We've been doing a lot of flying recently as you know. And is it just me or do you also think that the people flying just keep getting more and more rude?
Yes, I am the one who need to fly with the pets in cabin, but they are definitely better mannered then most people who have been flying these days. Flight attendants will agree with me.
Usually it starts before we even board the plane. There's always a few people trying to cut ahead of the line to board it. The airline attendant start calling by rows but no one listens, or care. And we have assigned seats! And children and handicapped people have priority at this time. Then first and business classes. Is it really that hard to figure this out?
Then, it is unbelievable the amount of carry-on people are bringing on-board these days. And on international flights the excuse that you have to pay to check-in the luggage doesn't fly. It is free. Everyone knows that planes have limited spaces but they don't seem to care. Some people even have the guts to cut the line and start putting their stuff on the first rows luggage compartments even tough they're flying all the way on the back. Aren't you supposed to have your bags with you? On your compartment? It scares me from a security point of view. Hello, FAA and flying marshals!!
The flight attendants many times won't stop this behavior, and I believe they should. I do feel bad for the flight attendants. I've seen people be so disrespectful and rude to them. In most of my flights they are very nice.
My suggestion is for the airline to have the people in-charge of boarding the plane making sure that the passengers check-in their baggages before they are allowed to board the plane. Easy. One carry-on is fine, but more is a big no, no.
And what have I been doing about it all? I am always one of the last people to board the plane. And I keep my purse with me. If the kids have a back-pack it also stays with us at our feet. We avoid the line, the aggravation and most importantly, stress.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
My Expats Friends in Europe
I have quite a few friends who relocated to Europe. The last ones, as you know, are moving from Ireland and Russia. We were just chatting about their last impressions and here is what they had to say:
Did they like it?
Yes, they both loved it! But let's go by countries:
Russia:
The school was amazing, the houses within their budget were nice and St. Petersburg is just beautiful. The cost of living is high but not too bad compared to other european countries. But the winters are long and very cold. Luckily the hats and coats are super stylish! The russian woman have a great taste and style.
Ireland:
They looked into public schools and thought they were very good. The schools used to be run by the catholic church and now the government is gaining control of them and some say the quality is improving. I spoke to some Irish friends who agree with this statement. There is absolutely no need to go to a private school. The houses were small and not very well equipped for american standards. But there are some good options, the budget will need to go up a bit tough. The cost of living is extremely high. Specially for clothes and shoes. 3 times more expensive then in the US. The country got hit pretty hard by the recession. But with our company willing to invest there one can only hope this will come to an end soon.
Over all they're both pretty happy. And so are their husbands and kids. Hopefully they will all be very happy there. I wish them the best!!
Did they like it?
Yes, they both loved it! But let's go by countries:
Russia:
The school was amazing, the houses within their budget were nice and St. Petersburg is just beautiful. The cost of living is high but not too bad compared to other european countries. But the winters are long and very cold. Luckily the hats and coats are super stylish! The russian woman have a great taste and style.
Ireland:
They looked into public schools and thought they were very good. The schools used to be run by the catholic church and now the government is gaining control of them and some say the quality is improving. I spoke to some Irish friends who agree with this statement. There is absolutely no need to go to a private school. The houses were small and not very well equipped for american standards. But there are some good options, the budget will need to go up a bit tough. The cost of living is extremely high. Specially for clothes and shoes. 3 times more expensive then in the US. The country got hit pretty hard by the recession. But with our company willing to invest there one can only hope this will come to an end soon.
Over all they're both pretty happy. And so are their husbands and kids. Hopefully they will all be very happy there. I wish them the best!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
My Wonderful Children
It is not easy being our children. We just keep moving them around. Unintentionally, because of work, but we do. We are the ones who make the final decisions of whether or not to move. And where to. And when. They had no say for a while. Now they're older so we can ask their opinion and take it into consideration. And we do. Who do you think were the ones who chose the house we just bought?
I was just thinking about how many schools my son has study at. 4. Pre-school at private school in a state. Kindergarten at a public school in another. Then the Graded. And now the public one here in Florida. And I'm not even talking about day-care. My daughter started pre-school at the Graded so this is only her second school. But this is a lot considering how young they are.
