and the reason why Strasbourg was chosen as a geopolitically strategic city regarding European matters, "the crossroads of Europe". Here is from a source in English, the Britannica encyclopedia www.britannica.com/place/Strasbourg . Of course, this doesn't change the beauty of your videos! But as a French I had to comment because it was strange to read that you are leaving Corsica for France, as if they were two entirely different countries and that might be misleading for viewers who may think it is the case. I thought you'd be interested. Have a lovely day and a wonderful stay in your new environement :)

[@alexwoods9521]

@@brifren2 I just wanted to add my two cents here. While it's true that many different regions of France have their own dialects spoken by older generations like you say (we saw that in Alsace for sure) and have different cultures, the fact that Corsica is on an island and has historically been a very independent, means that they're even more culturally removed from mainland France, especially with regards to identity. They have a certain geographical isolation that we cannot deny plays a part, which is distinctly different from the other areas of France that do not have the same geographical isolation. Corsica has the FLNC, and you can see graffiti in many areas of Corsica that says things like "French go home" or "Corsica is not France". There are even many cases of businesses or even homes being set on fire because the owners are from mainland France. I don't know the other regions of France but I never saw this happen in Alsace. As for Alsace being in the East, and not the Northeast, I think this is a nitpicky point. West of Grand-Est is only Ile-de France and Hauts-France. If we consider Hauts-France to be North France and Ile-de-France to be center or North-center, then Northeast France does not exist. But Strasbourg is in the North of Grand-est, and Grand-Est is north of Bourgogne-Franche-Comte. Thus we could argue Strasbourg is in Northeast France.

[@brifren2]

@@alexwoods9521 As a French citizen, and teacher, I am well aware of what you said about Corsica, thank you, but it is still France, just like Bretagne and le Pays Basque which, by the way, are also very proud about cultural identity, with part of the populations that would like to be independent (and I totally respect that!) but these regions are IN FRANCE so it is incorrect to say one is leaving these regions to go back to France. Anyway, Strasbourg est située dans l'Est de la France, but what do I know? I was only born there like many generations in my family. Feel free to disagree with French officials/geography if you think you know better. It doesn't mean you are correct, but of course you have the right to your own opinion. Thank goodness, France is a free country :) And that is all I will say on the matter. Have a very good day.

[@adeledallasorr4736]

AKA Mainland France AKA Stateside in America n'est pas Helena

[@everydayprojector]

OMG Helena! I absolutely adore that region of France. I spent 5 days in the Bayonne/Salies de Bearn area for a wedding a few years ago and traveled all around, including to the Pyreness. It was my favorite part of France, by far. The Basque and Spanish influence is really cool, the fact that you can travel easily from the ocean to the mountains, the small charming towns, the Camino de Santiago all through there, it's just incredible. I'm so excited for you both and I cannot wait to see all the new places you two will adventure together!

[@elilee1285]

Dear Helena, Watching your videos brings me joy and youth. You know how to live a life when life gives you an opportunity and new hope. In this limited world, you and Alex are free people. Thank you for bravely sharing your innermost.

[@nancyesposito1020]

So excited for you both! Also excited for myself because you have inspired me add Corsica to my list of places to visit! And the journey continues! Can't wait to see this new region and how you experience it! Best wishes!

[@Rajeanreads]

So excited for you! It’s going to be such an adventure and I’m very excited to watch the magical videos of this next step. Loved all the videos of the island and can’t wait to see what you have next!

[@merryfergie]

I carry many same things. I travel by car & often camp; I carry cold breakfast food (muesli) in a bag. My coffee/tea is in another bad. My shoes have their own bag... I love traveling. I love change to bring about my essential needs in a beautiful & abundant feeling. I bring camdles & wooden matches. I look forward to your new location

[@helenawoods]

love that! Such cozy things to make your space feel like home ❤️

[@deniseH11]

I am so excited for you both…and so excited for us as you so graciously share your journey! Love the travel tip, a bag within a bag within a bag, I’ll be using that tip next week as I pack. Helena you are often reading the same books that are my favourites, your tarot and angel cards have been my daily cards for over twenty years, and then I see you packing Marcus Aurelius Meditations, my young son's favourite book!😍 I love how we are all so deeply connected in this beautiful amazing world we live in. And by the way, I have coffee cup envy! Best size, texture, just dreamy! Sending you lots of positive love on your journey, and healing light for a speedy recovery from Covid. ❤️ from Australia.

