Why I choose France over the United States

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Beneath the Surface

Beneath the Surface

Күн бұрын

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Thank you Ceci, for being my partner in crime on our wild and crazy life adventures. I love you so much.
Thank you Sky, for your awesome animations. Check out his amazing channel: / @skymography
And as always, thank you all out there for watching!
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Пікірлер: 795
@afhyoutube
@afhyoutube 2 ай бұрын
Whoever edits these videos needs a raise. Just a masterpiece of visual storytelling.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Haha, thank you. That would be me. 😁
@denniszenanywhere
@denniszenanywhere 2 ай бұрын
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT You're outdoing your son in video editing. 🙂
@Loveandlight821
@Loveandlight821 2 ай бұрын
I totally agree. The content. We need this. All the working wounded still working our moronic office jobs -…dreaming of a life in Italy , France or Croatia ….thank you for the inspiration ❤
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you guys for the kind comments. That’s quite a statement about my son. I don’t compare to his incredible skills, but thank you! 🙏
@carolynclitheroe3588
@carolynclitheroe3588 2 ай бұрын
Maybe it’s time to start experiencing the joy of in real life French flea markets instead of online…! That would make a great video too…
@davidbenett1
@davidbenett1 2 ай бұрын
Over the last 20 years, I have spent most of that time living abroad. Americans who have NEVER left the United States have no idea what the rest of the world is like. The USA doesn't even rank in the top 10 places to live, The USA doesn't rank in the top 10 safest countries. The USA doesn't rank in the top 10 healthiest countries. MOST citizens around the globe would choose to live anywhere BUT the USA. This world has a lot of nice places to live in. Life goes quickly. Enjoy while you can.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Agreed!
@michealpnoel
@michealpnoel 2 ай бұрын
I'm impressed with how your portfolio has grown with your mentor's help. I have $750k to invest and need a reliable guide. Can you share your broker's name? Also, how do you use your investment profits for family activities like travel?
@borisVladimir2
@borisVladimir2 2 ай бұрын
LILY ADDISON YONAMINE is my Mentor, You are welcome.
@eabhaconnor
@eabhaconnor 2 ай бұрын
I've checked out your advisor, and she's not only qualified, but she's also aced all the exams needed for the job. What's more, she's got lots of happy clients who've had great success with her. After browsing her online profile and digging into her background, her track record really shines.
@mirandamillsivy
@mirandamillsivy 2 ай бұрын
My friend suggested Lily to me, and I have to say, after working with her for a year, she's really good at what she does.
@gabrielleparis3532
@gabrielleparis3532 2 ай бұрын
🇫🇷Always a special smile when I see a new video from you. Yes, I took the leap at age 20 and moved by myself to Paris in the 70s, found work, a lodging and attended school. There was no rich parent funding my living in Paris. It was more work than pleasure but it changed me forever. I became fearless to launch into new endeavors the rest of my life and now in my 70s I continue to challenge people's ideas of aging, still maintaining a richly rewarding consulting practice and living an expansive fulfilling life filled with social connections and meaningful solitude. I travel to Paris and all of France several times a year. We must always remember the universe is an expanding force and if we allow ourselves and our lives to contract, we are going against the very force that keeps us alive and learning and growing every day. Thank you for the wisdom and rich ideas in all of your videos. They are a treasure.
@wildhorses6817
@wildhorses6817 2 ай бұрын
Do you live in US now ? Or have you found another preferred Country.
@debbieottman4207
@debbieottman4207 2 ай бұрын
Bravo! So well said! I agree 100%🥰🇨🇦
@roxanne7806
@roxanne7806 2 ай бұрын
Glad people like other countries to live in otherwise everyone would live in USA AMERICA.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Very well put. 😁🙏❤️
@bodilyc
@bodilyc 2 ай бұрын
We left Portland OR 2.5 yrs ago and moved to France. Shipped a 40 foot container and our car all the way to Pau. Bought a house and try beyond belief to settle in and adapt. We had a very different experience than you. It was the worse time of my entire life and as a Brit I had already transitioned to America as a young adult and managed to embrace a new culture. So I know I am very capable of this. However, France was mostly a very very difficult and depressing experience. We ended up selling our house there and returning to the States. I just want to point out that even with all the very good intentions (as you have had) sometimes a place is not equal to the dream one has of it in reality. I am happy you are loving it there, but want to express that for every good story as yours is, ppl should be aware that there are equal bad stories with not so good outcomes.
@gracevm
@gracevm 2 ай бұрын
I love it when there’s counterbalance… can you expand on your experience and why you left after the arduous task of moving overseas?
@bodilyc
@bodilyc 2 ай бұрын
We found that in general, the French were not so keen on Americans. We found that we were repeatedly taken advantage of with any kind of trades men, or hiring we had to do. The price for us as Americans was ten fold their average charges. We were lied to repeatedly, and given our limited language ability we were often not able to defend ourselves. Pleas know that some ppl were lovely and a few friends were made but generally speaking we never were accepted. The French bureaucracy is very trying and the struggle to have ppl come when they are scheduled and work a full day is just beyond belief. Little accountability and frustration with limited access to most things we def take for granted in USA. @@gracevm
@gracevm
@gracevm 2 ай бұрын
@@bodilyc thank you, that makes sense and it also sounds like what I’ve been reading happens to foreigners in Portugal as well
@patriciasalem3606
@patriciasalem3606 Ай бұрын
@@bodilyc I suspect many foreign countries are challenging when you buy and want to fix up properties, although even when I owned a home in the US Midwest, I found it difficult to get contractors to commit to a work schedule. I'm looking to rent abroad in the next year or two, but the issue I run up against is having pets. And there's also the stability of not owning your residence. I moved five times within Mexico in the seven years I lived there because of unscrupulous (that's putting it mildly) landlords or noise problems with adjacent properties. I didn't mind the poor infrastructure (getting internet set up or the lack of postal delivery), as I saw that as a trade off with the slower pace of life. But you're right, it is hard to feel you're being taken advantage of. As a single woman, I think I was probably more of a target than couples. Probably the more resources (aka money) you have to deal with these issues, the better the experience.
@jonathanjacques7250
@jonathanjacques7250 Ай бұрын
Happy living a nice slow life in the US. Retired and loving life.
@ATLIEN333
@ATLIEN333 2 ай бұрын
I went to Paris for the first time at age 57 the week before Thanksgiving. I felt so much more relaxed than anywhere in America. I felt completely safe and the Metro was outstanding.I will be back very soon.
