Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Expat with Kids Social Media
Stuck at home with a thigh muscle strain - needless to say the weather is gorgeous and a run would seem like a great idea - I have reverted to streamlining all my social media feeds... et voilà le résultat!
Sunday, March 5, 2017
How long do you intend to be an Expat?
How long do you intend to be an Expat was the question put out to the community by my favourite blogger 4 kids, 20 suitcases and a beagle. My gut answer would be: it's a mindset as much as it is a formal posting abroad.
Technically I have been an Expat all my life; my family left my native country when I was two. I grew up as a Third World Kid, only at the time I didn't know I belonged to either of these two groups. As a matter of fact I didn't fit in anywhere. All through childhood my two best friends were "misfits" just like me. I realise today "being different" is what we had in common and created a bond that still keeps us close after decades.
My parents didn't see themselves as Expats once they decided to settle in Switzerland, so we simply became foreigners calling Zürich our home surrounded by an enormous Anglo-saxon community.
It was only after I married and moved to Argentina that I started defining myself as an Expat... and this opened up a whole new universe. A world where you dare to step out of what is normal, simply because you don't always realize what is considered normal in your host country. Family and friends are far away which means you need to rely on yourself but this also gives you the freedom to explore and re-invent yourself time and time again depending of your destination.
Now THIS is where I found my fit! Thriving with every move and jumping head first into every new adventure, trailblazing making sure my family could keep up.
Being an Expat to me equals venturing out towards new boundaries, opening yourself up without giving yourself up, embracing changes and rising to challenges. It means pushing yourself that extra bit and making the effort to learn the language, meet the natives and explore the local culture.
You change with every expatriation just like your kids mature after every trip you take them on. Places impact you, people leave a mark, cultures influence your character and age shapes your attitude.
After 10 expatriations - in order to maintain an inquisitive spirit and always walk one step beyond my comfort zone - I have taken an active decision to remain an Expat for life even if it looks as though we are settling down in Paris.
After all an Expat is "a person who lives outside their native country" and although this might be the official definition, for me it's the philosophy that I am hooked on, mustering up the courage and determination to plunge into the unknown, knowing that sometimes it may be a bumpy ride but that the rewards will outweigh the hardship!
I have never been known to be able to resist a positive challenge!
Technically I have been an Expat all my life; my family left my native country when I was two. I grew up as a Third World Kid, only at the time I didn't know I belonged to either of these two groups. As a matter of fact I didn't fit in anywhere. All through childhood my two best friends were "misfits" just like me. I realise today "being different" is what we had in common and created a bond that still keeps us close after decades.
My parents didn't see themselves as Expats once they decided to settle in Switzerland, so we simply became foreigners calling Zürich our home surrounded by an enormous Anglo-saxon community.
It was only after I married and moved to Argentina that I started defining myself as an Expat... and this opened up a whole new universe. A world where you dare to step out of what is normal, simply because you don't always realize what is considered normal in your host country. Family and friends are far away which means you need to rely on yourself but this also gives you the freedom to explore and re-invent yourself time and time again depending of your destination.
Now THIS is where I found my fit! Thriving with every move and jumping head first into every new adventure, trailblazing making sure my family could keep up.
Being an Expat to me equals venturing out towards new boundaries, opening yourself up without giving yourself up, embracing changes and rising to challenges. It means pushing yourself that extra bit and making the effort to learn the language, meet the natives and explore the local culture.
You change with every expatriation just like your kids mature after every trip you take them on. Places impact you, people leave a mark, cultures influence your character and age shapes your attitude.
After 10 expatriations - in order to maintain an inquisitive spirit and always walk one step beyond my comfort zone - I have taken an active decision to remain an Expat for life even if it looks as though we are settling down in Paris.
After all an Expat is "a person who lives outside their native country" and although this might be the official definition, for me it's the philosophy that I am hooked on, mustering up the courage and determination to plunge into the unknown, knowing that sometimes it may be a bumpy ride but that the rewards will outweigh the hardship!
I have never been known to be able to resist a positive challenge!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
My Parisian blog hit the top 50!
What a way to finish the year?
Waking up this morning reaching for my phone, a little notification is telling me my French blog has been mentioned. Curious I tap the link and to my surprise I find my blog listed amongst the top 60 Parisian blogs published by blog.feedspot.com who choose the best ones from thousands of top Paris blogs using search and social metrics.
These blogs and websites are ranked based on following criteria:
- Google reputation and Google search ranking
- Influence and popularity on Facebook, twitter and other social media sites
- Quality and consistency of posts
- Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review
It is the most comprehensive list of best Paris blogs on the internet. I am totally chuffed. I still have not quite come around to calling myself a blogger despite my many published posts and constant viewers' increase over the years. I am still convinced that only my friends follow me but I guess my Parisian adventures are being read by many more given that this is the second time I made into a top Parisian blogger list this year. Paris is after all the biggest blogger community outside of the US.