[@helenawoods]

Thank you Denise! 💕 yes! We are so connected in this great big world 🤗✨

[@alexandrareynolds6493]

Hope you feeling better, covid sucks. I love seeing what you are up to. many moons ago my husband and i sat in a pub to decide where we wanted our life to go, Travel like you or settle for house and kids, we chose the later. We dont regret our choice but do wish we had travelled more but kids and now a grandchild and covid we havent been able. We have been to Montpellier which we both loved except we got sun burnt. my husband is fitter than i so he is enjoying walking in the welsh mountains, i prefer a flatter walk. Cant wait to see your new journey and wisdom you share x

[@jadevanita6654]

I love how authentic you are ;)

[@elvis-slippers]

I know the feeling of moving around as we as a family lived for two years and then moved to another. We had to stay simple and minimalist. For me I would have sold the car also.good luck 🤞

[@HandDrawnYarn]

Basque is a beautiful region 😍 If you are driving by Aude, i'd recommend stopping by at the book and art village called Montolieu, there are 15 bookshops in one small village and that where we bought our house last year 😉

[@broomhag]

congratulations on the move. Enjoy! Stay safe.

[@williamturnbull16]

Congratulations hope you have a great journey!

[@borntoexplore982]

What a dream life! Enjoy every day of it 🌸

[@dauphinaisdauphinais9161]

Thank you so much! Enjoy the journey! So proud of you both!

[@LiveFree123]

I just love you two! Thank you for taking us with you.☺️ Hope you’re feeling better. Much love ❤️

[@helenawoods]

Oh so happy to do so! 💕 thanks Tracey! Still feeling very sick but im hopeful I’ll get better in a week

[@MarieNoelle64]

This so fantastic. I just discovered you! Adorable. I would like to order the book!

[@MarieNoelle64]

Where can order the book?

[@123canadagirl]

Corsica looks beautiful! Definitely have to visit one day

[@luisv7117]

I got to love corsica I will miss it but best of luck in France and the new job, I am becoming a minimalist this way is easy to travel

[@californiaglo9666]

So excited for you both. I send you many blessings.

[@beverleyroberts1025]

I read in a book Stillness Is The Key, by Ryan Holiday, the best type of car to have is one that's a bit bashed, one that don't really worry too much about if it gets damaged, rather than the posh expensive sports car, that you'd freak if a fly landed on it! 😃 The book was basically how to conserve your mental energy and quieten the mind. Lots of luck to you and Alex on your new journey Helena.x 🌾🦋⛵️🌊🏞

[@beachrose88]

Sooooo happy for you

[@helenawoods]

thank you Emily!

[@karennero9114]

Hi Helena, The Basque Country (Les Pyrénées Orientales) is one my favorite parts of France! It is so bucolic with rolling, green hills, smiling shepherds, well-kept, red-and-white farm houses with strings of chilli peppers drying in the doorways. Oh, and they serve charcuterie as an entrée in the restaurants there... Maybe you, as a vegetarian, could ask for something else... I liked the fact that I saw little industry and few commercial centers in the area. I like Saint Jean de Luz on the coast and Saint Jean Pied-de- Port. I also recall a stunning scenic mountain road joining France and Spain. I remember Bayonne as a quaint medieval town. I am looking forward to seeing your upcoming videos filmed in this region. Of course, Corsica is also one of the most beautiful areas of France! You and Alex have good taste.

[@CoffeesChypresBooks]

Bayonne! OMG. How exciting for you both! Please keep sharing and enjoying life. Happy Trails. Alex's book sounds intriguing . . . :-)

[@MJinthepark]

The cats and Corsica will miss you guys beautiful people 🐈❤️

[@paisleypeach44]

Omg! That is awesome! My DNA is from the Basque region. Can’t wait to see what it is like!

[@helenawoods]

Ahh how wonderful!!!

[@MoniquefromTheNetherlands]

Oh I'm a little sad. I enjoyed the stories of Corsica and nature so much. But I am also looking forward to new stories in France. And wish you a lot of fun discovering the new environment. It was so nice to see you two so excited about moving and the new adventures that await you. ❤ Get well soon. I hope you feel better soon. 🤗😘

[@helenawoods]

thank you Monique! ❤️

[@KelliBlum3]

Wishing you well on your next adventure!

[@viridianacarreon7203]

You're an awesome couple! I want to grow old with you both🤗.

[@helenawoods]

aw! ❤️❤️

[@Nad.s67]

Bon voyage, bonne chance .

[@adeledallasorr4736]

Safe trip back to France can't wait to hear where you'll e living on the 'Mainland '

[@cuorebelloefelice]

Hi Helena, Wish you and your husband all the best in your next fun chapter of your life. Thanks for inspiring us all.

