I probably wasn't in the right frame of mind. I'd just finished a conversation with a really lovely friend who shared the news of her philandering husband. She's been busy with their one and three year old, he's been busy with the housekeeper. And if there's anyone out there holding an image of a tired and needy housewife, please erase it now. … [Read more...]
Search Results for: expat woman
A Good Story
October 24, 2013 by
#365 Gratefuls. That wearing my shoes still provides the loudest gigglesIt must have been about thirteen years ago that I sat in my backyard in Jakarta, glass of wine in one hand, telephone in the other. My friend Tim and I were both boozed and ready for a chat. I was in a world of small babies, a travelling husband and filled with questions about … [Read more...]
Louise, Sassy, and Ooshka. The Women at the International School Gate
September 19, 2013 by
An international move for a family will often require finding an International School. One of my part-time roles is as a relocation specialist. I Skype with families on the other side of the world who are nervously sitting with a list of questions about their future expat life. School is always at the top of the list. Which one? Who has the best … [Read more...]
Too Close To Home
September 18, 2013 by
I met a woman a couple of years ago, she was a friend of a friend. She was also Australian so we made our way through the usual Australian expat conversation. Which State? How long have you been away for? Who are you here with? She was one of those women who exuded calmness. She spoke softly, her tone felt self monitored, she didn't get too excited … [Read more...]
Another Time
September 2, 2013 by
My babiesI walked into the shopping centre with a purpose. I knew they had a store that I'd been to before, years ago, when the little travellers were babies. It's a new centre, only half the stores are open. I was on my own and walking awkwardly, one of my shoe straps kept slipping which meant I had to stop every ten steps to lift it back over my … [Read more...]
This Blog Was A Complete Accident…
May 15, 2013 by
On the 27th November 2009, I did two things. The first seemed far more monumental at the time - our move to Doha. The second was a last minute haphazard decision to start a blog. I figured that rather than send a group email out to friends and bombard them with large files with family pictures, I'd leave the decision up to them. Here's what we're … [Read more...]
Use The Force Granny
April 3, 2013 by
I was eighteen when I stood next to my sister and watched her become a married woman. She was in her twenties and very much in love. It took roughly six months before I began to hear people asking either her or my mother about future babies in the family. Both of them weren't keen on the idea. And in a methinks the lady doth protest too much … [Read more...]
Less Culture Shock, More Cultural Awakening.
February 12, 2013 by
cul·ture shock NounThe feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.A few months ago, when I was sitting at the beach house recovering from my operation. I received a call from G. The eldest little traveller had been invited to the birthday party of a Qatari … [Read more...]
You’re Going to Need an Emergency Contact
October 21, 2012 by
Being new is all about being out of place, you haven't quite found yours yet. It can be as simple as an unmatched wardrobe that doesn't fit the weather, a pair of open toe shoes with jeans and a heavy coat. You're not quite sure how the door opens, or which exit to use; you can't find the bathroom and when you realize your purse is empty and ask … [Read more...]