Expat with Kids in Paris grew out of my first blog Expat with Kids that came to life in 2010 when we were still living in Lugano. I have continued to feed my Swiss blog as a way of staying attached to my home country. I could not bring myself to just drop all my followers and readers. Expat with Kids in Paris began in 2011 as a fun way to account for my daily adventures with the Parisians and the French lifestyle.
Thank you to every single one of you who have enjoyed having Expat with Kids and Expats with Kids in Paris on your daily feed via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Mille mercis to blog.feedspot.com for listing me in the Top 60 Paris Blogs and Websites for 2016 and Bonne Année 2017 à vous tous!
Waking up this morning reaching for my phone, a little notification is telling me my French blog has been mentioned. Curious I tap the link and to my surprise I find my blog listed amongst the top 60 Parisian blogs published by blog.feedspot.com who choose the best ones from thousands of top Paris blogs using search and social metrics.
These blogs and websites are ranked based on following criteria:
- Google reputation and Google search ranking
- Influence and popularity on Facebook, twitter and other social media sites
- Quality and consistency of posts
- Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review
It is the most comprehensive list of best Paris blogs on the internet. I am totally chuffed. I still have not quite come around to calling myself a blogger despite my many published posts and constant viewers' increase over the years. I am still convinced that only my friends follow me but I guess my Parisian adventures are being read by many more given that this is the second time I made into a top Parisian blogger list this year. Paris is after all the biggest blogger community outside of the US.
Expat with Kids in Paris grew out of my first blog Expat with Kids that came to life in 2010 when we were still living in Lugano. I have continued to feed my Swiss blog as a way of staying attached to my home country. I could not bring myself to just drop all my followers and readers. Expat with Kids in Paris began in 2011 as a fun way to account for my daily adventures with the Parisians and the French lifestyle.
Thank you to every single one of you who have enjoyed having Expat with Kids and Expats with Kids in Paris on your daily feed via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Mille mercis to blog.feedspot.com for listing me in the Top 60 Paris Blogs and Websites for 2016 and Bonne Année 2017 à vous tous!
Friday, October 28, 2016
Six years of blogging: Expat with Kids blogiversary
Back in 1998, three days after our wedding I had followed my hubby to the other side of the world convinced I would never again return to good old Switzerland. As my mother tends to say: "You never know what comes around the corner." Nine years later I was back on my home turf!
On January 6th, 2007 the kids started public school in Lugano. A big change from the English speaking International school in Madrid from where we had moved. Switzerland was to become our home and I set my mind towards a long-term commitment, happy to have returned to my roots.
Although Lugano is the Italian speaking part of the country, the system, the rules and regulations, the transport system, the food, the people and the way of living were very familiar. It did not take me long to slip into Ticino lifestyle, nevertheless keeping a low profile and trying to fit in with the locals... no easy feat!
The day started early, by 8:00 the kids were out of the house, however, they would come back for a two hour lunch break at 11:45. At 15:30 it was time to pick up little Expat girl. I loved spending time with my kids but this schedule did not leave much time for other projects.
Lugano at the time was booming , many Expat were arriving especially from Italy and Russia. The housing market was at an all-time high. What was missing was an English guide on how to find your way around the area.
I had come across blogging thanks to a table neighbour during a dinner party. Little did I know it was to become a passion. With time on my hands and a determination to share all the advantages this lovely spot has to offer I launched into my blog Expat with Kids and never looked back. The first post was published on six years ago today.
In the meantime Lugano tourist office has launched an English blog, the English speaking community has an excellent Facebook page and there is even a new International school just across the border.
So, I might not be the only kid on the block anymore but my passion for blogging has remained as has my love for the Ticino... and that is more than enough reason for me to continue to blog!
On January 6th, 2007 the kids started public school in Lugano. A big change from the English speaking International school in Madrid from where we had moved. Switzerland was to become our home and I set my mind towards a long-term commitment, happy to have returned to my roots.
Although Lugano is the Italian speaking part of the country, the system, the rules and regulations, the transport system, the food, the people and the way of living were very familiar. It did not take me long to slip into Ticino lifestyle, nevertheless keeping a low profile and trying to fit in with the locals... no easy feat!
The day started early, by 8:00 the kids were out of the house, however, they would come back for a two hour lunch break at 11:45. At 15:30 it was time to pick up little Expat girl. I loved spending time with my kids but this schedule did not leave much time for other projects.
Lugano at the time was booming , many Expat were arriving especially from Italy and Russia. The housing market was at an all-time high. What was missing was an English guide on how to find your way around the area.
I had come across blogging thanks to a table neighbour during a dinner party. Little did I know it was to become a passion. With time on my hands and a determination to share all the advantages this lovely spot has to offer I launched into my blog Expat with Kids and never looked back. The first post was published on six years ago today.
