I’m not sure anyone noticed this blog went quiet over the last two years—but I did. Like most people, I was stuck inside my (thankfully two-bedroom) flat, rebooking travel, studying Covid restrictions, debating the ethics of international travel… and still trying to get those most out of life during the pandemic pause. We were lucky…
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Between Coronavirus, racial injustice, protests, and the lack of clear leadership from the current administration, I think the last few weeks have left many Americans wondering how to make a difference from abroad. As my own answer to that question, I created an initiative—Stimulate Change. It calls on Americans abroad to donate their U.S. government…
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This is a travel blog. But it’s also a blog for expats—specifically (since it’s my own area of expertise), American expats. I don’t know about you, but over the past several weeks, I’ve been struggling with my identity as an American, the feeling of being (physically) distanced from issues I care about, and the helplessness…
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If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re in the process of applying for a German EU Blue Card! Congratulations! Where you are in this process determines whether you should continue reading this post, or pop back to Part I. Part I covers the part of your German EU Blue Card application that happens in your…
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A German EU Blue Card is an amazing work and residence permit. It works as a kind of fast-track to permanent residency for non EU-nationals. If you’re moving to Germany, here’s what you need to know about applying for a German EU Blue Card. The first part of this post is just about the steps…
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Like any aspect of an expat experience, working abroad comes with its own set of culture shock. German work culture, in general, is quite different from anything in the States, but what I found more surprising were more the differences in approach to work and employment between the U.S. and Germany. For those Americans considering…
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Today marks the start of my fourth year living in Germany: this bureaucracy-crazed, rule-abiding, frankly-opinionated country. I learned so much in my three years here—and, if the expat stats don’t lie, this year should kick off a phase of feeling more at home. I’ve collected the info I’m supposed to need, my language skills are…
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There are days when I wake up, and I am so damn grateful to have this expat life. Living abroad means days are full of surprises and new experiences, delicious foods and castles (yes castles!) just sitting there on the side of the road. But there are other days when nothing seems to go right,…
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There are days when I wake up, and I am so damn grateful to have this expat life. Living abroad means days are full of surprises and new experiences, delicious foods and castles (yes castles!) just sitting there on the side of the road. But there are other days when nothing seems to go right,…
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Up and Gone 