@publicminx
@publicminx 2 ай бұрын
in reality London and Paris are not safer than for instance NY. And apropos: NY has actually older buildings than London (for instance the old Dutch Wyckoff House from 1652). The reason for that is the Great Fire in London 1666 which destroyed basically everything. This means most old buildings in London are from a later time (and here is where more is preserved than in NY - which had a rather substitute mentality (destroy old for new) even if it continued at first just like any other European city with absolute comparable old buildings. Apart from that: Berlin, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Munich, Warsaw, Vienna, Prague, Copenhagen, Zurich etc. are indeed much safer than all big/comparable cities in the US ...
@ciaobella8963
@ciaobella8963 2 ай бұрын
I moved to Italy almost 12 years ago. I moved from the US. Most of what you talked about I could apply to Italy and the Italians. For me, I love the relaxed joy of life here, in the special way Italians express it. I have been to France many times, and although they are friendly and value much more than just making money, the Italians are much louder about how they express themselves, haha. Any excuse for a festa here. I love good Italian food and good French food equally. But it's the simplicity of the Italian recipes (most recipes anyway) that I prefer. Either way, over the centuries, northern Italy and southern France have always connected. I enjoyed your video and was happy to see that you released one. Sending you both my best wishes for your life in France.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Excellent observations, and thank you so so much!
@TAG993
@TAG993 2 ай бұрын
Bravo and thanks for another video. Seems the transition has suited you well. You look great and much more relaxed. Thank you for the update and looking forward to seeing more updates. Cheers
@MegaDrummerboy16
@MegaDrummerboy16 2 ай бұрын
The U.S. has totally ruined the culture. We have no friends here other than our immigrant friends from Burma, Iraq, Eritrea. We are the white people with all ethnic friends. Why….? because our fellow Americans are lazy selfish entitled people who have no concept of the rest of the world. Chasing money is the culture & we live in an expensive home/ neighborhood. Do we know our neighbors? No. I can see 17 rooftops from our backyard. Not a SOUND from neighbors.. A study was just published about loneliness & which states ranked the highest & lowest. We are in north Idaho…. # 46 one of the lowest…& we don’t know our neighbors… If we could move to France or Italy, we’d be there in a heartbeat. Now we are aging, mid 60’s.. & the time has passed us by. So we live vicariously w/ your videos. You’ll be thrilled 10 more years later that you & your wife made the move when you did. I have a French journalist friend who lives in the country, she’s worried about the political state of France.
@user-jq2jp7cn3f
@user-jq2jp7cn3f Ай бұрын
My father is from Italy. I think my grandfather wished he never left , but they had a good life in America too. They would be shocked to see what it's turning into today.
@caliberto5087
@caliberto5087 Ай бұрын
Stereotypes... Impossible erase stereotypes from some people. What are you doing here?
@isabellevega5732
@isabellevega5732 2 ай бұрын
Hearing that you like France and that you are having a good time is fantastic. I will be visiting the South of france in April for the first time, I know it will be wonderful. Please, when Cecilia feels ready, tell her to delight us with a tour of all the beautiful things she has done in the house🍃
@queens6583
@queens6583 2 ай бұрын
Yes, please a house tour and plans for the house.
@kathyeyesopen4078
@kathyeyesopen4078 2 ай бұрын
I will add to that request😊
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Soon, promise! 😁
@sherrimartin1057
@sherrimartin1057 2 ай бұрын
​@BeneaththeSurfaceYT yes, please !
@dr.gaosclassroom
@dr.gaosclassroom 2 ай бұрын
I have followed your journey and enjoyed almost every video you uploaded. I admire your honesty and courage. You are inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and for your amazing support! Means a lot. 😁
@shivarahimipiano
@shivarahimipiano 2 ай бұрын
Glad to see you guys settled and happy with your new life in France. My husband and I moved to south of Spain a couple of years ago from Canada and we are very happy here. We are in our late 40s, so still many years away from retirement. As you said people in this part of the world are very friendly, warm and welcoming.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Indeed. Thanks for your support and best of luck!
@BigSmallTravel
@BigSmallTravel Ай бұрын
We vacationed in Elviria in the south of Spain, near Marcella, and enjoyed it. Where are you located? The people in Andalusia were very patient and warm indeed. We are based in Florence, central Italy, so things are more tense here compared to Southern Spain. As well, we enjoyed the expat friendly and services made for tourists and expats alike who do not speak Spanish. If you are curious, check out our video in Southern Spain on our channel and let us know what you think?
@shivarahimipiano
@shivarahimipiano Ай бұрын
@@BigSmallTravel We live in Mijas between Fuengirola and Mijas Pueblo in the mountains. I visited Florence in 2019 and absolutely fell in love with the city and the Tuscany region overall. Such a beautiful place to live! Where are you from originally?
@heidemarierippert1842
@heidemarierippert1842 2 ай бұрын
Hello from Germany! Glad you enjoy the European way of living and you are most welcome! Your lifestyle is as well the result of how hard you worked in the US to earn money to being able to afford living in Europe.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Very true!
@publicminx
@publicminx 2 ай бұрын
@heidemarieririppert: thats NOT the European way of living. Central Europe/Germany is a bit better here (and even on the higher standard there is a lot to complain). French services sucked already back in the 80ties and 90ties and not much changed. One of many reasons why France always had a bit aspects of a lesser developed backward Southern European country (and also a reason why it is behind the UK despite of the same population size). Yep, some like those Southern Stereotypes (and its obvious that the youtuber and his son has some more relation to the Romance/Latin sphere (which is in the case of France only half true - lets not forget that there is a reason why it has a Germanic name, btw. the same as in Frankfurt, Frankenstein etc)) but there is a difference between a slower, traditional lifestyle and unnecessary things which don't add to the life quality (also not if one tries to sell oneself those as 'part of the deal'). I have no problem if people still like to live under such conditions and get enough lie quality out of it. But in the political stage France blocked for ideological reasons already a lot of progress or supported obviously wrong financial decisions of Southern European countries (against the Central- and Northern States) - which dmgs Europe (there are a few other cases of course where they supported rational things). Also the union system of France sucks and requires a reform. But this, indeed is another topic and does not necessarily has to bother retirees living in the country side ...
@User12345fan
@User12345fan Ай бұрын
Not just worked hard, he worked hard but in the US. Working as hard in France wouldn’t have allowed him this lifestyle he has now in France.
@sandraferreira6911
@sandraferreira6911 2 ай бұрын
I’ve watched your videos and my husband and I can relate. When our 2nd child was 8 weeks old, we took our leap of faith and moved to Brazil. Everyone thought we were making a big mistake. But it was the best thing we did. We have since moved back after spending almost 7 years in Brazil, but now in our 50’s, rethinking our next stage in life. Thanks for the videos!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and good luck with your next phase!
