Big life change in my mid-30s
This past October, I took a leap many dream of but few dare: I packed up my life in New York City and moved to France with my pup Momo. I called New York home for five unforgettable years, but over time, I kept wondering: is this still the right path? When I was laid off from my job in tech for the second time in a year, it felt like the push I needed. My lease was up, I didn’t feel that pull to jump back into job-hunting, and something told me it was time to take a chance on a different life.
So, I listened to that inner nudge, and within a month, I got a long-stay visa and booked a one-way flight to France. By October, Momo and I were landing in Paris with just three suitcases.
Yes, maybe it sounds impulsive! But this ain’t my first rodeo—I’ve made these leaps before, first backpacking through South America and Europe, then spending a season in Tokyo. I love discovering new places and cultures up close, even if it means a little uncertainty.
So, why France?
This story starts back in May when I decided to pick up a new hobby: learning French. At Coucou NYC, I went from absolute beginner to language lover, encouraged by how immersive and fun the classes were. This led me to take a month-long road trip around France to practice over the summer where I traveled to Lyon, Annecy, Strasbourg, and of course, Paris. The more I explored, the more I fell in love with the country’s language, food, people and lifestyle. By the time my trip was up, I knew I’d be back.
Now, here I am, starting Le Rouge Fox Travel to document my experiences moving abroad. From language learning tips to dog-friendly travel advice and the realities of moving abroad, I hope this blog becomes a resource for anyone dreaming of doing the same.
If you’re interested, join my newsletter to stay updated—and let me know what you’d love to read about! 😊
Bisous,
Marie
