Blog of the month - August 2008
On the Fringe
My name is Heather and I am from the United States. I use the pseudonym Global Gal on my blog. When people ask me where I'm from, I always hesitate. I was born in New Mexico, but I've also lived in Colorado and Texas, among other places.
Where are you living now?
Right now my husband and I live in a small Chinese city on the northeast coast called Linyi. We have been here in Linyi for almost two years, but we also lived one year in Shijiazhuang, which is closer to Beijing. I really do not know how long we will stay here. We are not very good at making long term plans!
Have you ever lived abroad before?
I first lived abroad when I moved to Kuwait with my parents to attend high school. Later, I did a study abroad year in Costa Rica, then a year in Spain and three years in Toronto, Canada. I have visited countries in Europe, Central America, the Middle East and South East Asia and I am always looking forward to new travels.
When did you decide to go and live abroad? Is it your first time or are you a "serial expat"?
Living abroad is something I always knew I would do. In Kuwait as a teenager I met so many people who lived and traveled abroad and I envied how they seemed so ease in the world. I would say I am a serial expat. The decision to move to China was really random. Neither my husband nor I had any particular dream of living there. It just so happens a job became available at the time that we were beginning to feel a little restless in Toronto. In the future, we will choose a country based on job availability and quality of life, although I am really open to any possibilities.
How would you describe Linyi?
Linyi is a small city of around 3 million people. It is really quite rural, believe it or not. Most people here have never even seen foreigners before. It has its challenges, of course, but the benefits of living abroad far outweigh any inconveniences, at least for me. My husband and I work in a private flight school. I teach Aviation English, but to be honest, I would love to be doing something else. Teaching, I have found, is not for me. One of the challenges of being a trailing spouse is job opportunities are not always what we would like them to be.
How is the cultural shock?
I deal pretty well with new countries and cultures. Because of my experiences moving often as a child, I often feel like I do not belong to any one place specifically, so I feel more comfortable in places where I obviously do not belong. I consider myself an adult Third Culture Kid and a global soul.
Do you miss anything from your homeland?
I miss certain kinds of food (good bread, good cheese, good coffee, etc.) and the ease and convenience of getting things done. Honestly, however, I like feeling just a little bewildered. It reminds me of what is important in life. I am much less materialistic and more aware of poverty, human rights and corruption in the world.
When did you start blogging?
I started my blog in August 2005 when I learned we would be moving to China. I wanted to keep friends and families informed of my adventures, but I also liked the idea of maintaining an online journal of my experiences for myself. My one regret is perhaps censoring my thoughts and feelings to some extent - something to work on. I think over time the blog has matured, but I have also had periods of time when I just didn't have time to update or I didn't feel inspired enough to write. I hope to continue blogging, focusing on my current expat experiences, while also reflecting on past travels and adventures.
Did you make new friends with your blog?
I have discovered new voices, new places, and new experiences through my blog. Reading expat blogs makes for amazing armchair travel! I have met a few people in person who have read my blog, but Internet censorship here in China sometimes makes it difficult to keep up with and comment on all the blogs I love.
When did you register on expat-blog.com? Any particular reasons?
I registered for expat-blog in November 2006. I wanted to share my blog with other expats and read about other expat experiences. No one understands what it is like quite like those who have experienced life abroad, no matter where or when that might have been.
Your best souvenir?
My best souvenirs look like flotsam and jetsam to others. They are usually not priceless antiques or art pieces, just some sort of ephemera that reminds me of the spirit of a place. Or jewelry. I love jewelry!