@abcxyz4653
@abcxyz4653 Ай бұрын
Can I ask why you moved back?
@AngelaStazknee
@AngelaStazknee 2 ай бұрын
I watch your videos for courage, you remind me it’s ok to be afraid, and that my mind is going to be negative and it’s up to me to keep facing the challenges to make the changes during my mid-life. I too have a desire so deep for change, my brain & body will no longer let me stay settled. Thank you!
@publicminx
@publicminx 2 ай бұрын
you could feed your desire to change by concretizing the way mentally. you lose for instance nothing by just doing some research of getting work in Europe (if necessary). especially the more wealthy countries in Europe (Germany and most countries around) actively seek for all kind of workers, very skilled ones BUT also for simple jobs! the possibility to do that became in the last decade easier and easier. again: you could just look (say for fun) a bit around - to get a more concrete possible route in your mind instead just abstract fears ...
@atys
@atys 2 ай бұрын
It's really great that you feel welcomed. I hope you will have a great life in France and the opportunity to visit the whole country.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and yes, that’s the plan!
@bfouryou3885
@bfouryou3885 2 ай бұрын
Having spent many summers in France (my father's side) and revisiting regularly, couldn't agree with you more. Really, that balance and taking time to enjoy resonates with us. We are getting ready to early retirement and France is on our radar. Cheers from Montreal Canada.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Nice!
@humblebee3018
@humblebee3018 2 ай бұрын
I love how you take the time to read and reply to the comments of your viewers and subscribers. Your Interaction with us is fantastic! I'm from Spain living in WA state for 20 year but always wanting to go back to Spain or France, or Italy. It would feel pretty much the same to me!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the support. Hope you get back to Europe soon. :)
@sherrieshatzen3801
@sherrieshatzen3801 2 ай бұрын
Merci bien de votre video. YES! France is amazing. I have spent a great deal of time in France, mostly Paris & Provence. I have never felt as at home as I have in France. Manners matter. Having grown up in the South (a long time ago) being polite, being gracious, being courteous--having really good manners--was important. Not so much in many other areas of the US, or maybe it is the passage of time, the advent of technology, the importance of being constantly busy, the fact that work is always the priority-no excuses, no matter what. Intellect is respected & nurtured. Food is respected. Bread must be chewed. Art is a basic part of education. I could go on, but France is at the top of my list.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Could not agree more! Thank you so much for your support. 🙏
@publicminx
@publicminx 2 ай бұрын
Could not disagree more regarding bread. Germany has bread. France has no bread (ok, around the border to Germany maybe), even if French and Americans think that a Baguette is a bread. It is not. It is a 'kind of bread' (like most 'white bread like bread rolls/buns'). One has to keep in mind that in most parts of the world bread never evolved much since it was introduced in ancient Egypt back then. Often even the shape remained the same. General rule: if a French and an American talk about bread than its like an One-Eye talks with a blind one. And btw. the 'Croissant' is a kind of copy-paste of the Austrian 'Kipferl' (or German: 'Hoernchen' (diminutive of 'Horn')).
@Belaziraf
@Belaziraf Ай бұрын
@@publicminx Bread is basic food for most countries using wheat as staple food. They just take different forms but they still are bread. Some better than others. About croissants and the likes, it has to be understood than most French pastries or "viennoiseries" are called as such because of their origin : Vienne, so yeah, they take roots in Austria. Noone denies this. And like any food, they are adapted to the local tastes. Like pizzas is rooted in the US and people think it's Italian. Asian food will never taste the same onsite and in the West. They already don't taste the same in a restaurant aimied towards Westerners and in a restaurant for locals. Or in restaurants aimed towards other Asian tourists. It's still a business after all. It's easier to find foreign cuisine restaurants in big and crowded cities because of the competition to offer real differences.
@superchouette3358
@superchouette3358 2 ай бұрын
We are French.Notre famille vous aime tant .Vous êtes un petit rayon de soleil ☀️ ainsi que Daniel … Longue et heureuse vie en France❤ Merci pour votre vidéo si intelligente et vos remarques si fines….
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Merci infiniment 🙏😁
@matthewcote5198
@matthewcote5198 2 ай бұрын
Love seeing your videos man. Very inspiring. And yes, I'm facing this problem right now in the US. My values aren't aligning in regards to the working culture. I had a work meeting yesterday, and in it, the area manager was essentially saying, "You all need to work harder!" despite us having a record year in all of our metrics. I studied philosophy in university, and still write and research, but lately, it's becoming almost impossible to delve too deeply into my mind because every time I start to think, I think about work! Life should be enjoyed and excellence should be cultivated. We only have one brief, fleeting existence; and to live it subservient to values of corporate growth seems very silly.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Ah, you’re beginning to open your eyes. Love it. ❤️
@soniabayer578
@soniabayer578 2 ай бұрын
Yes indeed… life in America is a rat race ! Not balanced, little down time,and go, go, go! Mentally and physically exhausting to say the least! $$$$$$ not life!
@Olivier-GM
@Olivier-GM 2 ай бұрын
Il faut travailler pour vivre, pas vivre pour travailler. :)
@robelliot3511
@robelliot3511 2 ай бұрын
Couldn’t agree more. Like you, we sold it all and left the West Coast NA for France il y a 7 mois. Still adjusting with the ups and downs of expat life but continue to believe that life is more enriching with the highs and lows vs the flat line in the middle which is regular life back home. À bientôt!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Great to hear. All the best to you guys!
@marsupiomarsupi4421
@marsupiomarsupi4421 2 ай бұрын
Brits say French people are "lazy", but French "work to live not live to work". British ONS (Office for National Statistics ) 20 January 2022. International comparisons of UK productivity - Main points: - The G7 countries’ average (excluding the UK) output per worker was 13% above the UK in 2019. - The UK’s output per hour worked is less than France and the US. - France is between 9% and 28% more productive than the UK, with a central estimate of 18% more productive. (btw your videos are great!)
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Wow, crazy stats. Thanks for sharing! 🙏
@RosaB_AA
@RosaB_AA 2 ай бұрын
Well, that's people don't know that others persons work for them for generations, both countries traffic with person (France traffics slavery with 1.3 million of persons, for example) and how about the neocolonialism, today?. That's the part of France or Britain don't speak.
@publicminx
@publicminx 2 ай бұрын
yep, but Germany and the Netherlands work the least on the planet, are more productive than the rest of the planet, yet earn more than France or most of the rest of the planet. And in difference to most other wealthy countries Germany has in relation lower living costs (from food to electronics to cars etc. ). And UK has despite of a similar population to France a noticeable higher GDP ...
