I’m excited about sharing new Expat Stories with you this month while I’m on the road instead of the usual Pipeline. Today’s story is from Shauna who lives even further north in Scotland than I do.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Shauna Reid and I live in Inverness, Scotland.

I grew up in Australia and in 2003, aged 24, I came to Edinburgh with my sister on a Working Holiday visa.

The Working Holiday visa is a great perk of living in a Commonwealth country – you get to live and work in Britain for up to two years. I never thought it would turn into a forever thing. I thought maybe after those two years we’d apply for the Canadian or Irish working holiday visa next; do a bit more travelling before heading back to Oz.

But two things happened. First I visited Glen Coe, just a week after I arrived in Scotland. One look at those majestic mountains and moody grey skies, I felt this spooky, overwhelming sense of calm; like I was in exactly the right place.

What has surprised you about living abroad?

How easy it is to forget that you’re “not from ’round here”. People are always asking me where I’m from and I say, “here?” and they frown and say, “No, where are you REALLY from?”. I always forget that I have this weird mish-mosh accent and that I once lived a gazillion miles away.

Once you’re over the initial hurdle of finding shelter and work and being able to pronounce the weird place names, it’s easy to slip into a routine and to lose that sense of adventure. So I make a conscious effort to keep a list of new places to explore, and to remember what is different from Oz and soak up all the details.

What new tradition or habit do you have from your present home?

I didn’t drink tea before I came to Scotland! Gareth made me a cup on our first date and I got hooked – strong builders tea with a good slosh of milk. How did I ever cope without tea? It’s so calming when you’re frazzled, and the perfect way to procrastinate!

If a friend came to visit you in your current city for one day, what would you take them to see?

I’d start with a walk along the River Ness, leading up to the Ness Islands; a little sanctuary of leafy calm right in the middle of town. Then I’d take them to Velocity, the best cafe in town for coffee and lemon mascarpone cake. Then we’d head out along the coast to Rosemarkie for a bit of dolphin spotting. Sometimes you luck out with a huge pod of them right near the shore, and seeing them leaping around is a stunning sight. We’d finish the day at the Dores Inn at the foot of Loch Ness, for a great pub meal and taking in the twilight views of the loch and the Great Glen.
What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to live abroad one day?

Save as much money as humanly possible! You always need more than you think. Accept that it will be an emotional roller coaster – just hold on and try to keep a sense of humour. Keep a diary or a blog and capture all those highs and lows in their rawest form. I love looking back at both my blog and paper diary from 11 years ago and laughing/cringing at all the tiny details that I would have otherwise forgotten.

Thank you so much for sharing your expat story with us Shauna! I also have started drinking LOTS of tea since moving to Scotland!

You can connect with Shauna on her blog or on her website where she runs online running courses. She’s also on Twitter and Instagram. And feel free to leave her any questions in the comment section as well.

Read more expat stories.

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I’m excited about sharing new Expat Stories with you this month while I’m on the road instead of the usual Pipeline. Today’s story is from Kate Metcalf who spent a year in the Democratic Republic of Congo and now lives in London.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Kate and I am an American, originally from Iowa, though I lived in Chicago for eight years before moving abroad. I am a musician and currently a postgraduate. Ryan and I first moved abroad to begin work at a small university in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC. The university happened to be looking for two one-year contract staff members, one with experience in the arts and internship programs (me!) and one with experience in IT administration (Ryan!), so we decided that the opportunity couldn’t be more perfect and decided to make the leap.
The move wasn’t entirely out of the blue. Ryan grew up overseas and I had lived in the Philippines for a while before, so since we’ve been together, we’ve always talked about living abroad again. We both enjoy the adventure and learning experience of encountering another culture and place longterm and were fairly certain that at some point, we would move. We just didn’t know where until the opportunity in the DRC came up in 2012.
We lived in the DRC for just over a year, with a few months in Uganda and Kenya in there as well, and in September 2013, we moved to London so that I could start graduate school.

What has surprised you about living abroad?

In the DRC, the thing that surprised me most was how challenging it was to make friends. We weren’t living in a very large or cosmopolitan city, so pretty much everyone knew who we were, but those acquaintances didn’t develop into friendships easily. In the end, it pointed out to me how big the difference in cultural understandings of friendships and platonic relationships can be and how much I take for granted my own, very American definition of friendship. It also made the friendships that did develop very precious to us, and I miss those friends now a lot.