In the meantime Lugano tourist office has launched an English blog, the English speaking community has an excellent Facebook page and there is even a new International school just across the border.
So, I might not be the only kid on the block anymore but my passion for blogging has remained as has my love for the Ticino... and that is more than enough reason for me to continue to blog!
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Best of Paris: Expat Blog nomination
Some of you know that I have moved to Paris a few years ago although I continue to return to Lugano regularly. My blogging passion allows me to share these two wonderful spots on earth through Expat with Kids and Expats with Kids in Paris.
I am totally excited and feel immensely honoured to have made it to Expatriates Magazine's list of "Best Expat blog in Paris" nomination. I am competing with sixteen other Parisian bloggers some of which are seriously heavyweight such as David Leibovitz, Inspirelle, Mama loves Paris and Les Lolos.
My best score two weeks ago was 14% honing in at No.2. In the meantime I have slipped down to 2% just ahead of Thank you Paris and Best Adventure but it doesn't matter.
What matters is the confirmation that people out there are reading my blog and I am on the radar of the Parisian Expat blog scene! A fact I still have difficulty in believing for some reason but I do not know why!
Maybe from now on I will start answering that I AM a blogger next time someone asks me what I do! After nearly six years of blogging it has still not quite entered my mind that I might actually be a real blogger after all rather than just blogging!!!
I am totally excited and feel immensely honoured to have made it to Expatriates Magazine's list of "Best Expat blog in Paris" nomination. I am competing with sixteen other Parisian bloggers some of which are seriously heavyweight such as David Leibovitz, Inspirelle, Mama loves Paris and Les Lolos.
My best score two weeks ago was 14% honing in at No.2. In the meantime I have slipped down to 2% just ahead of Thank you Paris and Best Adventure but it doesn't matter.
What matters is the confirmation that people out there are reading my blog and I am on the radar of the Parisian Expat blog scene! A fact I still have difficulty in believing for some reason but I do not know why!
Maybe from now on I will start answering that I AM a blogger next time someone asks me what I do! After nearly six years of blogging it has still not quite entered my mind that I might actually be a real blogger after all rather than just blogging!!!
The vote is still on, so go ahead and make my day!
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Ode to Life
Tonight I received one of the most touching farewell messages I have ever received from a fellow Expat. It was not a personal note but nevertheless went straight to my heart. What a beautiful way describe one's emotions that are so difficult to explain when asked why do you keep on moving homes if it makes you cry every time?
Here is the answer:
Slowly dies he who becomes a slave to habit,
repeating the same journey every day,
he who doesn't change his march,
he who doesn't risk to change the colour of his clothes,
he who doesn't speak to he whom he doesn't know.
Slowly dies he who shuns passion,
he who prefers black on white and dots on i's rather than a bundle of emotions,
the kind that make your eyes glimmer,
that turn a yawn into a smile,
that make the heart pound in the face of mistakes and feelings.
Slowly dies he who doesn't overturn the table,
he who is unhappy in his work,
he who doesn't risk certainty for uncertainty,
to thus follow a dream,
those who do not forego sound advice at least once in their lives.
Slowly dies he who doesn't travel, he who doesn't read,
he who doesn't listen to music,
he who doesn't find grace in himself,
He who slowly destroys his own self-esteem,
who does not allow himself to be helped,
who spends days on end complaining about his own bad luck, about the rain that never stops.
Slowly dies he who abandons a project before even starting it,
who fails to ask questions on subjects he doesn't know,
he who doesn't answer when he is asked something that he knows.
Let's avoid death by small doses,
remembering always that being alive requires an effort far greater than the simple fact of breathing.
Only a burning patience will lead to the attainment of a splendid happiness...
By Pablo Neruda
Here is the answer:
Slowly dies he who becomes a slave to habit,
repeating the same journey every day,
he who doesn't change his march,
he who doesn't risk to change the colour of his clothes,
he who doesn't speak to he whom he doesn't know.
Slowly dies he who shuns passion,
he who prefers black on white and dots on i's rather than a bundle of emotions,
the kind that make your eyes glimmer,
that turn a yawn into a smile,
that make the heart pound in the face of mistakes and feelings.
he who is unhappy in his work,
he who doesn't risk certainty for uncertainty,
to thus follow a dream,
those who do not forego sound advice at least once in their lives.
Slowly dies he who doesn't travel, he who doesn't read,
he who doesn't listen to music,
he who doesn't find grace in himself,
He who slowly destroys his own self-esteem,
who does not allow himself to be helped,
who spends days on end complaining about his own bad luck, about the rain that never stops.
who fails to ask questions on subjects he doesn't know,
he who doesn't answer when he is asked something that he knows.
Let's avoid death by small doses,
remembering always that being alive requires an effort far greater than the simple fact of breathing.
Only a burning patience will lead to the attainment of a splendid happiness...