My son lived in 5 different states and he lived twice in the one where he was born. He also lived in a foreign country. My daughter lived in 4 different states and in a foreign country. By the age of 7 they have moved around more then most people move their whole lives!
They're so used to flying they think it is a lie that some people have never been on planes before. They also have a hard time accepting the idea that some people have never seen snow. Or the sea. Or that most people can only speak one language. That there are kids on the streets asking for money because they're hungry. Or slums. In a way they think they've seen it all. And so do I. But they don't have an attitude about it. They don't have a sense of entitlement. This is just the life they live. They know the company is paying for lots of our expenses and they also know that Dad has to work really hard for us to have a nice life. And they appreciate it. They're thankful for their lives.
They also like helping other kids. And being nice to them. They understand how hard it is to be the new kid around. They were so proud of themselves when my son was voted the most trustworthy person in his class and my daughter was voted the friendliest kid in hers. My husband and I couldn't be more proud of them. And we also hope that we are giving them skills to succeed in life.
So relocating is part of their lives. And we think that it is having a very positive effect on them. It is making them not only accept differences, make them embrace it. And be adaptable. And good friends.
They also have an amazing bond. They are each other's best friend! They learned how to rely on each other during the difficult and lonely times that we go thru while relocating. But they are not the only ones. I've seen some expats siblings just like them. And I've seen some brats too. And kids who get depressed with all this pressure. But the vast majority is of kids just like mine.
Expat kids like them are called Third Culture Kids or TCK's and a lot has been written about them. I encourage you to read about it. You'll have a better understanding of what the kids go thru and how you can help them go thru all the changes. My kids are wonderful TCK's. I adore them!
I was just thinking about how many schools my son has study at. 4. Pre-school at private school in a state. Kindergarten at a public school in another. Then the Graded. And now the public one here in Florida. And I'm not even talking about day-care. My daughter started pre-school at the Graded so this is only her second school. But this is a lot considering how young they are.
My son lived in 5 different states and he lived twice in the one where he was born. He also lived in a foreign country. My daughter lived in 4 different states and in a foreign country. By the age of 7 they have moved around more then most people move their whole lives!
They're so used to flying they think it is a lie that some people have never been on planes before. They also have a hard time accepting the idea that some people have never seen snow. Or the sea. Or that most people can only speak one language. That there are kids on the streets asking for money because they're hungry. Or slums. In a way they think they've seen it all. And so do I. But they don't have an attitude about it. They don't have a sense of entitlement. This is just the life they live. They know the company is paying for lots of our expenses and they also know that Dad has to work really hard for us to have a nice life. And they appreciate it. They're thankful for their lives.
They also like helping other kids. And being nice to them. They understand how hard it is to be the new kid around. They were so proud of themselves when my son was voted the most trustworthy person in his class and my daughter was voted the friendliest kid in hers. My husband and I couldn't be more proud of them. And we also hope that we are giving them skills to succeed in life.
So relocating is part of their lives. And we think that it is having a very positive effect on them. It is making them not only accept differences, make them embrace it. And be adaptable. And good friends.
They also have an amazing bond. They are each other's best friend! They learned how to rely on each other during the difficult and lonely times that we go thru while relocating. But they are not the only ones. I've seen some expats siblings just like them. And I've seen some brats too. And kids who get depressed with all this pressure. But the vast majority is of kids just like mine.
Expat kids like them are called Third Culture Kids or TCK's and a lot has been written about them. I encourage you to read about it. You'll have a better understanding of what the kids go thru and how you can help them go thru all the changes. My kids are wonderful TCK's. I adore them!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Animals in Japan
As most of you know I am an animal lover. You also know that I do not like to donate money to charities corporations. But I just watched a wonderful british lady who's in Japan helping the animals who were left behind.
I highly encourage you to take a look at her web-site. It is: http://jears.org/
You can also get the link on the CNN site: www.cnn.com/ac360
It is so sad that lots of people had to leave their pets behind. I feel really bad for all of them. And I wish there was more I could do.
