I felt a lot of mixed emotions after my move to Doha. If you’re desert-bound yourself, here’s some of the stranger things you can expect to happen to you. 1. Your concept of heat changes entirely As an Australian, I prided myself on my ability to handle heat. Then I moved to Doha in the…
I’ve been a bit naughty during my last year of living in England’s capital. I’ve travelled to loads of places, around the world and the UK, but haven’t really seen much of London. It’s got me thinking about how we function as human beings – daydreaming about the next adventure, but never really opening up…
“What is there to do here?” I asked my new work colleague. I had been in Doha, Qatar for a total of two days. He scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Absolutely nothing,” he stated. “This is the most boring city in the world.” Days later, I realised he was not completely off the mark. For…
For the last few mornings, I have woken to the indignant clucking of my mother’s chickens. My bedroom at home is adjacent to their coop and they are creatures who rise with the sun. If they have not been released into their enclosure by at least seven in the morning, they have no qualms in…
My good friend Hope, a veteran expatriate, will be sharing her experiences of living abroad. She will be writing about her experience of adjusting to a foreign culture, and how you can encounter difficulties even when you speak the language. Hope is deeply passionate about books and the written word – you can read her…
One way to avoid burning out is to make time for yourself I have been on holidays in Australia for just a little under a week now. It is truly wonderful for many reasons – the food, the family, the friends and the constant interaction with my dogs, to name a few. There is one…
“You’re not from around here,” the shop attendant said, as she swiped through the UK-themed novelty birthday cards I had purchased as a lark for my friends. “No. I’m not,” I sighed. “I’m Australian.” “I love Australia!” She gushed, handing me the receipt. “I’ve been there five times.” Which was wonderful to hear, but still,…
Most people have a few mates outside of their main friendship circle. Say one of them invites you to a party they are throwing, which you feel socially obligated to go to. You turn up, tail your pal for a little while before realising you’re being an annoyance. You then back off and attempt to…