In London, the biggest surprise for me has been how diverse the city is. I had a vague idea moving here that London was home to people from all over the world, but now that I live here, I continue to be amazed at just how many nations are represented, and how easy it is to feel like I’ve visited another continent just by walking a few blocks. For example, I discovered after moving into our flat that there is a Filipino grocery store just a couple of blocks away, which is really great news, since now I can make a few dishes that I miss since leaving the Philippines.

What new tradition or habit do you want to take away from your present home?
From living in the DRC, I most wanted to take away the habit of greetings. In work and social situations, when you arrive anywhere, it is part of social convention to greet and chat for a while with each person, going from office to office to say hello or stopping by every room at a party. I enjoy the intentional habit of simple hellos and checking in with everyone – it makes workplaces and gatherings seem so much more warm and friendly and makes it easier for me, as a naturally shy person, to feel connected to others and meet new people.

From living in London, I expect the biggest takeaway will be this tea habit, whether I intend to or not!
I have also really enjoyed the way that Londoners celebrate Christmas – the foods, the carol services at churches and cathedrals, the street festivals – and want to take some of that with me wherever I find myself living next. The Christmas season has always been a very important one to me, though I find myself increasingly uncomfortable with the over-the-top consumption that is often part of the American Christmas. Not to say that London doesn’t have its share of that in some ways, but in general, the season seemed less commercially intense, which opened up some space for me to really enjoy it for more important and personal reasons.
If a friend came to visit you in your current city for one day, what would you take them to see?

One day in London is so hard to think about because there is just so much to see and do! If it was a nice summer day, I would probably start with coffee and croissants while we walked through Hampstead Heath, the huge public park near my flat. Next, we’d go rent a couple of the public bikes available all over London and bike down into central, where we could have a walk along the Thames or across one of the bridges for a view of Big Ben, the Eye, etc. along the river. After an afternoon in a museum, likely the Tate Modern, British Museum, or V&A, or maybe the Sherlock Holmes museum on Baker Street, it would be a delicious meal at either a pub or an Indian restaurant (both so quintessentially London!) and an evening at one of London’s live music venues, like the Apple Tree or Green Note.
What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to live abroad one day?

If you’re hoping to live abroad one day, I think one of the best things you can do is start living a little more simply in the present.

From an extremely practical perspective, the less stuff you have, the less you have to get rid of when you do move on, and the more you’re able to save toward a move abroad. Some soul-searching is wise too, thinking about reasons behind wanting to move, what sorts of things you would like to do, where specifically you might want to go, etc. Look around and see what opportunities are available! You will have a better idea of what to expect and you just might happen upon something perfect.

Thank you so much for sharing your expat story with us Kate! I might need to come and do your perfect day in London sometime soon and I totally agree that it’s a great idea to start living simply to prepare for living abroad. You can connect with Kate on her blog or on Instagram. And feel free to leave her any questions in the comment section as well.

Read more expat stories.

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I’m excited about sharing new Expat Stories with you this month while I’m on the road instead of the usual Pipeline. Today’s story is from Sarah who lives in New Zealand.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Kia Ora! My name is Sarah, I am a native Minnesotan living in beautiful New Zealand with

my Kiwi husband and daughter. I met my husband shortly after I started working in small-town North Dakota, where he was working on a local farm. We moved to New Zealand after we got married in 2006 (via Europe) and have made Aotearoa our home ever since! 

We came to NZ so I could experience my husband’s culture, and learn about where he was from. We planned to move back to the USA after 5 years of living abroad, it’s been seven years and we seem to keep pushing the date out.

What has surprised you about living abroad?

What has surprised me the most about living abroad, is how my friends have now become my family. I miss my family terribly, but it’s amazing how much of a close-knit group of friends we have. My sister lived here for 6 years – which was so fun! She has recently shifted back stateside with her Kiwi family. The distance can be very difficult to overcome at times, and it’s really quite hard to miss special events and family gatherings back home, but technology is fantastic! I FaceTime or SKYPE back home ALL THE TIME!!

What new tradition or habit do you want to take away from your present home?

I love the relaxed Kiwi attitude and style, and I will definitely take that away with me. Kiwis are renowned for their  ‘she’ll be right’ attitude, and not stressing the small stuff. Which at times, can be annoying, but overall, it’s a wonderful attitude to have about life. Somethings are just not worth stressing over.

If a friend came to visit you in your current city for one day, what would you take them to see?

