For most of my adult life, relocating to a new part of the U.S. became a three-five year cycle. What had at first had been met with strong resistance, eventually became part of my psyche. As soon as the three-year…
Food for Thought
Yesterday, we made our regular trek to the countryside of Hualqui to replenish our supply of Chilean style tortillas. On the way there, an extended set of early Cat Stevens’ music was aired on one of the local radio stations. It…
Perspective in the Midst of Change
Rain approaching the mountains had forced a change in plans for Easter weekend. We had hoped to spend one last weekend camping in Alto Bio Bio before the rains and cold of Chilean winter set in, but nature had other…
Running Happily in Life´s Marathon
Before turning 40, my friend Michele gave me a list of things that every woman should do before reaching that mark. While never coming close to fulfilling the “to do´s,” it provided an opportunity to take a close look at…
Finding Family Acceptance as Your Mate´s Expat Mate
After landing in Chile, I explored many sites to help with my transition from fast-paced executive to slow-paced expat. While many were very helpful, there was one aspect that just didn´t seem to be well covered. What should one do…
The Promise of a New Beginning
The end of 2011 had me pondering the infinite wisdom of Charles Dickens´ opening statement in A Tale of Two Cities, It was the best of times; it was the worst of times… During last November, more specifically Thanksgiving Day,…
When One Door Closes, Another Opens
In embracing a move to Chile, I had to close many doors to my former life. The most difficult one to shut was to my position as a marketing and public relations director in oncology. It was the greatest fulfillment…
The Lightness of Being
In the open pages of “Japan Style,” authors Geeta Mehta and Kimie Tada wrote, regarding the minimalization of Japanese houses and furnishings, “lightness was in part a response to Japan’s frequent earthquakes, and in part to the Buddhist teachings about…
The Low Down Expat Blues
Even though the sun was shining in what was supposed to be the middle of a torrentially rainy winter season, I woke up feeling blue. Not just blue, but expat blue. It was an “oh-my-God-what-have-I-done” kind of blue, when questions…
Spot the New Yorker
We’re on a weekend getaway with friends in Pucon, it’s raining cats and dogs, and I finally have time to do some mindless web surfing. While reading the NY Times online, I came across a statement written by Cindi Leive,…