It has been a hot minute since I’ve blogged, and have had itchy fingers to write again for some time. I’ve struggled with figuring out how to get back into it, especially since this year has had so many ups and downs, lots of new experiences, and yet has remained somewhat the same for us as we spend another 365 days living as expats in a foreign land. Since I began writing in 2012, I have enjoyed sharing what life is like abroad, trip itineraries, and dabbled a bit in some photojournalism, but sometimes it’s also nice to share a few personal updates so you get to know who I am as an individual. I touched on this last year, and I haven’t changed my mind on it. The few moments I’ve had to even consider writing, I’ve ultimately spent ... Read More
The Other Half
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous For the last four years or so this has been our pursuit; to experience life and the world as much as we can. We started our travels around the time we figured out we just weren’t ready to hold still, we wanted to explore and have some adventure. We both worked jobs that had long hours and little opportunity to travel far. So we decided to pack up, and head out to explore the world. Until now in this adventure, I have been a silent partner mostly. I’ve held jobs in the countries we have lived in and been blessed to have jobs that have allowed for Amanda and I to travel often. During this time Amanda has done a phenomenal job expanding her business and travel ... Read More
Let’s catch up.
Sometimes I get overwhelmed. Actually, that's a lie — I get overwhelmed a lot, especially living in a foreign country. There's just so much to remember and be responsible for, and issues you have to deal with that you would never have to consider if you were living in your home country. This past week has been particularly stressful for both Derik and I as our property management company of the house we rent has been dealing very unfairly with us. Thankfully, now that we live in an English-speaking country, it's a lot easier to get help and advice from those who have greater legal authority and knowledge than we do. I know in the end it'll all work out, but it does make it particularly stressful when someone preys on you because you're ... Read More
8 Things I Don’t Like About Long-Term Travel
I'm the biggest advocate ever about travel, both short and long-term! There are numerous benefits and lessons to be learned from exploring the world, and I honestly believe everyone should go out and spend a year or so abroad sometime in their life. As I've mentioned before though, not everything is all majestic landscapes, yummy food, and a wonderful cultural experience -sometimes traveling and living outside your own country can be downright hard. Have you seen that meme floating around with that dog splayed out on the deck that says " I can't adult today?" Sometimes I feel that way about traveling responsibly. I am genuinely afraid of all the issues below, but at the end of the day, I have to buck up and take care of them anyway. ... Read More
The Story Behind The Name
I'm seeing lots of awesome new people pop around these parts, and I thought it was about time to take a look back on the three years of Living in Another Language, and give you a brief history of this blog, why it's named LIAL, and where I'm going with it. Our expat anniversary is only a couple days away, and my blogiversary coincides with it! First of all, I know what you're thinking: "Amanda, your blog's name is Living in Another Language, yet…you're an American living in New Zealand. That's definitely NOT living in another language." Yep. I get it. I've spent months debating over if I should make the big change over to something more world-travel friendly (whether we're actually living in another language or not), or if I should ... Read More
Real Life Friends
I feel kind of silly using 'real life friends' as my post title, as it's kind of a new term within our generation. We are so connected through social media and the internet, strangers we've never met can become our 'cyber friends.' However, we all know you can't live on 'cyber friends' alone, and real human interaction and friendship is needed to live a normal life. Everyone wants friends right? The first problem is this: When you live a life of travel, those 'real life friends' you've had your whole life get further and further away as you leave for destinations you only dreamed of. Sure you can call, iMessage, and FaceTime your friends, but it's not long before that 'real life friend' relationship fades into a 'cyber friend' ... Read More
Your Questions Answered: The Miscellaneous
We come to our last and final 'Questions Answered' post of the three part series! I am so thankful for all your interest in my husband and I, what we're doing, and my blog! I hope you have enjoyed all the Q & A's, and feel free to ask me any more questions at any time! You never know, I may write whole blog post about it. :) ESL TEACHING: "Do they accept non-native English speakers for teaching jobs in Korea?" -Rekha Unfortunately Korea has a very picky hiring system. They enjoy the privilege (and can afford to with how many people are looking into teaching ESL here) of being selective. 99% of the time, Korean schools do not accept non-native English speakers to be part of their English program. The only exception that I know of ... Read More
Your Questions Answered: Expat Living
"How do you shake the pressures of adult life and take the plunge to get out there on an adventure?"-Marla The best part about living and working in Korea is the financial stability it brings. It's no small secret that you can get paid the equivalent of $20-50+ dollars an hour here! Housing is usually paid for by employees,unless you do things independent like Derik and I. Saving is easy here, and so is travel. When plane tickets cost an average of $100-500 dollars to fly all over Asia, it's to big of a deal to pass up! Korea give quite a few national holidays, so even though we don't ever get contracted 'vacation days' to use when we want to, we have plenty of free time. We feel secure in what we are doing right now. We are able to ... Read More
Your Questions Answered: Travel
Due to all the love and new readers I've acquired over the past few months, I decided it was high time to turn the tables and let you decide what I write about. There's not a better way to do this then a little Q & A. Although the questions often give short answers, maybe this will help you get to know myself, my husband, and our lifestyle better! I have divided the questions into three posts: Travel, Expat Living, and Miscellaneous. Today we'll cover the topic of Travel, but make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next two posts! Thank you again for your amazing response, I never thought I'd receive so many questions, or have that many people interested in what we're up to. :) "What are some customs that have stayed with you ... Read More
