Here is the latest on the real places where we
live around the world. Anecdotes, impressions, frustrations, and joys.
Life beyond the official word in many of the important cities around
the world. We encourage English-speaking expats of all types,
even kids, to send us their views on living abroad.
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Harare,
Zimbabwe: "Harare is great living: great housing, lots of social events
among expats, good eating. However, it's also very isolating, given the lack
of internet and the high cost to fly out of Zimbabwe." 6/26
Oslo, Norway:
"If you enjoy outdoor living, you will love it here. We have traveled all
over Norway, learned to cross-country ski, seen Pulpit's Rock near
Stavanger, and toured the fjord country. It is amazing." 6/26
Brasilia, Brazil:
"It's like living in South Florida. There are two seasons: dry and rainy.
Dry season is June through October and rainy season is November through
May." 6/26
Sarajevo,
Bosnia-Herzegovina: "The thing we liked the most is how walkable the
city is. The thing we liked the least is that it can be hard to get
flights in and out during the winter due to fog." 6/26
Kolkata, India:
"Kolkata is a small post, so be prepared for that. The people who like it
here are the ones who embrace the craziness and the opportunities." 6/19
Beirut,
Lebanon: "American Embassy personnel live under severe restrictions
that, in essence, prevent them from truly living in Lebanon. This is due to
security concerns." 6/19
Taipei, Taiwan:
"Taipei is one of the the safest cities I've ever spent time in. I've never
felt hesitant about being anywhere in the city at any time of day."
6/11
Abidjan, Cote
d'Ivoire: "Burning garbage is common. In certain spots the lagoon always
smells like sewage, and some days Abidjan itself smells like sewage." 6/11
Dushanbe,
Tajikistan: "Tajikistan does border on Afghanistan. On a daily
level, though, it feels really, really safe. You know your
neighbors, kids play in the streets, etc. However, there
are occasional petty crimes against foreigners." 6/8
Abuja,
Nigeria: "The situation was deteriorating when I departed post. More
robberies, carjackings, etc. seemed to be taking place. US Government staff
must take an armored vehicle with police escort to the airport." 6/8
Vladivostok, Russia: "Petty crime
is a problem, but I have not had any acquaintances get robbed. The most
dangerous thing in this town is the traffic, in my opinion." 6/1
Accra, Ghana: "Ghana is probably
one of the easiest countries in Sub-Saharan African to come to for work or a
visit. That said, it is the third world, and has its challenges." 6/1
Honiara, Solomon Islands:
"The population is extremely friendly and communicative, the nature is
stunning, and the underwater world is one of the wonders of the world." 5/24
Conakry, Guinea: "Conakry is a tough place, but the Guinean people are
really wonderful and they make being here an enjoyable experience. Your
experience will be what you make of it." 5/24
Maputo, Mozambique: "We do
not have a landline at our house but have rather provided cell phones for
our children and house staff, as they are more reliable." 5/21
Rangoon,
Burma: "I don’t
think you will ever find another place like Burma, and as soon as it opens
up, it will rapidly change. Don’t miss the opportunity to see it now.
" 5/21
Khartoum, Sudan: "Khartoum is a
hardship post in many ways, but I met very kind, warm people there. And at
the end of the day, it's the people you meet along the way that make or
break your stay." 5/13
Vilnius, Lithuania: "You can get by with English for
shopping trips. Most of the younger people speak at least some English. But,
to really immerse yourself in the culture, you really need to speak
Lithuanian."
5/13
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: "I
find things to be more expensive here, though not unbearably so. There are
two expat-friendly shops in the Ampang area where you can find treats from
home. There is also Carrefour or Tesco for cheap household items." 5/5
Port au Prince, Haiti: "I'm
delighted that I got to come here, and I wish for others considering Haiti
that they really come and bring younger children. Because it's so
wonderful and special and needs positive newcomers." 5/5
Dakar, Senegal: "This used to be
a place to be avoided due to the traffic, beggars, etc. Since 2008, though,
Dakar has become a nice place to work and live." 5/4
Canberra, Australia: "Great
health care. The only thing you have to get used to is waiting for your
turn. Unlike in the US, you can wait several weeks or months to get into
specialist docotors and or testing." 5/4
Rome, Italy: "Maybe I would enjoy
it with older kids, but it's difficult with more than one child, especially
when they're little. They love children here, which is lovely, but it
doesn't really make up for how difficult Rome is with children!" 4/29
Bangkok, Thailand: "Ruamrudee
is the only school in the country offering a large quantity of AP classes
and also the full IB diploma. Academically, it has a lot more to offer."
4/29
Paris, France: We brought a small
city car that's sold in the U.S. and Europe. It was suitable, but even
better would have been not bringing a car. Traffic in Paris is bad enough
that the train is more relaxing." 4/28
Rangoon,
Burma: "Come without expectations and you will be rewarded. The people
of Burma make it a special place to live. The climate and the
government make it a challenge, but it's always interesting." 4/28
Bamako, Mali:
"It's safe and has many activities available within the American
community. There is not a whole lot to do in Bamako in terms of other
activities." 4/23
Damascus, Syria:
" The climate is a lot more moderate than I expected. Damascus
had a pleasant winter with no snow and very few rainy days." 4/23
Luanda, Angola: "At Bob's Burgers you can get two "value" meals for over $50. There are
other restaurants, too, but prices are even higher!" 4/16
Manila, Philippines: "TB is a major health concern. If you have small children you MUST
send your staff to a clinic to be x-rayed for TB before starting." 4/16
Santiago, Chile: "Chileans do not appear
to enjoy nor appreciate good food. That said, there are plenty of good
restaurants in Santiago, but a good meal is not cheap." 4/14
Vladivostok, Russia: "In winter it is often sunny but cold, with some sudden storms and
extreme weather. It is pleasant in winter only when it is sunny." 4/14
Helsinki, Finland: "You don't
really need a car in Helsinki, but if you do bring one, don't bring a large car. A
smaller SUV or a sedan or station wagon will work. Just double check to make
sure you can get parts here." 4/6
Managua, Nicaragua: "Security concerns have
increased in recent months due to the political and economic situation.
Residential robberies and assaults are more frequent than before. Taxi assaults
are so common that many expats avoid using them altogether." 4/6
Zagreb, Croatia: "If
you're choosing a place based on ease of living, Zagreb is a good
choice. It's modern, it's clean, it's safe. Culture is similar to
American---there are no shockers when you get here." 3/25
Bangkok, Thailand:
"The parents who are most disturbed are former teachers. Some of these
parents give their children extra work after school so they won’t be
behind when they move." 3/25
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