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Hey! Rose here!
Those of you who know me well know that moving to Europe has been my dream for a decade. For those who don’t: a sticky
note reading “Move to Germany Spring 2024” has lived on my bathroom mirror for 3 years. lol
In an attempt to live my dream, I took my first solo trip to Paris and Amsterdam last year. Spring 2024 has now come and gone and I’m still here–an American with a passport, some “fuck it,” and a dream. Now it's time to turn that dream into reality.
It’s easy to have a dream, but motivation fades when you lock into the reality of a life-changing move. Although last year's trip was amazing, I know relocation deserves deeper research. So consider this Phase 1 of Operation Baguettes & Bratwurst: Confirmation—a 2-month scouting mission to gain intel on whether pursuing Europe is worth the financial, physical, and mental investment.
The Mission (should you choose to accept it):
I’m raising $20,000 to live in Paris and Berlin this summer (June-August). Why $20k? Summer in Europe is peak season—flights and apartments cost 40% more than last year's trip. This ensures I can:
1. Confirm Europe is my next chapter,
2. Choose between Paris or Berlin,
3. Begin securing a visa for a 2025/2026 move.
As a freelancer, I do need to pause work for this trip. Your support covers:
- Peak-season flights + travel between cities
- Summer-priced apartments (safe, not fancy!) + groceries
- Local transportation + professional visa consultations and job hunting
- Care for my dog! (Also a future expat!)
- Home expenses while I’m away
- ️ A 10% emergency buffer (health/travel surprises)
Why Europe? Why Now?
Initially, Europe called through my family history. Both my parents and grandparents had Germany as their home for a time. There's also the allure of Europe in the media–the whimsy, the beauty, and the history. But what turned dreaming into conviction? My reality:
I’m 36, single, a dog mom, and freelancing after a blessing-in-disguise layoff. As I age, doctor's appointments become more frequent and I want affordable healthcare that's not dependent on my income. Why not lean in at the crossroads of possibility?
I’m done dreaming—I’m chasing a better quality of life while I still can:
- Ditch My Car: Paris’ metro showed me freedom! No car = $800+/month saved.
- Escape U.S. Healthcare Chaos: Universal healthcare = less stress and debt.
- Housing Trade-Off: Higher rent? Maybe? *Worth it* with transit/healthcare savings.
- Cultural Curiosity: Why did some of my personal faves like James Baldwin, Nina Simone, and Eartha Kitt choose to call France their home? What did my family discover while in Germany? What's in store for me?
"As a creative, I believe we are tasked with the arduous assignment of making the fantasies and dreams of our minds and the idealism of our inner-self merge with our social self." - Nina Simone
Operation Baguettes & Bratwurst is one of many dreams for me, but it’s this particular dream that might be the key to unlock others. Single, no children, my dreams are my children and I have a duty to foster them with responsibility, courage, and a village. Your support can be the difference between a dream deferred and a dream fulfilled.
To keep my village updated, I’ll post regular updates here so you see your impact!
Thank you so much for your time and support as we fuel a life-changing confirmation mission.
With hope, grit, and gratitude,
Rose
Organizer