I highly encourage you to take a look at her web-site. It is: http://jears.org/
You can also get the link on the CNN site: www.cnn.com/ac360
It is so sad that lots of people had to leave their pets behind. I feel really bad for all of them. And I wish there was more I could do.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Time Spent Apart
A big downside of the super commute: The time we spend apart. I feel it, Hubby feels it, the kids are definitely feeling it and even our pets are feeling the distance. And it's a lot more then just the distance. It's the everyday things we take for granted. Like having dinner together. Or breakfast. Or the nightly talk before we go to sleep. Sharing responsibility with homework. Disciplining the kids. Do you have any idea how it feels to be the only "bad guy" during the week having to say no to the kids? I think this is the worse part. And yes, I've been overcompensating with gifts. I can't be the "bad guy" all the time, right?
We've been really good at keeping in touch. There's always the "good morning" and "good night" call. Then during the day we talk about the problems that come up. We've been talking about all the problems as they appear and over the phone. We think this works out the best for us because when we're together we concentrate on having fun and enjoying each other's company. We didn't plan it this way, it just started to happen and when we realized we decided to stick with it. Problem free weekends!
And as a long distance wife I think this is a very good rule. My husband comes home to enjoy family life! And for me to enjoy his company too! The time we spend together needs to be quality time. He has to enjoy coming back home. I need to make his weekend home his only home. The week place is his flat. Never home. The day he starts seeing the flat as home I'll know there is a problem. And let's be honest, this "problems" are usually women. So I see as my duty not to leave any room for this to happen. Because I know there are women are out there looking for men like him. And I know he feels the same way. He also fears that there will be another men ready to take his place. But we're not looking for it. We have lots of respect for each other and our kids. And we love each other. And I really don't want to waist my time thinking about it. It is counter productive.
But now I do have a better understanding of why so many couples that go thru relocations or choose the super commute get a divorce. Or strengthen their bond. We can't turn the geographical distance into relationship distance. We need to make ourselves very present in one another's life, but this is a 2 way street. Both husband and wife need to be committed to make this happen. So as soon as you see a gap growing between you, plan a date night and bring the subject up without pressure. Ask what's going on. Maybe it's just stress from work, maybe it's just the adjustment of living alone, but whatever it is, don't leave any room for this gap to grow.
But now I do have a better understanding of why so many couples that go thru relocations or choose the super commute get a divorce. Or strengthen their bond. We can't turn the geographical distance into relationship distance. We need to make ourselves very present in one another's life, but this is a 2 way street. Both husband and wife need to be committed to make this happen. So as soon as you see a gap growing between you, plan a date night and bring the subject up without pressure. Ask what's going on. Maybe it's just stress from work, maybe it's just the adjustment of living alone, but whatever it is, don't leave any room for this gap to grow.
We make the best of our weekends. We go to the beach together, we go out for lunches, dates, family movie nights, we have barbecues by the pool... And he also take the kids out for breakfast either Saturday or Sunday, so I can take a break from them and get a much needed rest. And husband and kids spend quality time together too. It is very important for them to spend time away from me too.
I hasn't been easy, by any means, but it's working out better then I expected. I am actually very surprised to see how I've matured during this time. I still want to have the whole family living under the same roof as soon as possible, but if, for the kids education's sake, we have to endure this situation for a couple of years I think it will be fine. We are very happy with the school here. So my biggest fear, the super commute, is not that bad after all.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Traveling Nearby
When we live in big cities like Mexico City and Sao Paulo we NEED a weekend getaway. And I do mean need. We feel like getting away from the traffic, pollution, dust, noise, etc... So where can we go that's within driving distance?
Let's start with Sao Paulo. "Paulistas" have many different options. There are the mountains, the beach and small cities nearby. What stops people from enjoying it often? The price. Hotels are very expensive. They only take packages reservations for the weekends. You'll have to pay for at least 2 nights no matter what. And during holiday weekends it gets to be ridiculous expensive. A cheaper alternative are the "pousadas". They are the brazilian equivalent to a Bed & Breakfast, but many times their restaurants will serve all meals and snacks. Many hotels and "pousadas" there will offer recreation for the kids. The places we liked to go near Sao Paulo are:
* Campos Do Jordao: Popular destination during the winter in Sao Paulo. It is known as "the brazilian Switzerland". During the season parking there can be a nightmare. But it is a charming city.