I would take them to see the beautiful Kiwi countryside. Living in the Manawatu region of New Zealand we have a tremendous amount of beautiful green rolling hills dotted with sheep and cattle. While we are not the ‘tourist capitol’ – we are very central to a lot of wonderful places! I will often take people to see the South Taranaki black beaches, the gorgeous Hawke’s Bay vineyards, the Kapiti Coast, the capitol city of Wellington, or even up to Mount Ruapehu.
What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to live abroad one day?

Things will be different living in a foreign country. Food will be different. Transportation will be different. Lifestyles will be different. Once the exciting and newness wears off – and you are into the daily grind of living – it’s easy to compare, and wish you were back home at times. And, that’s okay. I’ve been there! But, not all things that are ‘different’ are bad. Soon you will learn to appreciate and love these differences and soon they will seem the norm. You will find yourself incorporating your traditions from your native country, with that of your adopted country. And, that will be your new normal! And, that is fantastic!! Living abroad is an amazing experience, and is so rewarding. It will give you a much wider view of the world and a broader perspective on life. Do it!!

Thank you so much for sharing your expat story with us Sarah!

Read more expat stories.

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Expat Story: Ukraine

This month’s expat story is coming from eastern Ukraine, which seems like an incredibly fascinating place to be living at the moment.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

We’re coming up now on our third Ukrainian spring. I can’t believe the time has flown by so quickly, that we’ve already spent over 2 years here in eastern Ukraine! A couple of years ago D and I were living in Alaska, recent college grads, both working a 9 to 5 job and dreaming of distant places. Mainly, distant warm places like Costa Rica, that is. But because of our skill sets (D: computers, Russian and Ukrainian language. Me: halting Russian, lots of enthusiasm) we ended up moving to Ukraine.

I was offered a teaching job in Kharkiv, the second largest city in the country. D, who grew up in southern Ukraine but had never been to Kharkiv, soon joined me and found work as a programmer. Kharkiv is a cosmopolitan city full of international students, IT companies, and tourists, and we feel quite at home here. We even have a new addition: a grumpy grey kitten named “Whale” joined our family in 2012.

Sadly, Ukraine has become a permanent international headline over the past few months. At first, events happened mainly in the capital. Then the president fled the country and serious unrest hit our part of the country. Daily life hasn’t changed much, but there are frequent rallies downtown by both the pro-Russia and pro-Ukraine sides… and sometimes violent clashes between them. Many foreigners have left the country but we remain here for now.

Probably no big surprise, but it’s always a bummer to miss out on the usual hustle, bustle, friends, and family that surround American holidays. Recently I find myself missing it more and more. This is balanced out, of course, by getting to celebrate new holidays- for example, the New Year and Christmas celebrations in Ukraine last from Dec 31st to January 15th, two weeks where many businesses shut down as Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, or there’s the eagerly-anticipated International Women’s Day on March 8th (hello, flowers and chocolate!)… but doing things like taking university finals on December 25th or trying unsuccessfully to get the day off work for Thanksgiving make for a long, lonely (holi)day that you spend mostly down memory lane. This is all compounded by the fact that we haven’t been able to travel back yet to the US for a visit.

Where to start? There are lots of new ideas and habits I’d like to take with me: wearing high heels, having people drop by more often, making cucumber/garlic/salt/sunflower oil salads, walking or using public transportation instead of driving, being able to create endless variations of potato-based dishes, the list goes on and on. The #1 thing I’d like to keep doing, though, is speaking Russian and Ukrainian. Life has so much more color when viewed through a brand new vocabulary.

One brave soul (my brother) did actually venture all the way out here to visit. Luckily he had 4 days to spend in Kharkiv… which still felt too short!

If a friend came to visit for just a single day, we would (unless it were a bitter January day in the heart of a Ukrainian winter) definitely ride the rickety old cable carts from the glamorous, remodelled Gorky Park to the more humble but community-oriented Sarzhin Ravine. No, scratch that- we’d probably travel the other direction because it’s always fun to attempt to down a beer in the 16 minutes it takes to travel between the parks and Gorky Park has the most sacred of all Ukrainian attractions: a completely free, completely clean restroom! After riding the Ferris wheel, the roller coaster, or maybe just renting a Segway, we could hop on a marshrutka (minivan taxi) and visit the somber WWII monument down the road or head the opposite way and stroll through the heart of the city. And finally, barring snowdrifts and blizzards, we’d travel to the outskirts of town for a picnic and some delicious shashlik (shish kebab).

