Today I have another guest post – this one is personal and I am happy to share more of my own story. I have said that I am American, married to a Brit and raising our children in Australia. That chosen life has pros and cons and today I am sharing what it is like over at Mummy Smiles for her “Smiles around the world” feature.
From the post:
Almost 18 years ago I set off from New York City (my hometown) on a trip around the world. I had spent my entire final year of college saving, planning and organising the trip. I set off in September 1994 to my first stop, a stay on a kibbutz in Israel, with plans to continue through Europe and then into Africa. Instead I met my husband and everything changed. After three months together he was headed back to England and I had to choose which path I would follow – the one I had planned so carefully or the one that included him.
I took a leap of faith and here we are 17 years since the day I made that choice. That “here” is not where either of us expected to be. We have chosen to settle down in a neutral third country and both our girls were born and raised in Australia – thousands of miles from our friends and family.
On the surface Australia seems like a safe and easy option for an expat life – at least everyone speaks English. Well, actually they speak Australian English and life in our house can get pretty funny at times. Three countries represented, all English speaking and yet so different. There are constant discussions about what is “right” and now that our girls are both in school we face issues with homework and class projects as the girls have to try to unlearn any American spelling or pronunciations they have picked up (and deal with parents who lack knowledge of Australian history and cultural references).
I hope you will go over to Natalie’s wonderful blog to read the rest of my story and enjoy her series that aims to give us a glimpse into different lives of women around the world. We have many cultures and countries, but also much in common.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Lovely to read your story. We too have family overseas and it is very hard for my husband, as none of his family have met our children (2 and 5), and not likely to for a long time (with airfares to Cuba $4000 each!) It is lovely that your girls do know their family. And travel is the best education in the world! They are very fortunate indeed!
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I often daydream about instant travel – how amazing would that be – blink and there you are! I hope someday your kids can step off a plane in Cuba!
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