By Pablo Neruda
Monday, June 13, 2016
It will be alright... or how to move a pink flamingo
After five years sitting tight enjoying a splendid view onto the Arc de Triomphe we are moving ... again! It is a weird move, at least for our family! We are used to crossing borders even continents, this time instead of travelling thousands of km we are moving 1000 meters down the road.
This still implies packing up the entire house and fitting your life into x amount of boxes. (I don't dare mention the number of boxes.) What I will say, however, is that it is scary to see your home - yes, that would be the one you spent days, months even years building and improving - being dismantled within hours ... by total strangers!
I usually avoid this part of the move. I will plan all the logistics, including insurance, parking spaces, freight elevator, labelling, wrapping personal items but just before the movers arrive I leave with tears streaming down my face. It is my hubby who takes over for a day in order for me to avoid seeing our home empty and desolate. I then pick up the other end rebuilding our family home for the umpteenth time!
This time around it is me instructing the movers to be careful, label correctly and answering their questions. I must admit it is easier knowing we won't be leaving our friends behind, we can still enjoy a scrumptious fois gras on a swanky Parisian terrace and stroll through Paris' lovely parks and museums knowing we are on home turf. We are NOT tourists! This is our home!
There I've said it out loud and written it down: Paris is our home. We have been living here for the past five years and will most probably remain for at least as many. That is VERY good going for perpetual expats such as ourselves.
But for now, I am listened to my kids playing hide-and-seek in between the many, many, many boxes and making make-shift goals to play soccer in a corridor stripped of family photos and emotional keepsakes.
Last week, a little token caught my fancy and on a whim I bought the transparent snow globe enclosing a miniaturized Tour Eiffel and a Pink Flamingo! I just could not resist and told myself it would help me to keep smiling should things get rough during the coming week.
I have looked at my little snow globe a few times this weekend while preparing our household for the movers to take over and my smile returned. An army of movers turned up at 8am this morning with their moving boxes and you'll never guess what was pictured on their cartons? A PINK FLAMINGO!
At the moment I knew it would all be just fine!!!
This still implies packing up the entire house and fitting your life into x amount of boxes. (I don't dare mention the number of boxes.) What I will say, however, is that it is scary to see your home - yes, that would be the one you spent days, months even years building and improving - being dismantled within hours ... by total strangers!
I usually avoid this part of the move. I will plan all the logistics, including insurance, parking spaces, freight elevator, labelling, wrapping personal items but just before the movers arrive I leave with tears streaming down my face. It is my hubby who takes over for a day in order for me to avoid seeing our home empty and desolate. I then pick up the other end rebuilding our family home for the umpteenth time!
This time around it is me instructing the movers to be careful, label correctly and answering their questions. I must admit it is easier knowing we won't be leaving our friends behind, we can still enjoy a scrumptious fois gras on a swanky Parisian terrace and stroll through Paris' lovely parks and museums knowing we are on home turf. We are NOT tourists! This is our home!
There I've said it out loud and written it down: Paris is our home. We have been living here for the past five years and will most probably remain for at least as many. That is VERY good going for perpetual expats such as ourselves.
But for now, I am listened to my kids playing hide-and-seek in between the many, many, many boxes and making make-shift goals to play soccer in a corridor stripped of family photos and emotional keepsakes.
Last week, a little token caught my fancy and on a whim I bought the transparent snow globe enclosing a miniaturized Tour Eiffel and a Pink Flamingo! I just could not resist and told myself it would help me to keep smiling should things get rough during the coming week.
I have looked at my little snow globe a few times this weekend while preparing our household for the movers to take over and my smile returned. An army of movers turned up at 8am this morning with their moving boxes and you'll never guess what was pictured on their cartons? A PINK FLAMINGO!
At the moment I knew it would all be just fine!!!
Monday, June 6, 2016
Lugano's English speaking facebook page
Just in case you hadn't heard... Lugano's English speaking community has an awesome Facebook page. Ask any question or seek any kind of advice and you'll receive a stream of answers. Its members are truly passionate about sharing information with newcomers and "oldies".
Don't hesitate to organise a "blind date" with the IWCL Evening group or ask them where the coolest yoga session might be on a Thursday morning. Every day Lugano's Expat group will recommend fun and interesting things to do or places to visit. Should you be looking for info about parking outside of Malpensa Easyjet terminal or wondering where you can buy a 5kg jar of Nutella, they will have the answer.
On the ENGLISH SPEAKING IN LUGANO SWITZERLAND you'll find appartements to rent, recommendations for cleaning ladies and even new friends should you be inclined to party.
Maybe you have a hobby and are looking for clubs or others to join you, Lugano's English speaking community will find a solution.
So, if you are new to the area or just have a question on your mind, don't hesitate to post on Lugano's English speaking Facebook page... you'll be surprised at how happy they are to welcome you and how forthcoming to share their knowledge.
