Musing

Updated: February 14, 2014 When Charles Dickens wrote the line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” he must have been living abroad. In fact, there’s a strong chance he was working in Paris as an au pair. Over the past year I’ve learned that expat life certainly has its ups and downs, which somehow feel stronger than the vicissitudes of life back home. When things go wrong, it’s extra frustrating- the French post lost your box of summer clothes, you can’t figure out how to unlock your phone and your banker doesn’t speak a word of English (who, ironically, is the one person in France who wants to speak to you in French). And all the while your family’s across the ocean and it can take a long time to set up a network of friends and acquaintances. Life abroad can get frustrating and lonely very quickly. (And in those moments, god bless Gchat.) But the highs are also so much higher. Everything’s new and exciting. … [Read more...] about Paris Expat: The Reality of Life in France

Updated: June 28, 2014 When I began this crazy ride of traveling as much as physically and financially possible at 15, I was impressionable, excited and more than a little clueless. Over the last seven years I have had my share of small tragedies on the road: a pick-pocketing incident when I was stranded with no cash for three weeks, LICE (bleh), several cases of serious illness on holiday (and heartbreak) stand out as the most memorable. But overall I know that travel, despite its inevitable ups and downs, has changed me for the better. Here are all the ways that travel has permanently changed me. Table of Contents 1. I always try to kiss people.2. I’m terrified of elevators.3. I’m a huge bread and cheese snob.4. I actually understand the metric system.5. I measure prices in plane tickets.6. I get really offended when people bad-mouth the U.S.7. I’m a much more optimistic person.8. I speak English like a robot.9. I’m always a tiny bit scared … [Read more...] about 10 Ways that Travel Permanently Changed Me