"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." -Henry David Thoreau
There are a lot of standard questions that are being asked and I'm wanting to answer them publicly for your reading pleasure {as well as future information purposes}. I'm working on the posts now and they'll be done in a series.
I also wanted to give you an opportunity to ask me anything you want in the comments section. This is your opportunity to ask me anything you want or tell me what you'd like to see more of here at My Life in Scotland.
I'll start off answering a few of my most popular questions today::
Why did you move to Scotland?
I met my husband online in late 2006 and we dated long distance for just over a year before we were married. He was living in Scotland at the time and when we were deciding where we would make our home, we decided I'd come here. I wanted an adventure. I love to travel and wanted to be closer to mainland Europe to do more of it. I've been here since Feb 2008 and we've just decided we're stay indefinitely {to the best of our knowledge}.
Is it hard living so far from home and family?
Honestly? Not really. I think people expect there to be a huge loss but my family are my husband and son. I talk everyday with my Mom and sisters. We're constantly webcam-ing and my phone is attached at my hip. The holiday's aren't that hard either. I'm sorry to say. But, we have our own traditions and keep ourselves busy.
It helps that my whole family have always been nothing but supportive with my decision to live in Scotland. They've always loved having this experience with me. Would I like to go home and give them all hugs and kisses? You bet! I'm hoping to make a trip home soon. It would be awesome to live near my sisters and their kids. But that isn't our life right now.
Is the weather really as bad as you say?
Well, let me put it this way. Glasgow only see's 58 days of sunshine per year. Does that give you a picture? The temps are actually quite mild. We never get too hot or too cold really. But it is always raining and grey clouds cover the sky. The clouds hang so low you feel...trapped. It is what it is. I'm pretty used to it now. You just learn to live with it. The Scots say, "There is no such thing as bad weather. Just the wrong clothing."
I'm doing some last minute Christmas shopping today. I hope the rain holds out!
I wonder if the length of time you are somewhere, or if you know that you are going to be going back to the States (as is my case) makes the being away from family harder or easier. I recognize that my husband and kiddos are "my" family, but I do have a hard time being away from my Mom and very good friends back in the States that are like family. Maybe if I knew I was going to be here longer I'd look at it differently. :) But I'd agree--if anyone is thinking about trying out the expat life they should--its a life building experience, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteI'm positive that my experiences thus far have prepared me for this. I moved out at 18 yrs old. I haven't even lived in West Virginia since 2003. This isn't the first time I've left the country or state. My family are used to me being away as well as I am used to being away form them. This is our normal. That is why it isn't as hard for me as maybe someone else.
DeleteI also think that if I knew we were leaving at a certain point it might make me miss them more when times are tough. Knowing I would "get out of it" at a certain time would make acclimating a bit harder. I'd be clinging to my own customs and cultures.
Though if it was just for 6-12 months I think one should just go for the ultimate experience and not worry at all what is going on back home. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and worrying about homesickness is just ruining the experience.
I think that's awesome! I'd love to have an adventure like that one day!! And that quote is great. Stealing it to use here in Upstate NY (aka The North Pole).
ReplyDeleteKK
I've lived outside the USA too and think it's a great experience to do so. I agree with you about family.
ReplyDeleteSometimes friends are better than family in my experience.
My question would be: What do you miss about being away?
I've just lived away so long it doesn't bother me. I left home at 18 yrs old and so I've had plenty of time to "get used to it" I guess. I do miss them. I'd love to live near them, but they've never made me feel that I'm doing something wrong or missing out because I live away from them.
DeleteIt was hard when my son was born and I didn't have my Mom here to turn to when I needed help and guidance. She helps as much as she can on the phone and that will have to be good enough.
Good question! I'll make sure and add it!