A big THANK YOU goes to Caroline Garrod who initiated this Facebook page with the aim to help by offering information as to what's going on in and around the area, where to buy things, services offered or needed, or advice such as doctors, dentists, kids clubs, sight seeing, etc.
Please join us and become part of the fun: https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatlugano/
Don't hesitate to organise a "blind date" with the IWCL Evening group or ask them where the coolest yoga session might be on a Thursday morning. Every day Lugano's Expat group will recommend fun and interesting things to do or places to visit. Should you be looking for info about parking outside of Malpensa Easyjet terminal or wondering where you can buy a 5kg jar of Nutella, they will have the answer.
On the ENGLISH SPEAKING IN LUGANO SWITZERLAND you'll find appartements to rent, recommendations for cleaning ladies and even new friends should you be inclined to party.
Maybe you have a hobby and are looking for clubs or others to join you, Lugano's English speaking community will find a solution.
So, if you are new to the area or just have a question on your mind, don't hesitate to post on Lugano's English speaking Facebook page... you'll be surprised at how happy they are to welcome you and how forthcoming to share their knowledge.
A big THANK YOU goes to Caroline Garrod who initiated this Facebook page with the aim to help by offering information as to what's going on in and around the area, where to buy things, services offered or needed, or advice such as doctors, dentists, kids clubs, sight seeing, etc.
Please join us and become part of the fun: https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatlugano/
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Manifesto of a DOER
The idea is a simple one. That people who Do things, can inspire the rest of us to go and Do things too. So each year, the DO Lectures invite a set of people to come and tell them what they Do.
In 2008, The DO Lectures was born, in an inexplicable cross section between a festival and a conference. There were no name badges, no bad coffee and impersonal, draughty lecture halls. Instead, an intimate number of speakers and attendees gathered under canvas on the west coast of Wales and shared the whole three day experience as a community. They ate together, camped together, shared a beer around a fire as the sun went down together.
Every year since, DO has stuck to the same formula: ideas + energy = change.
In 2008, The DO Lectures was born, in an inexplicable cross section between a festival and a conference. There were no name badges, no bad coffee and impersonal, draughty lecture halls. Instead, an intimate number of speakers and attendees gathered under canvas on the west coast of Wales and shared the whole three day experience as a community. They ate together, camped together, shared a beer around a fire as the sun went down together.
Every year since, DO has stuck to the same formula: ideas + energy = change.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Articles I like about Expat life on Pinterest
Pinterest is a beautiful tool to gather all your recipes, deco ideas, printable websites and favourite articles. When I come across an article about a subject I am passionate about I pin it on my designated "Articles I like ...." board. Check out the Expat articles I have collected over the past months: https://www.pinterest.com/expatwithkids/articles-i-like-expats/
Discover some facts on TCK here: https://www.pinterest.com/expatwithkids/tck/
Discover some facts on TCK here: https://www.pinterest.com/expatwithkids/tck/
Happy Sunday Reading
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Where is home?
The most difficult question to answer for my kids is: "Where is home?"
These are some of Lugano's expats answers that I have collected. Which is your definition?
"Home is where and when I am at peace with myself."
"Home is wherever I leave or have left behind parts of me. Home is anywhere I feel varying degrees of being complete. To come home is to come back for whatever or to whomever you've left there."
"Home to me is a kind of mindset (helped by place, certain people, certain conditions, circumstances) that one is used to starting from and returning to, day in and day out. It doesn't have to be external, or even something you like all the time, though consistency/predictability is key. Home's important because one needs an anchor in a world, even if it's an anchor you can carry around. You forget who you are and lose stability without this default point of start/return."
"Home is the space I create for myself and my family but not in any country, it is just that space and is recreated each time we move. I find that there are some key objects that I place around me that I have collected from all the places I have lived that help to create that space. It is important to me because that is the only place to be truly me, accepted, and free from judgement."
"Home is wherever my children are, where our laughter resides and where new memories can be made."
"Home are people who you can always come back to. Home is not only one place but places where I left my heart."
These are some of Lugano's expats answers that I have collected. Which is your definition?
"Home is where and when I am at peace with myself."
"Home is wherever I leave or have left behind parts of me. Home is anywhere I feel varying degrees of being complete. To come home is to come back for whatever or to whomever you've left there."
"Home to me is a kind of mindset (helped by place, certain people, certain conditions, circumstances) that one is used to starting from and returning to, day in and day out. It doesn't have to be external, or even something you like all the time, though consistency/predictability is key. Home's important because one needs an anchor in a world, even if it's an anchor you can carry around. You forget who you are and lose stability without this default point of start/return."
"Home is the space I create for myself and my family but not in any country, it is just that space and is recreated each time we move. I find that there are some key objects that I place around me that I have collected from all the places I have lived that help to create that space. It is important to me because that is the only place to be truly me, accepted, and free from judgement."
"Home is wherever my children are, where our laughter resides and where new memories can be made."
"Home are people who you can always come back to. Home is not only one place but places where I left my heart."
