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I know this is an older thread, but the OP is not going till 2025. The sequoias exist both in Sequoia NP and Kings Canyon (and Yosemite). The large groves are split between the two, although one is closed due to damage from the 2021 fire. At the Three Rivers entrance there are a number of...

I was an expat in Switzerland and have a place in the South of France. Switzerland probably is an excellent choice, but the same normal cautions apply at night in certain sections of the major cities. But those are easy enough to avoid and nothing like Paris, Milan, Naples, Barcelona, etc. I...

Many cars are now equipped with a system that can read the speed limit signs, supplemented with mapping information. The image recognition is straightforward at this point. It will be increasingly harder to make unauthorized modifications without voiding a warranty, due to the side effects of...

Here's a few words on the North Cascades National Park, where I worked for two glorious summers in college: the best hike to effort ratio is Cascade Pass (7 miles roundtrip, ends at about 5200ft). Do it during the week, for less traffic. Don't forget to stop at the Washington Pass overlook...

Yeah, that is what I thought. There are expat heavy developments but not exclusively expat in the context of some of these other countries. But I guess they may qualify if they are 80% expat. There are a number of these near Cannes-Mougins, with a private course and membership similar to...

Is that the ubiquitous Kim Crawford, which seems to be the only large grower with a big volume push in the US? I occasionally see others, btw (like Matua). The thread makes me want to return back to New Zealand. To be honest, the wineries took a 3rd row seat to the scenery and adventure...

Was a little unclear if this was post-retirement or while still actively working. For SF, I would look at southern Marin County (Sausalito, Tiberon, Corte Madera). The car would be the primary way to get into the city. For destinations east, Walnut Creek/Danville. For south...

It could be a disclaimer, but it also isn't uncommon/unwarranted advice. In a TV/Radio/Internet audience there will be a wide range of possibilities. Some definitely could make it work (depending on where they live), but for a non trivial chunk of the populace, it may not work without some...

I usually use Hertz, only because I have a high loyalty program status (leftover from an old job) and I think it may help avoid any hassles. I've used Sixt in the past, and heard that that AutoEurope is fine. Just stick with the big multinationals and all seems to work out. The 2 hour for...

Thanks for the good laugh. That describes too many situations I know.... good to see this was a poorly positioned initiative in an IR call..... but I'm certain these things have been discussed, if not there, elsewhere. There are probably people discussing if they should adjust pricing based...

Abritel.fr is part of the HomeAway/Expedia group and shows a few listings in that neighborhood. Booking.com is also well used in France by owners.

Thank you for sharing (both of surveys). It just reaffirmed how abnormal we are --- though I do agree median would be interesting as well. I too think I've exceeded that alcohol average in a single month!

You generally take a ticket and then will pay the toll at the pay station at the exit. Sometimes there is a pay station ("peage" is what the sign will say) mid route. In that case, you can look at the signs above. A green arrow will indicate a lane is open (and usually means all forms of...

You should not worry, driving in Normandy is super easy. We have friends who own a farmhouse right in the middle of the area you are visiting. Just get a data plan for your phone or rent a GPS. Review the odd rules of the road and don't speed, and you'll be fine. Watch out for the stray cow...

Pew Research did an extensive study in August 2023 on tipping: LINK Although "it depends on the situation" was the most common response, more people felt it was more of an obligation (due to tradition?) than a choice. (sorry if this link is a repeat -- this thread has been alive for a while)...

In California, the minimum wage (no tipped wage) is now $16 (heading to $20). Despite this, it really doesn't impact the tipping that much (depending on what data you believe, see the links below). It does create an issue for restaurant managers/owners, as tips can only be distributed among...

Love the thread to see all the ideas. We haven't done any planning as we are trying to nail down freedom from w*ork days and a dog nearing the end of his expected lifespan. We tentatively have plans to return to France in late June and/or late August, tacked on with another trip to another...

Are "gated expat communities" a thing in France? I know they exist in SEA and Latin America. I know there are gated estates but I don't feel like they are exclusively expat. I agree that a choice of moving overseas or even anywhere in the US is a personal choice and depends on many factors...

Congratulations on your further progress. Clearly the high concentration in a company stock can produce big rewards but also high risk after point, especially as the company matures. I was at that point in the past as well but didn't diversify fast enough... I was an expat in Switzerland as...

Yes, a married couple could actually construct a legal income tax free existence up to a certain level, using the standard deduction of 29.2K and cap gains level of 94K in 2024, using a combination of taxable sources plus Roth, tax free interest, etc just like the US. This would hold in France...

another perspective I'm late to the thread, but since there were some unanswered questions why, I'd thought I'd lend my perspective. I've been an expat in Switzerland and have bought in the French Riviera in advance of early retirement, using the time in the interim to build relationships and...

After nearly four years, I got my first case. I got a very intermittent cough, fatigue (only really had to sleep extra the first day), low grade fever/chills for a day before it started getting better. Pretty much resolved within 72 hours. All in all, fewer effects than the vaccine side...

I'm glad you had a great and memorable trip. The driver was definitely the right choice for you. I think I mentioned that driving in Catania can be harrowing, and even downright unsafe in the wrong neighborhoods. But I've been to Sicily about 5 or 6 times and the countryside, smaller towns...

The 9 western states are somewhat limited by the 2018 Martin vs. Boise ruling, which prohibits governments from enforcing outdoor camping rules on public land unless a shelter bed is available. Very few cities are testing the limits. In California, there are a litany of laws that make it...

The selection there can be overwhelming. It is actually helpful to shop online and filter on the exact region or winery you are seeking, read reviews, etc. When I do go there I have something specific in mind. Did you go to Cahors? I've not been, it looks beautiful.