My advice is this: the timing is never going to be perfect.

Maybe you’re dreaming of living abroad but you’re not quite ready. There’s something you need to do, some money you need to save, some reason that’s holding you back and you think “Just a little longer in the daily grind and then the stars will be aligned, everything will be just right, and I’ll follow my dreams overseas.” That ideal moment?- it never comes. Ninety nine times out of one hundred, you’ll have to sacrifice something.

And you know what? It’ll be worth it. You’ll be able to deal with it. Just go!

Thank you so much, Kate, for sharing your Expat Story with us. You can follow Kate’s adventures on her blog or check her out on Facebook.

Read more expat stories.

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Today’s Expat Story is from Stephanie who lives in what I think is one of the greatest cities in the world! LONDON! I’ll be taking a few of her tips with me for the next time I go.

photo by Stuart Holdsworth

 Expat Story: London

Tell us a little bit about where you’re living and how you got there.

London has always been a part of my life. On my first trip over the ocean to see my dad’s friends and family, I was just a year old. He is from London, so we returned many times throughout my childhood. When I was in university, I spent a semester abroad in London and then moved back again two weeks after graduation in 2007. Looking for a job here was an obvious choice as I had fallen for this city in a big way while studying abroad. With the exception of six months in Colombia in 2011, I’ve been here ever since.

What has surprised you about living abroad and what has been difficult?

I’d say what has surprised me most about living abroad is the number of opportunities it has opened up for me that I most likely wouldn’t have had if I stayed in the suburb where I grew up. I’ve had endless blogging inspiration that has expanded my network of friends and creative contacts; I’ve been lucky enough to travel to quite a few different countries since I’ve lived in London; I’ve landed myself in a career that I love; and I’ve had my first solo photography exhibition. A very welcome surprise was the diversity that’s come into my life. I have friends and colleagues from all over the world, who speak many different languages and have cooked me some delicious food I never would have tried otherwise.

Something that has been difficult? Getting my feet on the ground was a challenge. London is expensive. It’s a huge sprawling city. There’s plenty of competition in the job hunt. I came without a job or a place to live, but thanks to the generosity of family and friends who helped me out in that crucial first month or two, I managed.

What new tradition or habit do you want to take away from London.

One habit I’ve developed in London is heading out to random places I’ve never been to around the city and exploring the little things in each area through photography and blogging. I’ve also been interviewing locals and artists who live in London for my blog as another way to get to know the city a bit better. I’d continue to do that no matter where I end up living in the future.

While there are definitely plenty of British traditions, London itself is a mishmash of different cultures and I’ve enjoyed learning about and experiencing the traditions of many of them. And so rather than name one new tradition I’d like to keep, I’d say that I hope to continue to break with a lot of old traditions by continuing to welcome new ideas. Keeping an open mind about the way things are done has been a great source of creative inspiration for me.

If a friend came to visit you in London for the day, what would you take them to see?

It would depend on the person, but I’d almost definitely take them to East London around Hackney. It’s unlike any other part of the city sprouting new cafes and trendy shops and street art by the minute. But it’s also incredibly diverse, colourful, gritty and raw in a way that much of the rest of the city is not. If it’s a Sunday, the markets around Brick Lane are in full swing, which is always fascinating. I’d make sure we had time to fit in a few of my favourite places to eat like Souk, Sushinho, Bumpkin or Maggie Jones. But I’d also leave room for spontaneity because that’s when exciting stuff usually falls into place.

What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to live abroad one day?

Keep an open mind. Have patience and a healthy sense of curiosity. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take a genuine interest in the people you meet along your way; they will be a highlight of your experience. Also, that other old cliché is also true – when you’re packing, take half the stuff and twice the money!

Thank you so much for sharing your Expat Story with us, Stephanie!

Do you have questions for Stephanie? Ask her on Twitter or Facebook. Also, you can follow her adventures on her blog!

The post Expat Story: London appeared first on Alison Chino.

Once upon a time I visited the beautiful city of Budapest. That was a very long time ago, but reading Adelina’s Expat Story about living there is making me what to plan a trip there soon!

Expat Story: Budapest, Hungary

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Adelina and I am from Vancouver, Canada. I am a storyteller and a curious globetrotter. I enjoy writing and taking photos and am a self-proclaimed geek. When I am not out exploring the world, you can find me experimenting with food in the kitchen, participating in pub quizzes or reading.

