happy hour mom international

(Last year in Budapest)

In the past 7 years we have lived or visited the following international destinations:

• Linz, Salzburg & Vienna, Austria
• Nicosia, Cyprus
• Beirut & Jounieh, Lebanon
• Dubai, UAE
• Sofia, Bulgaria
• Thessaloniki, Greece
• Budapest & Kecskemet, Hungary
• Milan & Bergamo, Italy

Each place holds a special place in heart. These aren't just cities that we spend our time joyriding and visiting all of the amazing tourist attractions. They are destinations where I gave birth to my son, dealt with the Mafia (not by choice) and made life-long friends. If you are close to me that you know as much as I appreciate the international lifestyle we were blessed with, at times I most certainly LOATHE. Every place we go, until this year, has been a complete fresh start. Getting your barrings with directions, becoming accustomed to the differences in traffic laws, finding comfort in foods you know and discovering someone to call a friend. In some places, the mere fact that you meet another American is a blessing (even though you may have never spoke had you met in the states.) Other times, I have learned to truly appreciate the freedoms and possibilites it really means to be an American. Too many times, we have witnessed them taking being taken advantage of, and even, thrown in the faces of those who have no idea.

The nice thing about being affiliated with a sports team is that the majority of athletes respect and admire American traditions. I can't even being to imagine how many times people have conversated about their love for our movies, music, celebrities- as if we walk around chanting 50 Cent rhymes, with Brad Pitt on our way to see the box office's most famous film together-as if all Americans knew celebs like that.

Here's the deal. I went to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where I met my mate! I had to choose a career or love, so Greg I chose. It has been a magical ride up and down, yet one I wouldn't change for the world. We're happy, healthy and have an amazing support system comprised of amazing contacts all over the world! Join me on my commemorative ride through our past. I will be featuring all of the great aspects that can help American expats, especially women, abroad. If you have the knowledge of a far away land, please send it my way and I will post it with pride. I know how hard it can be to start over in a new place. Its my goal to help those in a similar situation. Enjoy!