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Where are you in the Expat journey?
No matter where you are in the expatriate journey, an understanding of the stages of the expatriate integration process will help to serve as guide throughout your experience.
Pre-departure: I am really doing this?
As you prepare for departure date, you are mixed with feelings of excitement, sadness, and a fair bit of exhaustion as you try to tie up the innumerable loose ends. Bittersweet conversations with friends who are so excited for you, the awkward feeling of goodbyes and your internal realisation, this chapter of life is coming to and end.
Honeymoon: Vacations never felt like this
Your expatriate journey begins with the honeymoon stage where you constantly stimulated by a barrage of new experiences: sights, sounds and smells that feed your insatiable curiosity. Your excitement is palpable as you explore your new environs and carry out everyday tasks.
Culture Shock: Is this really happening?
The “newness” of your transplant home is wearing off, and some of the same things you found so intriguing a few weeks ago now grate on your nerves. It starts slow, but builds as you increasingly can’t help but question the seemingly illogical way things are done comparing them to the “way they do it back home”. You feel fatigued trying to communicate in a new language and successfully navigate the cultural labyrinth without offending the locals.
Transformation: Finding your groove
The transformation stage is longer than the culture shock stage, but with some time, frustration and longing for something familiar are replaced with a true appreciation of the lifestyle and culture of your new country: you are becoming an expat. This transformative stage will be an incredibly rewarding process as you learn and experience the cultural richness of your new home empowering you with a deeper understanding of your own cultural identity.
Integration: A whole new reality
You have accepted and embraced your new lifestyle by successfully bridging the cultural chasm that once existed. While you will never be a native, you have transformed yourself into an expatriate, a citizen of the world. There will be the occasional frustration, but all in all, you are generally happy and at ease in your new life.
Pre-departure: I am really doing this?
As you prepare for departure date, you are mixed with feelings of excitement, sadness, and a fair bit of exhaustion as you try to tie up the innumerable loose ends. Bittersweet conversations with friends who are so excited for you, the awkward feeling of goodbyes and your internal realisation, this chapter of life is coming to and end.
Honeymoon: Vacations never felt like this
Your expatriate journey begins with the honeymoon stage where you constantly stimulated by a barrage of new experiences: sights, sounds and smells that feed your insatiable curiosity. Your excitement is palpable as you explore your new environs and carry out everyday tasks.
Culture Shock: Is this really happening?
The “newness” of your transplant home is wearing off, and some of the same things you found so intriguing a few weeks ago now grate on your nerves. It starts slow, but builds as you increasingly can’t help but question the seemingly illogical way things are done comparing them to the “way they do it back home”. You feel fatigued trying to communicate in a new language and successfully navigate the cultural labyrinth without offending the locals.
Transformation: Finding your groove
The transformation stage is longer than the culture shock stage, but with some time, frustration and longing for something familiar are replaced with a true appreciation of the lifestyle and culture of your new country: you are becoming an expat. This transformative stage will be an incredibly rewarding process as you learn and experience the cultural richness of your new home empowering you with a deeper understanding of your own cultural identity.
Integration: A whole new reality
You have accepted and embraced your new lifestyle by successfully bridging the cultural chasm that once existed. While you will never be a native, you have transformed yourself into an expatriate, a citizen of the world. There will be the occasional frustration, but all in all, you are generally happy and at ease in your new life.
Where are you in the expat journey?
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Who am I?
Have you ever stopped and wondered what your life was all about? Sound philosophical? Well, we spend so much time running around making sure our family settles in securely and comfortably, we tend to forget ourselves.
Stop and take ten minutes to think about your journey!
In relocating abroad we are neither the person we were before nor a blank slate. We are the product of our life-times experiences, cultural, familial and societal influences, our roles and attitude transported onto a new base of differing cultural and societal influences and evolving roles.
Here are a few questions to start you on the process of thinking about “Who you want to be?”
Think back to who you were, in your last location.
So, you left home feeling pretty clear on this one. You probably were a partner, perhaps a parent, daughter/son, brother/sister, friend, colleague, perhaps you also had a role in the local community and a career that gave you a title, something that defined you in some way, accountant, lawyer, manager, director, nurse, doctor….
So, who were you?
Write a paragraph about who you were. Think about your roles, your attitude, beliefs and what was important to you.
What changed when you relocated? Write a paragraph about how you and your roles have changed as a result of relocation.
How do you feel about this? In what ways are you comfortable and happy, and in what ways are you not?
What aspects of you/your roles are important for you to retain?
What themes come to you as you re-read what you have written so far?
Who would you like to be in the future?
Stop and take ten minutes to think about your journey!
In relocating abroad we are neither the person we were before nor a blank slate. We are the product of our life-times experiences, cultural, familial and societal influences, our roles and attitude transported onto a new base of differing cultural and societal influences and evolving roles.