[@neilhupping9106]

You make the best videos. Wishing you nothing but the best in your new place. I know you’ll enjoy it. I’m heading to Bordeaux and Pau in August. Can’t wait

[@helenawoods]

Exciting!! Enjoy!!

[@nagij57]

So excited for your next adventures, can't wait to learn more about the new place. Also, you have the most soothing voice (:

[@wildflowerwind6941]

I can't wait for the next video.

[@emmanuellegd4515]

So happy to know you're on the move... Time to change! Bayonne is one of my favorite place un France... You're going to chill out... So close to the sea and to the Pyrénées... Without speaking of San Sebastian.. The views are amazing and the people is nicer un the South West than in the South West... Sure!!!

[@OrangeVilla]

Helena, I am so grateful to have found your videos a week ago. You’re such a light in this world! I love the beauty in your video so much and your messages resonate with my soul. Thank you! Now, a practical question since I am also drawn to simplify my material belongings at this point of my life. Your two suitcases didn’t seem to include your bedding or winter clothes? Just wondering how you get by with just summer stuff when you live in a place with four seasons… Hope you’ve recovered fully from Covid by now❤

[@helenawoods]

These suitcases were just for the summer! We are now settled with all our belongings at home. I also had a suitcase in the car during the summer that had our bedding!

[@ellapineda3096]

Looking forward to your vlogs in France. Bonne chance💗🌹God bless you💝💗

[@marwansal4175]

13:21 "This is just where my soul thrives ... AAAA...EEEEEEE...kkkkk" . Well... of Corsica. Haha i couldn't help but share that. Good luck to you and Alex on your next adventure.

[@helenawoods]

haha the sea makes me so happy I don't know what to do with myself 😻 Thank you💕

[@siobhanod]

So excited for you both 😀

[@gloriaowens2749]

We’re so much a like 🌸😊🌸 love your channel 🦋

[@gabrieladagenais6665]

I love your videos so much!

[@carmenc4380]

You should definetely move to Spain next! (My country ❤️)

[@OMPRAKASH-vj7fw]

You both are loveliest and cute cool couple ❤️. God bless you both 🎉

[@margueriteb.3376]

Helena, je pense que vous savez que la Corse est une île bien sûr, mais également une partie de la France... donc de toutes façons vous restez en France ! Amicalement...

[@nickivlachou3117]

Hello Helena, I like the thought of "getting rid" of things. What do you do with books? What do you do with bookd? Do you sell them: Do you sell also all your other stuff?

[@helenawoods]

Hey Nicki! ❤️ For books, I either give them to friends or drop them off at free book drop off places in city centers, hotels, some apartment lobbies have them.or donate to a thrift store. I sell decor or furniture I no longer need! Either on Leboncoin (france) or Facebook market place (most of my stuff sells there!) 🤗💕

[@madamecarolina9889]

I carry my crystals, essential oils, incense, color pencils, and perfume 🌟🥰

[@helenawoods]

how fun!! that sounds lovely 💕

[@emmanuellegd4515]

Bonne chance 🌊☀

[@helenawoods]

merci!

[@Karen-nq8du]

You scared me with your title, "Leaving Corsica (My Last Story)" For a few breaths I thought you meant you were leaving KZbin and then what would we do? I love your enthusiasm for packing up and leaving and am also enchanted by the paradox of "I so love it here" and "I'm so excited to leave". I always sorta felt that the realm between two paradoxical truths is where God resides. And the emotional (or cerebral) swing between the two is exhilarating and illuminating. And a little scary for a truth seeker. Congratulations to Alex for securing a position in such a historical area. It's going to be great. And thanks for the packing tips - I've never packed for a three-month jaunt, but some of your cozy ideas are great for even two weeks away from home for some of us introverts. Best wishes for the next thing. The unfolding will be marvelous. xo karen

[@hannahchristine5240]

Do you like France better than other parts of Europe to live in? I’m thinking hard of moving from the US to Europe and I’m leaning towards France but finding info is hard of people who have lived in tons of countries. Thoughts?

[@ms1295]

What’s that travel sized game you live? Never played it. Can you explain how to play and why you like it? Impressed you were able to fit everything in 2 suitcases! And how stress free your move was!

[@helenawoods]

Rummikub! 😍Such a great game! This is the travel size! Basically you have to put a combination of numbers down (minimum 3 tiles to start) and they have to either be the same three numbers but different colors or the same color but going in order. As the game progresses, it gets more challenging. And you can add single tiles to the 3’s and swap them if you have the same tile. The goal is to use all your tiles and have none left! It’s quite challenging! Alex and I love it ❤️

[@ilianaboheme]

Lovely goodbye. I’m curious, what do you do with all your journals when you finish them? Best wishes in your new adventure. 💗

[@helenawoods]

Burn them! ❤️

[@neillambert8713]

I am just wondering who will feed the cats now that you are gone? They are dependant on that food for their survival.

