Expat Mums Blog

Ill-fitting shoes

If you're not a seasoned ex-pat who moves from one country to another as a matter of course, or young and reckless without any baggage, making a significant move for the first time in your life can be a very interesting process.

I knew in advance that logistically moving to Russia would be a challenge; simply sorting out the paperwork is proving a bit of a marathon. And I have been both experiencing and anticipating the emotional fall-out for a while now.

Expats in the UK -- or those who wish they were? Test time! Try out the UK Citizenship Test

After reading Mike and Toni's posts over at Pond Parleys about becoming a dual citizen I decided to investigate the cost and hassle of collecting my own UK passport. Yes, I know, as I have now been here almost half my life, why haven't I done this sooner? At first I didn't think about it, then I couldn't afford it, then I forgot about it again and now I really can't afford it! I was really surprised that I would have to pay at least £800, but in several places the literature reminded me the becoming a British Citizen is a privledge, so I guess it makes sense that it would be expensive enough to exclude the likes of me. 

London is calling

For as long as I can remember, I have always dreamed of living in a foreign city - foreign to me, and not necessarily of a different language. First I have dreamed of 'making it' in New York City, on the little island called Manhattan that never slept. Then it was the dream of living in Paris, eating macaroons, drinking lattes, and writing by a little window whose view showed off the Eiffel Tower. After visiting Amsterdam I dreamed of living in a narrow little first-floor flat, minimal in design, with floor-to-ceiling windows that opened completely onto a canal, with little brick streets and a bicycle parked at my door.

Now it's London that's calling me.

Tips for moving abroad with children

We found out that we are relocating overseas on a cold December day. Although this was going to be our second posting, we still had the same feelings of excitement, fear, and anticipation that we had before our first posting.

However this time our kids were older, two of them were going to school, and had a very active social life.

How was I going to tell them that we are relocating overseas? How would they respond? Do we wait until the last moment? Would they accept the news? How do we deal with our third culture kids?

Moving with kids abroad is not an easy task. Even so, if you are well informed and thoroughly prepared you and your children can grow and learn from this exciting experience.