Here are a few questions to start you on the process of thinking about “Who you want to be?”
Think back to who you were, in your last location.
So, you left home feeling pretty clear on this one. You probably were a partner, perhaps a parent, daughter/son, brother/sister, friend, colleague, perhaps you also had a role in the local community and a career that gave you a title, something that defined you in some way, accountant, lawyer, manager, director, nurse, doctor….
So, who were you?
Write a paragraph about who you were. Think about your roles, your attitude, beliefs and what was important to you.
What changed when you relocated? Write a paragraph about how you and your roles have changed as a result of relocation.
How do you feel about this? In what ways are you comfortable and happy, and in what ways are you not?
What aspects of you/your roles are important for you to retain?
What themes come to you as you re-read what you have written so far?
Who would you like to be in the future?
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Meet the Parisfamily
A few weeks ago, I came across a blog called Parisfamily. And guess what, they're from Ticino!
They design, create and decorate. Their blog brings together all the little and big things that make life beautiful. You'll find inspiration for chores, recipes and many ideas to do yourself. The photos are delicate and imaginative.
So go ahead, hop over to their site and take a peek: http://www.parisfamily.ch.
Their latest posts will provide you with b&w printed flags of all the teams participating in the upcoming Football World Cup in Brazil for your children to colour. Collect the nations flags each week until you have all the groups. Colour all the flags and create a garland to decorate your room. Your kids are gonna love it!
They design, create and decorate. Their blog brings together all the little and big things that make life beautiful. You'll find inspiration for chores, recipes and many ideas to do yourself. The photos are delicate and imaginative.
So go ahead, hop over to their site and take a peek: http://www.parisfamily.ch.
Their latest posts will provide you with b&w printed flags of all the teams participating in the upcoming Football World Cup in Brazil for your children to colour. Collect the nations flags each week until you have all the groups. Colour all the flags and create a garland to decorate your room. Your kids are gonna love it!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Expat with Kids turns THREE!
Googling the meaning of the third anniversary I came up with this answer: "The 3rd wedding anniversary is basically when a couple is aware of their strength of their relationship."
So, I am not married to my blog - eventhough my hubby begs to differ sometimes - but it has become a relationship, a place where I continue to share practical information with wacky facts and fun news.
It started out as a challenge. A computer lover, but complete novice when it came to blogging, I sat myself down for 48 hours to set up what is today my blog "Expat with Kids". With people in mind who are living through the similar experience of landing in a small, unfamiliar city searching to connect with locals and the few expats at the same time.
It has been a fun journey allowing me to connect online with many of my followers with specific requests or compliments. Once in a while, I ventured out to meet up with one of a my readers personally and I can honestly say that everytime I did, we connected in a way only expats can do....fast and intense!
Although I must admit we moved to Paris over two years ago, I enjoy continuing my Expat guide about Lugano and am proud of my 10'000 views per month.
Under the motto If you can't bet 'em, just join 'em I have started a second blog in Paris called Expat with Kids in Paris.
A big, hearty thank you to all my supporters and followers who - by clicking my link - encourage me to keep going and allow me to follow my passion by sharing this lovely corner of the world.
So, I am not married to my blog - eventhough my hubby begs to differ sometimes - but it has become a relationship, a place where I continue to share practical information with wacky facts and fun news.
It started out as a challenge. A computer lover, but complete novice when it came to blogging, I sat myself down for 48 hours to set up what is today my blog "Expat with Kids". With people in mind who are living through the similar experience of landing in a small, unfamiliar city searching to connect with locals and the few expats at the same time.
It has been a fun journey allowing me to connect online with many of my followers with specific requests or compliments. Once in a while, I ventured out to meet up with one of a my readers personally and I can honestly say that everytime I did, we connected in a way only expats can do....fast and intense!
Although I must admit we moved to Paris over two years ago, I enjoy continuing my Expat guide about Lugano and am proud of my 10'000 views per month.
Under the motto If you can't bet 'em, just join 'em I have started a second blog in Paris called Expat with Kids in Paris.
A big, hearty thank you to all my supporters and followers who - by clicking my link - encourage me to keep going and allow me to follow my passion by sharing this lovely corner of the world.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Train the world
3 teams - 4 weeks - 6 continents
They have buried treasure, conquered mountains, brought mammoths back to life and put themselves at the mercy of Switzerland’s wild and dangerous animals. They have boldly put their survival skills to the test and, with polonaises on the train and International BBQs, brought a smile to many people’s faces.
I am talking about the three teams that won the TRAIN THE WORLD competition and are now being sent straight off on their incredible journey. So, from 19 October, Team Wanderlust, The Package and Team Funa are really going to TRAIN THE WORLD and you can read all about it by following their blogs: http://traintheworld.ch/en.
They will travel in pairs across two continents over a period of four weeks – taking the train much of the way. Travel costs, equipment and spending money will all be taken care of.
