Tag Archives: expat experiences

Forced to Fly: Expat Survival Guide

Posted on October 6, 2012 by wordgeyser

The second edition of Jo Parfitt’s Forced To Fly is the much anticipated, updated anthology of expat experiences – finding humour in the strangest of circumstances and unusual places – and is a great read on many levels. The book is in … Continue reading →

Posted in Expat Related Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Light Bulb Moments: Recognizing the ‘Monkey Mind’

Posted on July 2, 2012 by wordgeyser

Ever heard the expression ‘monkey mind’? For those of you rolling your eyes in disbelief that once again I’m behind on things, please bear with me. I only came across this recently, in the process of editing a book. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expat Experiences, Family Life, Personal challenges, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

S.A.D or Just Sad?: The Legacy of the Dutch Summer

Posted on September 2, 2011 by wordgeyser

I have bemoaned the non-arrival of the Dutch summer for well, the whole of the summer. Much was promised in the warm, soft days of spring when we could venture outdoors sans sweaters and coats, absorb the warming sunlight through our … Continue reading →

Posted in Dutch Culture, Expat Experiences, The Netherlands | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

When the Captain decided to check out the quality of Canadian Emergency Care

Posted on June 25, 2011 by wordgeyser

Wherever our family live or travel one of the first things we do is check out where to find the local hospital, or more importantly their Emergency Room. The first person I met on arriving in the Netherlands, Karen, admitted … Continue reading →

Posted in Expat Experiences, Family Life, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Book Review: More Postcards from Across the Pond, Michael Harling

Posted on June 20, 2011 by wordgeyser

I recently reviewed Michael Harling’s book Postcards from Across the Pond and was delighted to discover he has just published his second, More Postcards From Across the Pond.  As the first book was so fresh in my mind I immediately … Continue reading →

Posted in Expat Related Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Rumblings in Expatland: Trailing, Accompanying, Stellar or Other?

Posted on May 17, 2011 by wordgeyser

There are discernible rumblings in expat land. It’s divisive stuff. Way back in the spring at the FIGT (Families in Global Transition) Conference in Washington DC, there was a move to redefine the term used to describe the spouse-following-the-spouse-with-the-job. That’s the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expat Experiences, Family Life, Women and Female Related | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Pillow Talk: The Best Way to Learn a New Language

Posted on April 5, 2011 by wordgeyser

The Dutch are an enigmatic race. On the one hand conservative to a fault, on the other broad-minded, tolerant and objective. A confusing mix for the outsider – you think you have the culture sussed then something goes and blows … Continue reading →

Posted in Dutch Culture, Family Life, Learning Dutch, Personal challenges, The Netherlands, Women and Female Related | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Raunchy Daffodils and Randy Tulips: Learning the Lingo Part III

Posted on February 23, 2011 by wordgeyser

February, and those fragile signs that winter is finally drawing to a close and spring is just around the corner. Spending time outdoors walking the Archster I’m perhaps more aware than most of the changing seasons – when the first snowdrops appear and … Continue reading →

Posted in Dutch Culture, Expat Experiences, Family Life, Learning Dutch, Personal challenges | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments