I spent all of my formative years 50 miles outside of New York City in Fairfield, Connecticut until going off to the University of Vermont. After two years in Burlington I moved to Boston where I found my first apartment, a job, and took a number of art and design classes at the Museum School. Two years later I headed west to San Diego and began a new life. Supporting myself as a waitress I graduated from San Diego State University before embarking on a career in business, computers, and design, wearing a variety of hats at IBM and two computer software start-ups.
The news that I was getting married was significantly overshadowed by the more shocking announcement that I would be moving to Turkey for four years. Most of the “oohs” and “aahs” were for the dramatic change my life was about to take as I prepared to relocate to the land of “Midnight Express” after hitching myself to a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of Commerce whose next posting was Ankara. Eighteen years, five countries, three continents, two children, and assorted pets later, I can sincerely say our life has been exciting, enlightening and rewarding, though certainly not without its challenges and obstacles. Our tours have taken us to:
Arriving as newlyweds we left the parents of a beautiful daughter. In between we were captivated by Turkey's history, culture, cuisine, carpets and the warmth and hospitality of its people, all of which easily overshadowed the hazardous driving, pollution, and medical issues. We learned some Turkish, traveled extensively and made many friendships that continue today.
By the time we moved to Lisbon I was pregnant with our son who was born there four months after our arrival. Small, sleepy, beautiful, Portugal, straddled the first and third worlds. We were in Europe, but it didn't always feel like it, though it was by far the prettiest place we have lived. Some of my fondest recollections of our years in Portugal were the always obtainable, incredible coffee; amazing views of the Tejo and Atlantic; exquisite ceramics and tiles; Vinho Verde and Port; Sintra; and some special beaches.
My first impression of Guatemala was “Wow, how American!” The city was full of big cars, American brand foods, American accents, and we soon came to appreciate our proximity to “home”. Yes crime was an issue and the air was quite smoggy at times, but Guatemala was great. The fantastic school, multi-faceted expat community, golf and tennis, energetic volunteer organizations, intriguing Mayan culture, as well as plentiful travel destinations, made for busy, interesting and fulfilling lives for our entire family throughout our four-year stay.
Our next move was just next-door, a mere three-hour drive away. For the first time we hadn't relocated to a new continent and thus avoided dealing with changes in culture, language and food. El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, didn't have as much to offer as its western neighbor. But San Salvador is close to beaches, a beautiful lake, and Antigua, Guatemala was still within reach, as were good tennis and golf clubs. Our children attended a Salvadoran school and speak excellent Spanish.
Since the summer of 2006 we find ourselves on the other side of the globe living in the first world for the first time. After seven years of ‘dangerous and dirty’ Central America, we are truly appreciating ‘safe and clean’ Singapore, especially now that our children are at an age when they can revel in their freedom and independence. And they are definitely enjoying the internationally acclaimed American School. We have already begun to take advantage of the amazing travel opportunities in this part of the world and all look forward to our extended stay here in Asia.