Riviera on the Rocks

In episode #4, we're sharing some personal experiences on the healthcare system in France. Access to healthcare and the cost of that care is usually a top priority for folks who are looking to move abroad. France is known for having one of the best healthcare systems in the world, so we're giving you an insider's perspective of what you can expect if France is on your move-abroad list. So check out the episode to hear why French healthcare gets its rep, and find out how Carley got a ringside seat to see the French standing on business, even when it's in service of someone else, in "What's on the Rocks?" this week.

In episode #3, we are helping you get yo’ mind right to move abroad. There are many tactical things you have to do before you move abroad - getting the right visa, saving the coins, etc., but who you are as a person and how you will approach this experience are just as important. Are you a planner or a risk taker? Are you easily flustered when things don’t go as you expect, or can you roll with the punches? Moving abroad comes with new opportunities, different challenges, and experiences you might not have considered. Your ability to embrace these pivots can significantly impact your move abroad journey. So check out our takes on getting your mind right for these international streets and find out why Alexis is about to have hot sauce in her bag in What's on the Rocks? this week. 

In episode #2, we're giving you the real real about what you should consider if you want to move abroad. There is a lot of information on the internet about what to do, how to get started, where to go etc. but a lot of it is either wrong or irrelevant to your situation. Moving abroad is a deeply personal choice; you owe it to yourself to put in some work if you really want to make it happen. How do you want to support yourself? Are you retired or do you need to earn an income? Do you have transferable skills to bring with you or do you need to learn new skills? What kind of lifestyle do you want to live abroad? Are you looking to move abroad for the short term or long term? Ask yourself these questions if you're even remotely thinking about moving abroad because the answers will significantly impact the type of life you will have in the country you choose. We get a little roasty in this episode but it comes from a supportive place. So check out our take on making this decision and find out why Carley is pensive about the level of accessibility for differently-abled folks, in the city in What's on the Rocks? this week.

…and we’re back! It’s Season 2 of Riviera on the Rocks and in the first episode of the season, we’re talking about what it feels like, one year into our move-abroad journey. We’re coming off a hectic summer of visa renewals and the *really*  warm temps but we’re still here (*maybe*) and excited about our upcoming episodes. While we welcomed the much-needed cool-down on the weather front, it’s an episode where we reflect on the myriad of changes we’ve experienced in one year. There are a lot of laughs, and some tears but as always, we intend to show you the *real* of life abroad. So take a listen as we say hello to October, reflect on what success looks like after one year, and why Alexis is quick with the clap-back when the French stand on shaky business, in What’s on the Rocks this week!

In episode #10, we're bringing the curtain down on Season 1 of Riviera on the Rocks! We've had a lot of fun bringing the podcast to life and in this episode, we're doing sort of an “oh btw” and running it back on the things we meant to cover but didn’t get to - for one reason or another. Check it out as we share some perspectives on the results of the recent elections, highlights from our adventures exploring more of the South of France, and of course, the little things Carley has bottled up just for What's on the Rocks this week. The end of Season 1 is bittersweet for us, but THANK YOU for joining us on this journey.We looking forward to bringing you more episodes in Season 2.

In episode #9, we’re giving you our two cents on how to do the French Riviera right! We're practically locals now so some of our insights may differ from what the influencers are telling you. We are covering everything from which neighborhoods you should stay in for good sights, good sounds, and good accessibility, the best tips for getting around the city (Spoiler #1: don't rent a car), to the fun things you can do once you're here and how best to stay out of trouble with the transit authorities (Spoiler #2: don't get fined, validate your tram card). Check out the episode, take notes, and start planning your trip to the South of France. You'll also learn more about Alexis' beef with French construction in What’s on the Rocks this week.  

In episode #8, we’re bringing the heat with some unpopular opinions about living in the French Riviera. Moving abroad can be exciting. It’s a new experience that presents new opportunities. You get to meet new people and try different things, but along the way, you might catch yourself thinking, “This is not at all what I expected”. From the food to the fashions, we’re talking about some of the things that might “miss the mark” or not meet your expectations if you’re planning a trip to the South of France. Take a listen, enjoy the laughs about some lightly controversial topics, and find out What’s on the Rocks this week as Carley gets reflective on preparing her visa renewal.  

In episode #7, we're talking about dating! Are we finding love in a hopeless place or is it a *not* so beautiful nightmare? One of us has dipped her toes into the dating pool so we are highlighting some of the realities of dating on the French Riviera. It's a new culture, a different language and while the experience may not be for the faint of heart, there were a few lessons we can reflect on.Take a listen and learn why one of us isn't trying to date at all, why the other one is taking a pause to recover from the initial experience, and What's on the Rocks this week as Alexis is showing gratitude and finding her "joie de vivre" living on the French Riviera.