[@helenawoods]

*sigh* I fed them 4 times the entire year 😉 they don’t need me. they can take care of themselves. I see them eat sparrows and mice all the time during my walks. I would never ever train them to rely on me.

[@neillambert8713]

@@helenawoods ok makes sense but i think i can ask the question without your irritation .....Good luck.

[@helenawoods]

@@neillambert8713 you can absolutely ask a question, Neil. I just don't like assumptions: "they are dependent on that food for their survival" - That is an assumption. I had leftover cat food from our foster cats we had taken care of, and I fed them a handful of times. They were never dependent on anything from me.

[@shaun_star8737]

❤️❤️❤️

[@debra13]

Helena! Wishing you a wonderful new stage of your journey in mainland France! I was wondering- where did you get your yellow tote? Wondering if it is available somewhere. Happy trails!

[@helenawoods]

I got it at a little independent boutique in Strasbourg - thank you Dee! ❤️

[@debra13]

@@helenawoods I'm going to get a yellow tote ;-) You're welcome!

[@step1008]

Have you ever thought moving and living to Greece?

[@helenawoods]

The Greek language is my favorite!! 🥰 My family is from Greece. I've always felt a pull to go there, the opportunity has just never presented itself. Definitely! ❤️

[@step1008]

@@helenawoods Oohh Helena, I'm Eleni too!! it's so nice to hear that you have also greek roots!!! That explains the joyfull, happy and delightful person you seem to be. I wish you both to have this opportunity, it really worths!!!

[@adeledallasorr4736]

Are ' We ' there yet?

[@helenawoods]

I have covid, so we're currently in Montpellier, traveling slowly and basing ourselves here for awhile. We don't move in until end of august.

[@adeledallasorr4736]

@@helenawoods Oh Helena I wish you light symptoms and s very quick recovery from Covid. Loved the banter between Corsicans versus Americans . Your fans are fierce! Defending their countries... Ha ha many of us from other lands (moi South Africa) living in the 'colonies' of two fabulous countries.

[@adeledallasorr4736]

I hear Bayonne cured ham is the best !...let's hear from your French fans who 'does it better' in France.

[@jsavannah123]

how is the economy there right now?

[@helenawoods]

Not good! I don’t think the economy is fine anywhere right now

[@jsavannah123]

is that yellow bag vegan? I like it.

[@helenawoods]

I don’t think so 😞 I got it from a friend’s boutique

[@onemomentatatime7697]

Is it actually possible to do any of the teaching if you are over 50 years of age though?

[@helenawoods]

I’m not sure. Alex has had several coworkers that were over the age of 50 though!

[@brendasorrelles3253]

🤗❤️👏💋

[@michelemarie2499]

I love love love your videos ✨😊✨ They make me feel happy 😃 Thank you 💕 I also love your hairband 😍 May I know a little more about it please ? Thank you My best wishes of happiness in the new chapter of your beauty filled life 💕😊💕🧚‍♀️🧚‍♂️💕

[@helenawoods]

I'm so glad! I got it at a shop in Ile Rouuse, called Benoa benoashop.com/

[@michelemarie2499]

Thank you very much ✨💕✨

[@sylviekempler797]

Corsica IS France !!

[@helenawoods]

Corsica IS part of France yes !! It is NOT culturally French 😉

[@sylviekempler797]

@@helenawoods Tout comme la Bretagne, l'Alsace, le pays basque et tant d'autres régions... qui ont leur culture, leur histoire, leur langue( en PLUS du Français), leur gastronomie... C'est aussi ça la beauté de la France, cette diversité de territoires unis cependant par une histoire nationale, une constitution, des valeurs communes et un certain art de vivre. I wish you to be very happy in Bayonne ! 😁❤

[@adeledallasorr4736]

Hello just for fun I'd like to add Hawaii is an island...is part States. Of The USA...and we Ameticand say we are going back to America or State Side when leave the islands called Hawaii. Anyway, we all know that Corsica belongs to France.. so have a nice day on your Islabd

[@sylviekempler797]

@@adeledallasorr4736 Yes but you can't really compare Corsica to Hawaii. Corsica is only about 200 miles from the "côte d'azur " while Hawaii is about 7450 miles from America. Usually people say they go to the mainland ( le continent). They don't say they go to "France" Have a nice day too.😀

[@adeledallasorr4736]

@@sylviekempler797 Hi Sylvie...how about a truce... let's say ....Vive la France !