@RosaB_AA
@RosaB_AA 2 ай бұрын
@@publicminx that's right, Germany and Netherlands invade other continents , traffic with person and practice genocide like the other countries. Netherland have colonies in America and other place today, rights?. Instead, Germany made de gas chamber. What productive!?¿
@richarddelanet
@richarddelanet 2 ай бұрын
Work life balance is not just France. It is the whole EU including England.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
I feel England and the US are very similar. Would love to hear more about how you view it.
@asiatravels007
@asiatravels007 2 ай бұрын
Absolute nonsense! I'm from the UK now living in Asia and the UK has a slave work culture just like America and many other countries. Work all hours of the day for a pittance just to keep a roof over your head and rip off food and utilities prices. Brits are leaving by the hundreds of thousands every year including me while importing the 4th world. I'll never go back! 👍
@jyc313
@jyc313 2 ай бұрын
England feels very similar to US, and I've worked in the UK for years before relocating. The most obvious differences are felt in France, Spain, and Italy. To a degree, also Germany and parts of northern Europe.
@bsmith6646
@bsmith6646 2 ай бұрын
England definitely has a better work life balance having worked in both countries. The lack of US holiday pay still blows my mind
@jonas.zehnder
@jonas.zehnder 2 ай бұрын
I partly agree. It‘s more of a southern european thing. France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Being italian and having visited these countries I definitely discovered a similar pattern.
@aliciathom9633
@aliciathom9633 2 ай бұрын
Love hearing your story. Our son and his family moved to a small village in the Cevenne, and have been so welcomed and included, it is delightful. We are originally from the UK and moved to Oregon in 1991. 18 years later we moved to Moscow, Russia (not Idaho!) for work. During our seven years there we built a holiday home in Turkey as a place to recharge and rest. When we left Moscow I suggested we take a year’s sabbatical in Turkey before returning to Portland. Eight years later we are still in Turkey and loving it, having sold our home in Portland! We are nearly 69 and 74 and have no idea what the future holds but making the most of every opportunity and experience.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Love your story! ❤️😁
@ChaiTogether
@ChaiTogether 29 күн бұрын
I really needed to hear this today. This is true when there is a strong intention for change, God bless you! And your family. 😊🎉❤
@Estelle0dcma
@Estelle0dcma 2 ай бұрын
As a French I am glad that you and Cecilia have been enjoying living in France. It's a beautiful country that a lot of French people sometimes forget. I have been travelling to the most wonderful countries (imo) for several weeks each time in Europe, South Asia and North Africa. Even if I love discovering new places I am also really happy to come back home. I am not saying it's the perfect country in the world, it has its flaws but it offers so much overall. I share your opinion on the restaurant in the countryside. There are a bunch of nice places but you have to do some research. Entering one randomly could be an entire experience. If you haven't yet, I highly recommend visiting Lille and Bordeaux where I lived a few years back. Beautiful walkable cities, amazing quality food and history. Enjoy a wine tour near Bordeaux stopping by the most iconic châteaux (vineyards) and go for a day to Arcachon (train from Bordeaux) to share fresh oysters and white wine with a view on the Atlantic ocean. Lille is a quaint place with beautiful little streets. Enjoy typical food and it's well known for its beers. Add a day trip to Bruges (Belgium, less than one hour trip) to discover the Venice from the north. Little canals, beautiful houses, Antics shop, good food. Good job, your French is amazing at the end of the video!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! For your kind words and amazing suggestions. 🙏😁
@daviddechamps8840
@daviddechamps8840 2 ай бұрын
​@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT Having been working for a US company for 20 years, I have had many discussions on the US vs Europe models with colleagues. Pro's and con's on both sides, of course. There is probably an age things as well: there is a time for each priority, in life. And I guess that, when you have achieved a certain financial security, it's easier to enjoy and focus on the rest. Beyond Lille and Bordeaux (which I like a lot, as a Belgian), if you ever want to visit Brussels (1h20 from Paris by train), I'd be more than happy to be your guide. Don't hesitate to reach out!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
@@daviddechamps8840 Indeed. Age and stage in life do factor in greatly. Thanks so much for your offer! So nice of you. 🙏
@mdte5421
@mdte5421 2 ай бұрын
Yep I agree I lived in Lille for 3 years ( I went to grad school and I really moved for love too from Toronto ). Lille is absolutely beautiful and a very strategic placed to all the big cities . I orrery much visited all of nord -pas de Calais ( from lievin to Amiens). I’m now back to Toronto but looking for apartment in Arras or Albi ( yes closer to la campagne 😍).
@amyspeers8012
@amyspeers8012 2 ай бұрын
Totally agree! We made the leap in 2017. It was supposed to be for 2 years but we never wanted to leave. So happy you are finding France to be a good fit.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Nice. So you are here in France, correct?
@amyspeers8012
@amyspeers8012 2 ай бұрын
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT Yes! We are waiting on our new visas. After that, we will apply for citizenship.
@yvonnebirch6026
@yvonnebirch6026 2 ай бұрын
👍👍💕🌷you two are an inspiration !
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you! :)
@Lifeinthewyldewest
@Lifeinthewyldewest 2 ай бұрын
Your videos are mind blowing, so good! I loved hearing your take on France! I love to see you living your dream. Also a fan of Nathaniel, I see he comes by it naturally. Thank you for editing this wonderful video and sharing it with your KZbin community.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
And thank you, right back for your lovely comments! 🙏😁
@cj99cj991
@cj99cj991 2 ай бұрын
So inspirational! Your videos are so beautifully edited. I really appreciate the time and care you put into each piece. Living in France has been a huge goal and one that will be obtainable in the next 3-5 years. Including the audience in your journey allows me to not only see the joy of it all but the difficult challenges …that ultimately make the experience so rich.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much. Best of luck with your own journey. 😁
@Deliciouslyvibrant
@Deliciouslyvibrant 2 ай бұрын
Aww loved that you ended in French too! Je suis totalement d’accord! One must take leaps of Faith when it feels aligned despite initial fears. It always leads to rich and amazing life experiences. It was the case for me every.single.time (moving from Europe to Canada, then Australia and now back in Europe but in another country I would have NEVER considered and where I feel at home now: Spain 🇪🇸). Merci de toujours partager de si belles vidéos avec nous. They’re always so insightful 💫😇👍🏽
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Merci beaucoup ! 🙏
@alexanderscharf2806
@alexanderscharf2806 2 ай бұрын
I am absolutely happy I have subscribed to you guys. Brilliant, eloquent, concise, very articulate and wise!!!! Thank you!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! 😁🙏❤️
@KimberlieOtt
@KimberlieOtt 2 ай бұрын
What a positive video. Thank you for an insider's view of such a lovely country!!!
