I admit it, I do harbor a number of pet peeves. For example, the arrogant appropriation of the word “America” and “American” to refer just to the United States and its people, when even the Merriam-Webster Dictionary list that as only the third meaning, behind “a native or inhabitant of North America or South America” (although they left out Central America).
And my feelings about the use of the terms “expatriate” and its short form “expat” aren´t so different – rooted in smugness, arrogance,
The "Land Down Under" beckons with its sun-kissed beaches, sprawling landscapes, and a promise of a laid-back yet invigorating lifestyle. Moving to Australia isn’t just about a change in location; it's about embracing a life brimming with opportunities, cultural diversity, and a sense of belonging. And especially as more people in the U.S. this year are looking to leave the country, Oz has the extra allure of being an English-speaking "foreign yet familiar" option.
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The birth of empathy between siblings is a beautiful thing to witness. One of the many unexpected joys of living abroad is watching the way such a powerful experience changes your children. For the better. Kids who travel together, learn to rely on each other in a deeper way than life in suburban America demands.
When we left for Italy, Katie and Matt were fifteen and eleven. At that time they were attending different schools, played different sports, had different sets of friends, and had de
One day in Bocas del Toro an indigenous man dropped by with a parrot to sell me. I knew I wasn't going to be here long enough to buy pets, but I had owned a parrot when I lived in South America as a kid, and I always wanted another. I figured that when I left Bocas I would let him go, like I did my macaw in Cochabamba.
As long as he was there, I decided to ask him about the indigenous culture. Not necessarily how they lived now, but what their history and traditions were.
“What island are yo
