If you would have seen me the day I dropped of my two cats, Keeley and Jezebel, at their new home, you would have thought someone I loved had passed away. Seriously. I hadn’t cried like that in a long time. There’s something exciting about starting a new life as an expat. A thrill. ThatContinue reading “The Story of My Thai Street Cats”
Category Archives: Expat Life
Reawakening in Spain
“Tonight, can you please take me on a tour of my new barrio?” I ask my friend, Tobi, who has been my unofficial tour guide of all things awesome in Madrid since the second week I moved here. “Yes,” she promises. And then, we’re off. It’s early evening (by Spanish standards) and the sun stillContinue reading “Reawakening in Spain”
Getting a Student Visa for Spain as an American
For most of my adult life, I have dreamed of living in Europe. But, as an American, actually living in Europe beyond the Schengen visa limit of 90 in/90 out in a 180 day period makes it pretty much impossible (unless I get hitched to someone with an EU passport, which is never entirely out ofContinue reading “Getting a Student Visa for Spain as an American”
When you go numb
There’s a pressure mounting in my veins. I can feel my heart race at night, before I go to sleep. The anxieties I fought so hard to quiet, surfacing and swirling in my mind, prohibiting my body to surrender to quiet. To black. To dreams. I’m in Madrid.
The House Hunters International experience
If you haven’t been following along lately, I recently filmed an episode for House Hunters International — Chiang Mai Fair Lady — which airs tonight. If you’re new to d travels ’round, welcome! I hope you find this as the place to motivate you to get up, follow your dreams and see the world (or atContinue reading “The House Hunters International experience”
10 signs you are a local in Chiang Mai
After living in Thailand for more than two years, I like to consider myself a local. Although, let’s face it: as a westerner in Thailand, I will never be a real local. Certainly, I can adapt. I can learn. But, I am not Thai and never will be. However, I am decidedly more “Thai” than IContinue reading “10 signs you are a local in Chiang Mai”
The British panto experience
“He’s right behind you,” my friend writes via message. “No,” I type back furiously. “Don’t tell me anything else. I need to be surprised.” And, thus begins my first British panto experience. If you asked me a month ago about this holiday cultural phenomenon, I would have stared blankly at you and then imagined thatContinue reading “The British panto experience”
Re-entry into the western world
At night, I’ve taken to closing my eyes and imaging my teak bedroom. Waking up and wiping the sleep from my eyes, moving my legs slowly so Lucky and Penny don’t get kicked from their spots on the bed, unfolding myself from the Tesco blanket I’ve had since I moved into my house, walking andContinue reading “Re-entry into the western world”
Getting a tattoo in Thailand
I stand nervously in my friend, Jodi’s, jungle hut placed perfectly in the heart of Elephant Nature Park. It’s a chilly morning and the sun has just crested the lush triangle mountains surrounding us. Around me, roosters crow, dogs bark and elephants begin their walk from their shelters to the vast sanctuary where they live.
The world of expats: more of what you need to know
So … you want to be an expat? Making the decision to leave your home country and experience another country is one which should not be an impulsive decision. After being an expat for nearly three years, there are a lot of things to consider before packing up your home life, quitting the job andContinue reading “The world of expats: more of what you need to know”
D Travels 'Round 