@carolynlarke1340
@carolynlarke1340 2 ай бұрын
I studied French for years. I was inoculated as a child with a love for the place with a visit with the family at 8 yo and my father's stories of living in Bretagne and Normandy in the 1950s. As soon as I could I started visiting on my own. After retirement I started spending 2-3 months riding all around the country. There were a thousand reasons France got to be so important for me that I decided to move there in 2020. Through delays and all I searched for a place of similar size as my present house, 100sq meters or so. It had to he inexpensive but in a new environment where I could walk and bike and swim. I found a village house with a garden on a river in the Aude Department, almost to the Spanish border. Got my Visa in less than 2 weeks after applying in person in Miami. I'm planning on flying out 15 March with my sister in law and 2 cats. For me, a native of and living in the Miami area, I am done here. There is nothing left to love. The fishing is done. There is no nature remaining to walk through. The food is expensive and we've plowed up every farm and orange grove to the point that stores import citrus from Cali, TX, and South Africa. The prices and quality reflect the excessive road time. Traffic is so bad that it takes well over an hour to travel 15km. There is zero, useful, public transportation and people are run down and killed daily by cars. The system of laws, right of way and urban design make it impossible to be safe. I will not go into the gun violence problem but it's also every day. In France I am so at ease. I know there is crime, particularly in big cities but it's not the violence level of the US. Bikes and peds are protected and I can say from experience, Don't speed in/through French villages. They are serious about protecting people so the fines are substantial. Camera enforcement is a good thing. Where I am moving hunting culture is deep. It's been beyond living memory since anyone has been shot. Hmm. The tiny village of Lapradelle has 300 people yet every day there are 5 beautiful coaches that can take you to TGV hubs in an hour or so. They cost $3 each way and have wifi, cushy seats and are quiet and clean other than the occasional sports teams celebrating on board. The people are kind and helpful and were so happy to hear I am moving in this spring to live not rent out to tourists. While it is a summer tourist area they are mostly well behaved families and Europeans not the louts and drunks I have endured here in S Fl . My French has progressed and I was able to get both my bank account and water service started speaking only French. The people were so nice and helpful when I was grasping a bit but language is a thing for me so it will only get better. I've even begun to recognize the local, Occitanie accent so I know who the real locals are. The packing is moving along and the cats are catching on that things are changing somehow. They're in for the change of their lives. So am I. Can't wait. This video is spot on. Thanks for the work.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
And thank you right back for sharing!
@tamaratrejo222
@tamaratrejo222 2 ай бұрын
Sounds wonderful!
@Olivier-GM
@Olivier-GM 2 ай бұрын
Bienvenue dans votre futur chez vous. :)
@yuleendevery9243
@yuleendevery9243 2 ай бұрын
I always look forward to your posts. Informative and very easy to watch with a depth that many podcasters seek to achieve but you always nail it perfectly. Thank you. Glad you are settling in to your new adventure. Have been watching you from New Zealand since before you sold in Oregon and made the big move.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Wonderful, so great to hear. Thank you for your lovely words!
@robinzaleski5
@robinzaleski5 2 ай бұрын
I have been following your journey since you began. Fortuitously, KZbin suggested your very first video to me the week it came out, so I have enjoyed being along for the ride in almost real-time. You're living my dream, and I hope someday to be your fellow compatriote. À la prochaine!
@kailiasage
@kailiasage 2 ай бұрын
Your videos are always so visually pleasing. It’s so cool to see you use your producing and videography skills on this channel. A lot of reasons you mentioned in this video resonate with my need to also leave the US. A work life balance lends to other areas of my life also improving and now that’s my goal.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Nice. Thank you so much for your kind words and wishing you all the best!
@jennifercullen5952
@jennifercullen5952 2 ай бұрын
We’re about to take the leap and move to France. I’m terrified but praying for the type of experience you’ve had. I know it’s up to me and my husband to embrace and adjust for a different life outside the USA and I’m so ready. Thx for sharing your story. It’s really inspiring.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and best of luck.
@walideg5304
@walideg5304 Ай бұрын
I think people like you are a perfect match for countries like France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Morocco ... Mediterranean countries. Excellent food. Rich history. Nice and relaxed people. You are in the perfect region of the world, to enjoy what you like, and aligned with your values.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT Ай бұрын
Indeed!
@GenXvoyager
@GenXvoyager 2 ай бұрын
Couldn’t agree more with your assessment of life in the US no longer resonating. Heading to France for early research this summer. My biggest task is to convince my German husband to embrace the French way of life. The two of you continue to inspire us.
@noreenn6976
@noreenn6976 2 ай бұрын
How about Germany?
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and best of luck to you!
@publicminx
@publicminx 2 ай бұрын
@GenXvoyager: no surprise. Germany is better than France (unless you have very specific/personal reasons). He likely dont want downgrade ;) ...
@christinelynd9253
@christinelynd9253 2 ай бұрын
Husband and I (50 yr olds) are considering world travel/ early retirement and I love your insight just on change, motivation, intention and growth. Keep up this wonderful content!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, good luck to you!
@MegaDrummerboy16
@MegaDrummerboy16 2 ай бұрын
Remember 50 is still young no matter what the shallow USA culture feeds you. Go now & find a better place to live.
@bellaluce7088
@bellaluce7088 2 ай бұрын
0:57 "...it's important to honor those times in our lives...when something feels done." My current chrysalis feels both comfortable and constricting. *Watching your journey reminds me that big change can be worth it!* 🤩 Leaping into the unknown has led to some of the best experiences & growth in my life! 🦋So glad you & Cecelia feel at home in France after only one year! ❤
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Always the case… thank you! 🙏
@rickchandler2570
@rickchandler2570 2 ай бұрын
I think a lot of countries in Europe are like this. I could say the exact same thing about Portugal. I know it didn’t work out for you here, but my wife and I love it here and all the points you say about France, I can mirror those about Portugal. Very happy you both found your place in France
@clove6435
@clove6435 2 ай бұрын
we are in Oregon and working on finishing the project on the land here, your video is very helpful, as we are hoping to accomplish being there in France hopefully before next winter.. We been in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece but not France, it feels home in the future ☺
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
👍😁
@RyanLudlow
@RyanLudlow 2 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences! I appreciate the effort you put in to produce these amazing videos and to tell real personal stories. Keep up the great work. ❤
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thanks!! 🙏
@pabrownie19
@pabrownie19 2 ай бұрын
Can't wait to hear about any house updates!! It looks like you both have settled in quite well!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
It has been a long journey that has paid off really well. Still in progress, of course, but very much enjoying it. More on the goings-on with the house real soon…
@elmog0218
@elmog0218 2 ай бұрын
Loving hearing from you! This is such a marvelous content and video post! Looking forward to more; especially a tour of how things have settled into being in your new home.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and yes, definitely more on that real soon!