In return, the teams will be reporting on the preparations for their trip and writing daily blogs from mid-October about their travel adventures. The winning teams will not only tackle local challenges but also the tasks set by the online community.
The Wanderlust guys are travelling in Asia and Australia, The Package! have got Africa's wild animals to look forward to and the Funa team are packing for North and South America, where their trip will take them over one or more peaks.
In the coming weeks the three teams will be blogging about their travel preparations on this very site. So keep an eye on it!
They have buried treasure, conquered mountains, brought mammoths back to life and put themselves at the mercy of Switzerland’s wild and dangerous animals. They have boldly put their survival skills to the test and, with polonaises on the train and International BBQs, brought a smile to many people’s faces.
I am talking about the three teams that won the TRAIN THE WORLD competition and are now being sent straight off on their incredible journey. So, from 19 October, Team Wanderlust, The Package and Team Funa are really going to TRAIN THE WORLD and you can read all about it by following their blogs: http://traintheworld.ch/en.
They will travel in pairs across two continents over a period of four weeks – taking the train much of the way. Travel costs, equipment and spending money will all be taken care of.
In return, the teams will be reporting on the preparations for their trip and writing daily blogs from mid-October about their travel adventures. The winning teams will not only tackle local challenges but also the tasks set by the online community.
The Wanderlust guys are travelling in Asia and Australia, The Package! have got Africa's wild animals to look forward to and the Funa team are packing for North and South America, where their trip will take them over one or more peaks.
In the coming weeks the three teams will be blogging about their travel preparations on this very site. So keep an eye on it!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Expat with Kids celebrates 2nd birthday!
Happy Birthday to Expat with Kids!!!
Today two years ago I sat down and challenged myself to set up a blog. Little did I know that it would follow me through part of my life...literally. I am no computer specialist, so during the first months I learnt by trial and error. A great deal of Googling and YouTubing went on to produce Lugano's first English guide for Expats and Locals. The aim was to provide infomation as well as entertainment for the Lugano community: natives as well as foreigners!
Yesterday my hubby asked me what I had earned over the past 24 months. The answer is lots of acquaintances, fellow bloggers' exchange and even a few friends. Facts, figures, knowledge and enlightment were all picked up along my blogging journey. My challenge was to turn the Expat with Kids site into a success without spending a single franc. On the other hand I refused to advert because I have no intention of making any money much to my hubby's despair.
I enjoy blogging. I enjoy writing about Lugano - a town we called home for five years. The truth is we moved to Paris over a year ago and I am STILL blogging about Lugano. We come "home" regularly and I am sitting in Lugano while I am typing my birthday post and am happy as punch!
So, thank you, all my loyal followers, occassional readers, helpful fellow bloggers and supportive friends for accompanying me on my journey over the past two years.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Expat with Kids hits 100'000 pageviews
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
J.W.Goethe
I did it! I really did it! Expat with Kids blog has reached 100'000 pageviews!
18 months ago - after browsing through blogs such as Pioneer Woman or La Mom (yes, I know, my benchmark was way too high) - I decided that I can do this as well. Never would I have dreamt of 100'000 pagesviews of a blog that I created, develop, nurture and cultivate: Expat with Kids
Well, I have built a loyal group of followers: 110 facebook supporters, 105 Google friends, 80 twitter followers and 24 Networked Blogs companions. My biggest feat, however, is managing to captivate a Swiss audience that is nearly as large as the US viewership. This shows me I am reaching my target.
Thank you, thank you all for clicking away, making comments, sending me e-mails, inquiring for information. It gives me tremendous satisfaction to know that followers out there enjoy my posts. I feel gratification to scout and share useful information and fun facts to help my readers discover a wonderful part of this world: Lugano.
I would be curious to read your comments about what you think of Expat with Kids? Any dedication, description, advice, recommendation, compliment or criticism is welcomed and encouraged.
J.W.Goethe
I did it! I really did it! Expat with Kids blog has reached 100'000 pageviews!
18 months ago - after browsing through blogs such as Pioneer Woman or La Mom (yes, I know, my benchmark was way too high) - I decided that I can do this as well. Never would I have dreamt of 100'000 pagesviews of a blog that I created, develop, nurture and cultivate: Expat with Kids
Well, I have built a loyal group of followers: 110 facebook supporters, 105 Google friends, 80 twitter followers and 24 Networked Blogs companions. My biggest feat, however, is managing to captivate a Swiss audience that is nearly as large as the US viewership. This shows me I am reaching my target.
Thank you, thank you all for clicking away, making comments, sending me e-mails, inquiring for information. It gives me tremendous satisfaction to know that followers out there enjoy my posts. I feel gratification to scout and share useful information and fun facts to help my readers discover a wonderful part of this world: Lugano.
I would be curious to read your comments about what you think of Expat with Kids? Any dedication, description, advice, recommendation, compliment or criticism is welcomed and encouraged.
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