I was an expat in Budapest, Hungary for 19 months. Now, I split my time between Vancouver and Budapest. I originally went to Budapest for a job I found through an internship program called AIESEC at my university. While in Budapest, I worked for an English school, teaching occasionally, but mostly working in the office making sure things run smoothly. Now I work in online marketing and am hoping to make the jump into freelancing soon!

What surprised you about living abroad?

Living abroad is full of highs and lows. For every problem that you encounter, you have to be creative on how to solve it. That in itself is part of the fun of living abroad and it constantly surprising to see how resourceful you can be and how you can overcome difficulties when pushed. My first week in Budapest, I was shocked when there was no toilet paper in the restroom of the bar I was at. Lesson learned quickly and I started carrying my own. I also wasn’t prepared for how expensive things actually would be in Hungary. I thought that having a lower standard of living compared to Canada, things would be significantly more affordable, but it wasn’t necessarily the case. Most consumer goods were just as, if not more expensive as in Canada, which if you’re earning a typical Hungarian wage, gives you less purchasing power. Understanding how much the Hungarian currency, the Forint, is worth was also really difficult.

 What new tradition or habit do you want to take away Hungary?

There are so many things that I think are really cool about living in Hungary, the biggest thing is how Hungarians greet and say goodbye to one another – with two air kisses, one on each cheek. Although I found it strange at first, I really like no as it takes the question out of how to greet someone. In North America, if you’ve met someone once or twice, how do you say hello? Normally with an awkward wave, or maybe an awkward handshake. If you know the person better, then maybe a hug is okay. But in Hungary, there is no question. Once you’ve met and chatted a bit, then it is perfectly fine to say goodbye with two kisses. If you’re seeing an old friend, the two kisses are just as appropriate.

If a friend came to visit you in Budapest for one day, what would you take them to see?

A walk along the Danube River – Budapest has the great fortune of being building on the banks of the Danube River which splits the city into Buda (to the west) and Pest (to the east). No matter which side of the river you’re on, you’re bound to get a great view of the city. We’d start on the Buda side of the city, walking over the famous Chain bridge to Pest and along the Danube towards the Parliament building.

Szechenyi Bath – After all that walking, there is nothing better than a good soak in some thermal water. Luckily, Budapest is built on top of lots of it, giving you plenty of options. Szechenyi is my favorite because the building it is housed in is so gorgeous. Nothing is more relaxing than soaking in a pool of hot water surrounded by such beautiful architecture.

Ruin pubs – To end the day we’d go to check out a ruin pub in the city’s 7th district. Ruin pubs are essentially old apartment buildings that have been turned into bars. They’re generally very quirky, with each having unique decorations that you’re sure to not find anywhere else in the world. The best way to end a day in Budapest.

What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to live abroad one day?

Just do it – There is no right or convenient time to decide to pack up your bags and go. If you really want to do it, you will find a way to make it happen. There are lots of expats all over the world, so if they can do it, why not you? If you want to make it happen, start planning now.

Say yes & go with the flow – Living abroad is such a big adventure! Say yes to different opportunities to try and experience new things. Go with the flow of things if they don’t work out the way that you think it would. Don’t stress out too much about the things that you can’t control.

It’s okay to be sad or frustrated – It’s a part of the experience. But don’t dwell on it too much. Have a couple hours or a day to feel sorry for yourself, but try to move on quickly after. There are bound to be ups and downs, that’s the nature of living abroad, but it’s how you handle it that matters.

Invest in relationships – The people you meet are the most important. They’re your support network and your family away from home. But don’t forget about your friends at home and your family. A Skype call here and there will go a long way. Make time to invest in your relationships from all parts of your life.

Have fun and enjoy to the fullest! – You’ll wake up one morning, walk down the street of your new home and look up to take it all in. All in that moment, everything will be worth it. You made it happen. Enjoy the little moments of discovery and have fun exploring a new culture.

Thank you so much Adelina for sharing your Expat Story with us! I’m ready to visit Budapest and (especially) to hit the baths! Hello, perfect cure for the cold weather!

You can follow Adelina’s adventures on her blog or on her website for travel in Hungary. Plus you can connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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I’ve been enjoying a little down time to finalize where we are going on the blog and in the world in 2014! Looking forward to sharing more of my plans soon so stay tuned!

For now, here’s a new Expat Story from Singapore! Boiling Wok (as she prefers to be called on the internet) hails from India but has been living in Singapore now for over four years! I hope you find her story as interesting as I did!

