With real estate prices in the Bay Area continually skyrocketing, buying a home is not an option for many residents. In addition to the low affordability, high prices equal high risks, which is particularly concerning for expats who are not planning to relocate permanently and would, therefore, be looking for a short-term investment in a home. Hence, most of us turn to renting a home.
Tipping is tricky. The customs are different for every country, and sometimes even for different regions of the same countries, and tipping too much or too little can be either expensive or offensive.
Leaving your home country, your friends and family, the things you love, and the life you know, is hard. We all know that. That is why we try to help each other endure the longing and the heartache by forming communities of expats, and perhaps reading blogs such as this, and that is all good and well. However, imagine that you did not choose to leave. Imagine that you left not knowing whether you would ever be able to return. Not knowing whether you would ever see your family and friends again, or worse – knowing that you never would, […]
In Sweden, there is a distinct dichotomy between school and family life, and as a parent you might ask to come to class for a day during a school year, to observe what your child does all day, but it would probably end there. The school is the workplace of the teacher and the children, and parents respectfully stay away. In contrast, here in the US, the school wants you in the classroom. This became apparent as my oldest son is starting school this year.