@user-ph9qg6vt7o
@user-ph9qg6vt7o 2 ай бұрын
So happy to see you finally enjoying life:) Thank you for posting:)
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
😁
@scottmedford-tv2pj
@scottmedford-tv2pj Ай бұрын
Wonderfully expressed. Thank you. I have many similar thoughts. As I get older what I require is changing and I find the challenge is that people do not want to accept we are all changing at that this is fine.
@patriciaanne7932
@patriciaanne7932 2 ай бұрын
Finally, a happy algorithm find! Watching enviously from New York. Great channel!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, thank you! 🙏😁❤️
@GoingsoloinFrance
@GoingsoloinFrance 2 ай бұрын
Good to see you back. Another masterpiece of editing :-)
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@VeraGolosovaArt
@VeraGolosovaArt 2 ай бұрын
As much as it breaks my heart that you left forests of Oregon, I am so glad that you did what works best for you. I turn 40 this year, and I recently moved to a small coastal town in Spain, one hour away from Barcelona. Same as you I love Asian cousine, so I celebrate every visit to Barcelona with a nice bowl of ramen or Chinese sweet and sour chicken. From what you say, we have the same experience here. I also learn Spanish and try to at least start conversations this way. My partner is half-Latino, so his Spanish is very fluent.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Nice!
@janebaker966
@janebaker966 2 ай бұрын
"I asked God for everything so I could enjoy life,God gave me Life so I could enjoy everything" not my words,hope I've remembered it right,subtle difference!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
👍
@sheilashells
@sheilashells 2 ай бұрын
Your videos are such a treat. I absolutely love them!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! 🙏
@yogisurfrunner1925
@yogisurfrunner1925 2 ай бұрын
Wow! I started watching with one of your son’s videos a couple of years ago and followed you 2 through Pt to Fr (this mirrors our own journey to choose a retirement landing spot!) All I can say is you look completely different now than 2 yrs ago!! Your face…your color, palor, energy have completely cleared & look like a man who has found his ‘happy place’ (for now). We leave in a few weeks for a year ‘on the road’ across France to find our new furever home with our 2 pooches. Nervous, excited, scared, sad, hopeful - but all the things you mention at the beginning about the pros of our rêve américain becoming a weight on our soul had become our existence so its time to honor that gypsy in our souls and move along. Bonne Courage!!!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you for the kind words. All the best to you guys on your new adventure!
@GloriaMC_Dance
@GloriaMC_Dance 2 ай бұрын
Your way of speaking is very humble and down to earth, really enjoyed this!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you!!
@resistanceliveecm
@resistanceliveecm 2 ай бұрын
I lived in France, in the Loire Valley, for nine months in the early nineties. It still informs my sensibilities to this day, and I agree with all your observations. It's a wonderful place, and your work makes me want to move back!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Do it! Life is too short. 😁
@jayb1108
@jayb1108 2 ай бұрын
as good as ever ... thank you for creating and sharing !!!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!!
@davidegeland864
@davidegeland864 2 ай бұрын
Great video. Also, can't wait to see an update of the renovations and upgrades to your new home.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Real soon, promise!
@kentbyron7608
@kentbyron7608 2 ай бұрын
Bravo! Thanks for sharing, very informative and I'm so happy for you and your kids. Love your channel, keep up the good work!👏👏👏👏🥳🌹
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you! 🙏😁
@thespringwitch7325
@thespringwitch7325 2 ай бұрын
Your videos are always full of wisdom and inspiration that always give me a boost when I feel a bit down. I'm also living in France, way down south, and have been here for 5 years now. It's a great place but I have recently had some big changes happen in my personal life that have made me homesick for my old life in the UK. I guess we seek out our old comfort zone when our world shifts, but your videos always give a fresh perspective on life and having the courage to face the challenges as they emerge. Thank you, and looking forward to more updates in the future.
@equiknox14
@equiknox14 2 ай бұрын
I so enjoy your videos...interesting, thoughtful, visually clean and informative. Its my virtual escape!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Nice! So happy to hear! 😁
@RecordingStudio9com
@RecordingStudio9com 2 ай бұрын
Been following since day one, over 2 years now. It's inspiring to watch and hear your views about your current life. Thanks
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the support, you’re the best!
@trace_element
@trace_element 2 ай бұрын
As an American from the PNW who moved to Germany 1.5 years ago, I can say that these pros and cons apply here as well. Must be a European thing! I would also add the cost of living as a major pro.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Yes, having been in various places in Europe, I can totally see that. Have not experienced the cost-of-living quite the same way. Can you share more about that?
@publicminx
@publicminx 2 ай бұрын
​ @BeneaththeSurfaceYT no, the cost of living is not the same. Germany has one of the best combinations of higher income (more than France) but lower life spending (from food to electronics to cars etc.). France is more expensive (you also work more and more hierarchical for less income). Switzerland has MUCH higher income than France or most other countries but also MUCH higher costs (MUCH, not just like 5-10%) - but still you get net more out. Similar is Luxemburg. Since Germany is the third largest economy and the most populated country in the EU and the most diverse industry etc. etc. it has due to this size if one is skilled the income of Switzerland/Luxemburg (not average but depending on the industry/economic) but with lesser costs. Many make the mistake to compare just average costs. Also the US has in reality a wider gap between very high income (depending on where you are) and a much lower income than the average income suggests - also due to its size smart individuals have a great choice. Many European countries like in the East have low income but also low expenses - but nowadays comparable quality of grocery food to the more western countries, especially former eastern but actually central European neighbors to Germany like Czech, Poland etc... apropos: they have a kind of medium income and living costs. Scandinavia has higher income but also much higher costs. And btw, many are a bit like backward religious thirds world countries with not getting alkohol everywhere. Some countries have a relatively low-medium income but relatively high costs of living (Spain, Portugal, Croatia in more tourist regions) ... etc etc... long story short: there is a huge gap and the gap is often much wider than the US compared to some of the more wealthy European countries. You can get relatively cheap housing in most parts of Eastern Europe/Balkan, Spain, Italy, especially in the more rural regions (actually all suffer much more than central europe from urbanization (and demographical changes), because in difference to the stereotypes, villages/towns are much more dead than those in the wealthier countries and thats why you have much more 'ghost towns'. Housing or finding apartments to rent is in most wealthy countries and their bigger cities at the moment a problem. Its often not just the price but simply to find one in the first place. Thats for instance better in Vienna than in Amsterdam, way better in Poland or most parts of the East, in Greece etc... in theory you could get for 0 Euro a house in Germany btw. (and for sure also some other countries) in rural areas, but they usually come with much more costs (laws to restore them/renovate etc. ) which often means they are not worth to get them (and actually getting a house in rural areas is risky anyway as long they are not part of a growing metropole region (ujnless you really know that you want that) ...
@trace_element
@trace_element 2 ай бұрын
⁠@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT For me, as someone who is a homebody and cooks a lot, the cost of food is a huge thing-and it is significantly less expensive in Germany than the U.S. Also things like phone plan and (huge!) medical expenses and pharmacy items. This is from my limited experience, but in both urban and rural living. Before I had medical insurance I visited an ER in central Germany for a broken toe and was super worried about what to expect from the bill (received in the mail). It was 47 euros. Housing costs are much, much less, renting or buying. But coming from Seattle almost anythig would be! The only thing which I have noticed is significantly more expensive is fuel, but that is completely reasonable considering the state of things today.
@anjalinsybil6929
@anjalinsybil6929 2 ай бұрын
Loved listening to this! Thank you for sharing ❤
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thanks! 🙏
@dualcit007
@dualcit007 2 ай бұрын
Your videos, and commitment to showing the good and the more challenging, are so enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing your journey. I moved from the USA to The Netherlands almost 30 years ago and have now been here as long as I was there. Both still feel like home, however I’m absolutely certain my quality of life and work life balance are better here than there.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your lovely words. Yes, nothing like the European way!
@EliDeNeige
@EliDeNeige 2 ай бұрын
J’aime toujours autant vos réflexions sur la vie. Tout cela est si profond et je vous en remercie.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Et merci à vous 🙏
@klaraeditafriedlova
@klaraeditafriedlova 2 ай бұрын
Glad you're satisfied with France/Europe 🤞🏻 greetings from Czechia 🇨🇿
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
👍
@dianarider7712
@dianarider7712 2 ай бұрын
Great commentary on the various contrasts. Thank you so much.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you 🙏
@ritchiewong16
@ritchiewong16 2 ай бұрын
Hi Josh (or Mr. Drew) 👋, I hope 2024 has been treating you (and your family) well so far. I don’t think I will ever forget the day I watched that one video from Nathaniel Drew about you guys leaving the US to settle in Europe. If there’s anything your story has taught me (especially from this video), it’s that leaping into the unknown can teach people to unlearn any preconceived assumptions they have on certain things and instead welcome the opportunity to experience those things and learn a lot about them for what they actually are. Merci pour la vidéo! (I’m not sure if I got that correct 😅) Sending you lots of love!!! ❤️❤️❤️🤗
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you Ritchie, for your lovely words (as always). You’re the best! Wishing you an amazing 2024 my friend.
@Estelle0dcma
@Estelle0dcma 2 ай бұрын
Congratulations, your French is absolutely correct 🎉 (I am French 😊) I share your opinion, these videos help me to get out of my comfort zone. When in doubt or fear it's helpful to see that people can leave everything behind to improve their life tremendously. Have a wonderful day!
@ritchiewong16
@ritchiewong16 2 ай бұрын
@@Estelle0dcma Merci beaucoup for your comment! It’s amazing how things in life become all the more worth it for those who leap into the unknown 😁
@jlevf
@jlevf 2 ай бұрын
Just discovered your channel and watched a few videos! Amazing content! Insightful and beautiful storytelling.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@SusanHaver-yf6xj
@SusanHaver-yf6xj 2 ай бұрын
I've been living in France now for nearly 50 years (came from the UK). I can remember how different everything seemed to 70s Britain, but how exciting it was to soak up a new culture. Really nice to hear that you have settled in to your new life here in a relatively short period. You have been willing to embrace the ups and downs and your positive outlook has definitely helped. Bonne continuation !
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@Bangle9
@Bangle9 2 ай бұрын
I am happy to see that you look better rested and healthy. Great that you are settling in so well. Im considering a big move myself within a couple few years.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and best of luck with your plans!
@waimeagrl5142
@waimeagrl5142 2 ай бұрын
Terrific video and informative, glad I happened upon your post.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you! 🙏
@anahitamosallai528
@anahitamosallai528 2 ай бұрын
Aloha from Maui! Been following you for a while....Lots of love to you and your boys. I truly look forward to watching your videos.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you!! 🙏
@clairebedard3948
@clairebedard3948 2 ай бұрын
You make great videos: images & editing are professional, they flow, draw us into your world. You, by virtue of just sitting there talking to the camera, capture all our attention. You speak in a way that inspires, makes us reflect, keeps us wanting another video :-) S.V.P. continuez de produire vos videos, et plus souvent ! Merci
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your lovely words! 🙏❤️
@NessaInwe
@NessaInwe 2 ай бұрын
I've been following your journey to Europe since the beginning, because I had a plan to do something similar. Now that I've been in Spain for almost 4 months, I can relate to the feeling of enjoying slowing down and dissolving all the misconceptions I had. I come from Argentina, so my comparisons are a bit different, but the essence is the same. I'm glad you have found the place and pace you were looking for. Thank you for sharing!!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Y muchas gracias a vos por tu mensaje!
@juliebarrett943
@juliebarrett943 2 ай бұрын
Beautiful sharing of the intention and unfolding of worthy endeavors…to dwell in possibility is the BEST. Well done.🎉
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Indeed. Thank you! 🙏😁❤️
@rodart1945
@rodart1945 2 ай бұрын
Always so good, thank you for sharing your story with the world.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you right back! 🙏
@jess8935
@jess8935 2 ай бұрын
Always inspiring. Congrats on the new home, it's very beautiful and peaceful.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you!!
@janeburton3835
@janeburton3835 2 ай бұрын
Great to hear from you again and hear your observations on living in France. I wanted to say that your French is really improving too as is your accent when speaking le francais!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thanks! 🙏
@kathyw9439
@kathyw9439 2 ай бұрын
Love your perspective and so happy you've found your place! I've been following your videos since your "unfortunate" time in Coimbra. You summarized the process of finding a new home outside of the US - there are pros and cons to every place, and it's all subjective! I think you do a great job of describing your priorities and how France fits. So important to do the internal work first. Congrats!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thanks! 🙏
@AnomalyBelleza
@AnomalyBelleza 2 ай бұрын
Ooh I like this video and the entire vibe of the channel. New subscriber.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, my friend! 🙏
@glennmartin346
@glennmartin346 2 ай бұрын
One of your best yet! Simple, informative, and beautifully illustrated. We have plans to sell a casa in both Italy and Merida Mexico, then we'll be France bound for a new life
@skincaremakeup40
@skincaremakeup40 2 ай бұрын
If this is France....come and have a look here in Sicily,in my village on the shore of the Mediterranean sea:a heaven on Earth!thanx for your videos❤
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
I don’t doubt it. Planning to visit Italy (again) real soon… 😁
@alicepopovski3643
@alicepopovski3643 2 ай бұрын
Too hot .