Expat Story: Singapore

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a 26 year old Indian female, currently living in Singapore. I like writing, reading, organic cosmetics, organizing, walking and watching action movies. I originally came here to do my post graduate studies 4.5 years ago and am currently working here. This is my first experience of living abroad. I usually rent a room from the owner or share a flat with other people because rents are crazy high in this place. Currently, I am sharing the flat with an owner and her dog. I actually enjoy living as a single woman doing things on my schedule!

I have seen this city change over time and things change rapidly over here. New buildings keep cropping up all the time. Lately, it has become very crowded and as I don’t like crowds, I may to move to another country. However, despite the crowds, Singapore is very convenient and safe. All the grocery shops are open till late and many are open 24 hours.

I have never lived away from my family until I came to Singapore and honestly, I was really scared and reluctant to move abroad, but now I love it and cannot imagine going back to live with my family. I value my living alone so much!

The biggest difficulty about living abroad is making a new network of people to support you when you are in need. Making friends as an adult is not easy.

Also, I found it difficult to manage a kitchen and run my own house in the beginning. I cried when I had to move places in the new city for the first time! It was raining, I could not get a cab, all my stuff was downstairs, I didn’t know what to pack and what to throw. Fast forward, I am very good at moving places now. It is tough not to have your own place and keep on renting out so one day I really want to have a flat all to myself and organize it the way I want and have a proper kitchen all to myself.

Another thing that surprised me was that I always assumed Singapore  was a concrete jungle but it does have its wildlife and trees. (see photo above!) Imagine running into a python crawling by when you are walking on the sidewalk!

What new tradition or habit do you want to take away from your present home? 

Women here wear a lot of dresses. Before I came here, I did not wear a lot of dresses but I love them and I wear them all the time now. It is great for the hot humid weather here.

Living alone has enabled me to create my own traditions. Most Saturdays, I like to go to an independent cafe and drink coffee or go exploring in the less crowded parts of the city.

There are so many fresh fruits & fruit juice stalls here and I drink ABC (apple, beetroot, carrot) almost daily along with eating some cut fruits – papaya, watermelon, guava. Along with drinking ice lemon tea (homemade not those canned versions), those are some of my favorite traditions.

I like taking people to off beat spots, rather than the usual touristy fare (which I am sure, they will check out on their own). I would take them to:

Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area:  This is one of the few areas left with the traditional shop houses which are really charming and rapidly being replaced by high rise buildings.

A breakfast of kopi (local coffee) and Kaya toast at the many coffee shops around the city.

A walk along the canals which lead to the water reservoir because you will find only locals there. It is nice, peaceful with lot of plants and birds.

If you are not Indian, I would take you to little India because it is a world unto itself and very different from the rest of the city.

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Today’s Expat Story is from my friend Linda, who moved to the Canary Islands (which are off  the Atlantic coast of Morocco, but a province of Spain) from England over 25 years ago. After you read it, I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that maybe we should all consider heading to the islands for the next season of our lives! The photo below is of Linda’s current “office.” Let’s all go tomorrow, shall we?

Expat Story: Canary Islands

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Well, I’m from England originally, but that feels like another lifetime now. In October I moved to the second smallest of the Canary Islands, La Gomera, on the westerly side of the archipelago, but before that I lived on “the big island” Tenerife for 26 years. I moved there with my ex when my kids were still very young, so they grew up in this wonderful climate. My ex was in real estate and there were lots of opportunities here then, selling to Brits with money to spare, so he was game. For my part, I’d always wanted to experience other cultures and live abroad, so I would have gone just about anywhere! We’ve been divorced for a lot of years now, but I decided to stay in Tenerife because it was home to my kids, and there seemed little point in uprooting them at that stage. Once my nest emptied I went on working to try to collect enough social security contributions to qualify for a pension here, but that didn’t work out, thanks to the Spanish system which doesn’t recognize a husband’s contributions as joint if the wife is a homemaker. I couldn’t get a work permit when we first arrived, though with the EU that’s all changed now, of course. Somewhere along the line we acquired a dog, who is quite elderly now, so it’s just me and her. I’d always planned to go off around the world when my nest emptied, but between the lack of pension and the dog that has only happened so far in dribs and drabs, not the long, gypsy-style journey I’d hoped for. That’s why I decided to travel around the islands, because I can bring my dog with me, and if I stay long enough in a place it counts as a long-term rental, and not an expensive holiday-let.

