My name is Ana and I am originally from Argentina. I lived in Buenos Aires until I married a wonderful Welshman called Sean, who whisked me away to Dallas, TX. That was the first of many culture shocks I experienced. Because of his job, we’ve lived in Jersey (UK) and Toronto (Canada). I can say I am a trailing spouse thing.

I don’t go backpacking, couch surfing or camping. I don’t do incredibly daring things like feeding tigers or swimming with sharks. I just follow my husband and try to make the most of the places we visit. I lead an ordinary life, I think, except I do it in different cities (often in the same week!) I provide travel tips and advice based on my own experience.

1. Why did you move abroad?
I met my British husband in Buenos Aires, where he was working. After a few years he got a job in the US and we decided that if we wanted to stay together, we would have to get married and move to Dallas. In a way. What was difficult about this decision was not the marriage bit but leaving my family and friends behind to start a new life in a place I knew nothing about.2. How do you make a living?
I'm a stay-at-home wife, blogger and tennis player. The type of visa I have does not allow me to work. Oh well, there are worse things, I suppose.

3. How often do you communicate with home and how?
I call my parents every Sunday. And we text message as well. I communicate via email and Facebook with my siblings and my friends. And I try to send a postcard by mail when I travel.  

4. What's your favorite thing about being an expat in the USA?
The new friends I've made. And shopping is great!

5. What’s the worst thing about being an expat in the USA?
I miss my family terribly. I miss out on my nieces and nephews growing up. I miss hanging out with my friends. People eat very early and I'm not usually hungry at 6 pm.

6. What do you miss most?
Aside from friends and family, I miss the fact that restaurants and bars stay open until very late. I miss being able to walk everywhere, the café culture of Buenos Aires, the availability of public transport.  Some foods.

7. What did you do to meet people and integrate in your new home?
My husband made a good friend at work and he and his wife introduced us to their set of friends. And then I joined a tennis club, where I met fantastic ladies.

8. What custom/ habits do you find most strange about your adopted culture?
Probably the fact that they're so open about religion (which is a private matter to me) and that some people try to convert you to their views.

9. What is a myth about your adopted country?
Most things you see on Hollywood movies are not necessarily true in real, everyday life.

10. Is the cost of living higher or lower than the last country you lived in and how has that made a difference in your life?
I'm not sure I can answer this question.

11. What advice would you give other expats?
Learn the local language, try to join a class or a club or whatever interests you so you can meet new people.

12. When and why did you start your blog?
About three years ago in order to share my experiences with others. I love being in contact with other bloggers and exchange information and sometoimes even meet them in real life.

Ana's blog, Ana Travels

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