@marianacaffaro
@marianacaffaro 2 ай бұрын
I’m an Argentinian immigrant in Galicia, Spain, and I can say exactly the same of Spain, except for the post
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Jaja, qué bueno pero qué lío, no?
@sunkeeperarcturian4755
@sunkeeperarcturian4755 2 ай бұрын
Am getting ready to take a leap. Love your adventurous spirit. Much love
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you. Rooting for you!
@nubiacabrera919
@nubiacabrera919 2 ай бұрын
I love to hear this. It’s so inspiring!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you! 🙏
@rene.rodriguez
@rene.rodriguez 2 ай бұрын
Loved the video. My wife and I spent a couple of months in France (Chamonix + Paris) in 2019. We’d love to return on a long-stay visa (from the US). I’d love to learn more about your experience getting a visa, the cost of living in your town, any tips to make the arduous process easier, etc. Keep up the great work.
@sbmenard7374
@sbmenard7374 2 ай бұрын
American in France four years and wholeheartedly agree with your observations. The lack of good customer service doesn't bother me anymore, but it does take some getting used to. For example, when I go to the phyiscal therapist I'm left on the table while the practitioner goes out to check on other patients, give them exercises to do, etc. I might be waiting 5 minutes until it's my turn again, but the care and bedside manner are top quality, so I can live with it. Keep the videos coming!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the comment and for the support!
@stayfocused1041
@stayfocused1041 2 ай бұрын
French living in the US here. Left France 40 years ago, would like to retire there, but...How about "l'insecurite" everybody in France is speaking about? Burglaries, aggression, mass immigration, knife attacks, it is difficult to avoid noticing all this, plus an impoverishment of the population, and many other issues that did not exist 40 years ago. I would live in the countryside, not in a city, however, I read that there are a lot of problems in the country as well. The US was wonderful while I had a successful and busy professional life. Now retired, needing medical care that costs huge amounts, isolated in the countryside without genuine community, good restaurants or culture is quite unsettling. Plus, the US is going down, fast, although France is too, and the EU is frightening. I am asking around for feedback, keeping in mind that it is always subjective of course. Thank you
@rickfromjersey8098
@rickfromjersey8098 Ай бұрын
Beautiful video, thank you !
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT Ай бұрын
🙏😁 And thank you!
@sscott4028
@sscott4028 2 ай бұрын
Would love to see an updated home tour. I’m sure your home is beautiful ❤
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Very soon!
@Ella-zj2ur
@Ella-zj2ur 2 ай бұрын
Very happy to know you've both found your home in every sense! We spent a month in Strasbourg a couple of years ago and found the people to be lovely. In Paris, as well, if you don't speak French but at least greet people in French--and better yet, ask if they speak English in French--responses can be overwhelmingly positive. 🇫🇷
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Indeed 😁
@deborahmarion9038
@deborahmarion9038 2 ай бұрын
Your videos have only encouraged our decision to move to France to be with family. We have purchased a home and small farm in rural France that happens to be right next door to family. We are in the visa process, hoping all goes smoothly and cannot wait to move. We want to slow down and spend time with our grandchildren. ❤ France 🇫🇷
@Estelle0dcma
@Estelle0dcma 2 ай бұрын
I am so happy for you and your family. I wish you the best and I hope you will enjoy living in my beautiful France!❤
@deborahmarion9038
@deborahmarion9038 2 ай бұрын
@@Estelle0dcma Thank you very much. We have visited France many times in the last 20 years. We love the country and the people we have met and become friends with. ❤️🇫🇷
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Good luck!
@diannec2895
@diannec2895 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for the great videos! I’m currently in the planning stages of my retirement so your insight is awesome! I was initially considering Portugal, but I have moved away from that for now. I would like to explore other countries to see if there’s a better fit. I look forward to your next video!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and best of luck!
@Ponzuu28
@Ponzuu28 2 ай бұрын
I have also flowed your journey as well! I may not be taking as big of leap as you two but one nonetheless! This message comes at the perfect moment for me! Thank you!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you and best of luck!
@lizcoleman5229
@lizcoleman5229 2 ай бұрын
Great video! A lot of what you said about the French lifestyle applies to Spain which is where we live. Wonderful place to live. So glad you guys found the place that makes you happy!
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Indeed. Reading a lot of comments saying the same thing. It is indeed a way of life here in Europe, generally speaking.
@farahmirgoli884
@farahmirgoli884 2 ай бұрын
Wow! Good to hear from you! When or if you will show us your new home? So excited to see what you did with it. Merci.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
You can see a tour a few videos ago. But definitely more to come on the house real soon…
@3genwomenabroad-cm6fl
@3genwomenabroad-cm6fl Ай бұрын
I moved to the south--and you are saying pretty much to the word, exactly what I am experiencing...perhaps only that the culture is less disfused with expats in the countryside of north than my village in the countryside of the south. And, maybe the food is better in the neighboring city of Paris rather than Cannes and Nice...However, basically, word-for-word, my experience in leaving the states for france. well done. you both look happy and healthy. your house is beautiful. your family is together on the same continent...I shared to my social media. thanks for the update and insight.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT Ай бұрын
Thank you so much 😁🙏
@lanitademers6904
@lanitademers6904 2 ай бұрын
I really enjoy watching your videos; so thoughtful, interesting and informative. I follow a FB group for ex-pats in France and have learned a lot from those folks too. Hoping one day to at least return for an extensive visit, if not longer. Merci bien
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you, and good luck!
@brianfilkowski
@brianfilkowski 2 ай бұрын
I appreciate your sharing. I am very happy things are working out. Your videos are fantastic, thank you.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! 👍
@carlosyamara
@carlosyamara 2 ай бұрын
I feel that you are 100% right, I just find it funny that when you talk about completely unplugging you’re talking with a mobile in your hand 😂😂. Our family has planned on moving to England since our holiday there, so here’s hoping 🤞 Great video, I have subscribed.
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT
@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! Yes, I refer to my phone for my notes. I think it’s time to not have it show up so much on camera… 😁
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