 What has surprised you about living abroad? Or what is something that has been difficult that you did not anticipate?

In a personal sense nothing about the Canary Islands or Spain surprised me really. I felt very relaxed here from the start. I often (even after so long!) rail against the mañana syndrome. It definitely exists, though I certainly wouldn’t want to imply that every Canarian is that way, not by a long chalk, but the levels of anticipating customers’ needs, planning for a “worst case scenario,” or assuming responsibility are disappointing still. That said, I appreciate that once life becomes slicker, then the delightful, relaxed ambience might go with it. The thing that really did surprise and shock me, though, is the supercilious attitude of many British expats, which might not be so bad if they made an effort to integrate or understand, but most don’t.

What new tradition or habit do you want to take away from your present home? Why?

The siesta! My energy levels are high mornings and evenings, so taking a break in the afternoon fits in with my natural biorhythms perfectly!

If a friend came to visit you, what would you take them to see?

1. The Garajonay National Parque: a World Heritage site and one of the last, remaining laurisilva forests. Millions of years ago these forests covered the whole Mediterranean area, it’s living history, also very beautiful, moss-laden trees, dappled sunlight etc – and abounds with myths and legends.

2. On a boat trip to see whales and dolphins. A pod of pilot whales lives year round in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, and it’s rare not to spot a dolphin or two, or a whole pod of course, if you’re out on the water. The trips from Tenerife tend to be more for fun, “booze” cruises, but from La Gomera they’re less commercialised.

3. Assuming that my friend is already staying with me, in what I think is the most beautiful part of the island, I’d take them to Valle Gran Rey, where amazing hillsides of palm trees and man-made terraces guard the way down to the ocean, where there is a small, neat resort, the word old-fashioned comes to mind. The swimming is safe and great there, unlike some of the other rocky places with strong currents round the island. The island really is a series of what must once have been hidden valleys.

What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to live abroad one day?

I haven’t the slightest doubt, and to nick from Nike – just do it! If you’re even thinking about it, then you’ll love discovering all the things which make us different, but more importantly all the things which unite us. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily right for everyone, but if it is for you, get out there as young as you can, the world is HUGE and diverse!

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Linda! You can follow Linda’s travels on her blog, Island Mama.  I met Linda on my tour of Ireland, and she wrote a beautiful piece about our time there. A treasure!

If you have questions for Linda, be sure and leave them in the comments, or you can connect with her on Twitter or Facebook.

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Today’s Expat Story is coming to us from a city I cannot wait to visit. Cassey is sharing about what life is like as an expat in Amsterdam. Enjoy!

Expat Story: Amsterdam

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I’m Cassey, an Australian small business owner and Masters (graduate) student at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. I’ve lived here in Amsterdam since August this year when my program started. Before that I was living in London setting up and running my online shop, Mora Approved, and working in various advertising agencies. I’ve been away from my home, Sydney, for over two years now. I have a personal blog that I sometimes keep my ramblings in and the shop blog too. Basically I’m really busy and really attached to my laptop!

I read a quote somewhere that life starts when you step out of your comfort zone, which was pretty much the impetus for my decision to leave Sydney. It was a really sudden, impulsive decision, but really necessary. I moved to London with limited funds, no job and a home that would only be available several months after I arrived. I was really scared, but also really excited. It was thrilling. I stayed with my soon-to-be best friend Claudia for those few months before I moved into my shoebox room in London’s Notting Hill. A few months after that Claudia and I conceived our idea for Mora Approved and we moved to Amsterdam together to make it happen! I moved back to London a few months after that to get the logistics started. Basically my life has been all about juggling since I moved overseas! It’s been a real adventure.

What has surprised you about living abroad? Or what is something that has been difficult that you did not anticipate?

When I first moved to London Claudia would always laugh at me because I was shocked at so many things. Like the short flight distance between London and Amsterdam for instance (45 minutes). Or that you could buy alcohol in the supermarkets. And that you don’t need helmets to ride a bike. It made me realise just how sheltered I was and how many regulations there are living in Sydney. I was so scared to doing things that I hadn’t really done before, like riding a bike (I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 12 years old before I bought my bike in Amsterdam and gave it a go!). Claudia was really instrumental in getting me to do things outside my comfort zone.

The most difficult aspect by far is adapting to the weather. It is really freaking cold in Europe! Snow isn’t so charming when it’s slushy and grey and covering ice that you slip over. I had always thought that Seasonal Affective Disorder was pop psychology but it’s very real when you’re used to tropical seasons and you move to somewhere that only sees warm weather for two months of the year! But you adapt by wearing loads of wool and drinking loads of glühwein, and then celebrating like mad when it’s Summer again!

What traditions or habits have you tried to keep from your home country?

I brought vegemite with me when I moved and luckily there’s an Australian/New Zealand shop around the corner from where I live, so I can just pop over and buy Tim Tams and pies when the homesickness gets really bad. Food is such a strong aspect of your identity that I think it’s really important to try and enjoy your favourite foods from home once in a while.

When I lived in London I also went to The Walkabout Australian bar with my friends to celebrate Australia Day. It was really fun, and really rowdy.

What new tradition or habit do you want to take away with you if you leave Amsterdam?

There are so many aspects of the Dutch lifestyle that I would love to take with me wherever I go! I would take the ease of riding your bike everywhere. After dealing with the tube for so long, riding around in the fresh air is wonderful. I would make stroopwaffles mandatory at every meal. I also really, really love Dutch electronic dance music (Dutch DJ’s are the best in the world after all!), so being able to see my favourite DJ’s live all the time is a huge bonus. And the summer music festivals are the best!

If a friend came to visit you in Amsterdam for one day, what would you take them to see?

1. I would rent them bikes and take them all over the city for a personalised tour. That’s the best way to see Amsterdam, by far.

2. I’ll take them to a coffee shop and the Redlight district (because expectations).

3. I’ll also take them to Jordaan, Amsterdam’s most scenic and historic area, with great galleries, cafes and shopping.

You can also see my guide to the Netherlands on Yes and Yes for more tips!

What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to live abroad one day?

Try and move to a place where you have at least one friend/someone who can show you the ropes. It will make your experience so much more pleasant and give you the confidence to explore the city on your own. This isn’t concrete though, and I know a few people that moved to a place where they knew no one, but loneliness in a new city can be crippling and can become the catalyst for moving back home sooner than you intended. A friend can really make all the difference.

Also, Skype is everything. I don’t think I’d survive living overseas without the magic of Skype.

Here’s a list of everything I’ve learnt since I moved overseas on my blog!

Thank you so much Cassey for sharing your experiences as an expat in Amsterdam with us!  Now I’m ready to hop on a bike in Amsterdam.  Do you have any questions for Cassey? Leave them in the comments. Or connect with her on Twitter.

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Today’s expat story is from Taleen who lives in South Korea!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am 28 years old and originally from Iowa.  I currently live in South Korea and am teaching English at a rural academic high school of about 450 students.  My academic history is a bit complicated but ultimately I want to be a math teacher.  I came to Korea so that I could get experience teaching in an environment that challenges me and so that I could learn what it feels like to not look like everyone around me.

What is something about living abroad that is difficult that you did not anticipate?

The biggest surprise for me about living abroad was having to adapt to other expats.  There are many foreign teachers in Korea from many places and not all come with the motivation and goal to teach students.  It’s difficult for me to see other foreigners behave or speak in ways towards Korean people that I don’t agree with, especially when I know that they are in turn being treated really well by the Korean government and people.

What new tradition or habit do you want to take away from living abroad?

The food!  Not just the dishes themselves but the style of eating.  Korean dining is always communal, meaning everyone shares off of everyone else’s plates.  Even at American chain restaurants Koreans will order multiple different dishes and share everything.  I always really like the sharing because it just feels so cozy and friendly.  I can’t see myself doing it all of the time when I get home (I still haven’t completely gotten used to sharing fries…) but I want to do it every once in a while.

If a friend came to visit you in your city abroad for one day, what would you take them to see?

I would definitely take a friend to see the countryside.  The mountains around my town are really beautiful, especially in the fall when the leaves change color.  There is also a gorgeous rose path walk right next to the river that is both pretty and peaceful.

What advice would you give to someone who is hoping to live abroad one day?

I would recommend trying to integrate your “foreign life” and your “native life”.  This is sometimes easier said than done but I think that the transitions between the two (trips back home, having friends and family visit, getting news from back home, etc.) aren’t quite as culturally shocking if you just try to think of them as your life, all together.  It makes for much less stressful living, in any case.

Thanks so much, Taleen, for sharing your Expat Story with us!

You can follow Taleen’s adventures on her blog.

Do you have any questions for Taleen?  Leave them in the comments.

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