* Monte Verde: They have some hotel-fazenda "ranch hotels" with horseback rides, waterfalls and great food. It's very cozy.
* Juquehy: Nice beach destination. It is exactly what one can expect of a beach in Brazil. Caipirinhas being offered at the sand and all. The sea is calm and safe for the kids to play in.
* Riviera de Sao Lourenco: It is a mini Sao Paulo by the beach. The sand is not white. Lots of foreigners and Paulistas like this place. I don't. Your judgment.
* Guaruja: Another popular beach. This one does have nice beaches but it is significantly more crowded than Juquehy. It is also much closer from Sao Paulo.
* Sao Roque: Small town, very close to Sao Paulo with a great hotel.
*Ibiuna: It's by a lake in a small town. Lots of people have a second home there. It's very cozy.
If you're in Rio the popular destinations are Angra dos Reis, Paraty and Buzios at the beach and Petropolis, Itaipava and Terezopolis in the Mountains. The Casa do Toca Pizzaria in Terezopolis has the best pizza and antipasti I've ever ate.
We used to go to a small beach near Juquehy. It is still a very undeveloped place and this is why we love it so much. We rented a house over there. It was the best thing we've done.
The only place we've been to near Mexico City is Avandaro or Valle de Bravo. It has a huge lake and it is very pretty. We stayed at the Hotel Avandaro Golf and Spa. The price was cheap compared to Brazil but the hotel room was old and not very nice. But it was totally worth the trip.
I know Acapulco is 5 hours away. I've heard that the road to get there is not that good. But I can't wait to find out if it's true or not. I really want to visit Acapulco.
Does anyone have any suggestion for our next trip? Need to be within driving distance.
Let's start with Sao Paulo. "Paulistas" have many different options. There are the mountains, the beach and small cities nearby. What stops people from enjoying it often? The price. Hotels are very expensive. They only take packages reservations for the weekends. You'll have to pay for at least 2 nights no matter what. And during holiday weekends it gets to be ridiculous expensive. A cheaper alternative are the "pousadas". They are the brazilian equivalent to a Bed & Breakfast, but many times their restaurants will serve all meals and snacks. Many hotels and "pousadas" there will offer recreation for the kids. The places we liked to go near Sao Paulo are:
* Campos Do Jordao: Popular destination during the winter in Sao Paulo. It is known as "the brazilian Switzerland". During the season parking there can be a nightmare. But it is a charming city.
* Monte Verde: They have some hotel-fazenda "ranch hotels" with horseback rides, waterfalls and great food. It's very cozy.
* Juquehy: Nice beach destination. It is exactly what one can expect of a beach in Brazil. Caipirinhas being offered at the sand and all. The sea is calm and safe for the kids to play in.
* Riviera de Sao Lourenco: It is a mini Sao Paulo by the beach. The sand is not white. Lots of foreigners and Paulistas like this place. I don't. Your judgment.
* Guaruja: Another popular beach. This one does have nice beaches but it is significantly more crowded than Juquehy. It is also much closer from Sao Paulo.
* Sao Roque: Small town, very close to Sao Paulo with a great hotel.
*Ibiuna: It's by a lake in a small town. Lots of people have a second home there. It's very cozy.
If you're in Rio the popular destinations are Angra dos Reis, Paraty and Buzios at the beach and Petropolis, Itaipava and Terezopolis in the Mountains. The Casa do Toca Pizzaria in Terezopolis has the best pizza and antipasti I've ever ate.
We used to go to a small beach near Juquehy. It is still a very undeveloped place and this is why we love it so much. We rented a house over there. It was the best thing we've done.
The only place we've been to near Mexico City is Avandaro or Valle de Bravo. It has a huge lake and it is very pretty. We stayed at the Hotel Avandaro Golf and Spa. The price was cheap compared to Brazil but the hotel room was old and not very nice. But it was totally worth the trip.
I know Acapulco is 5 hours away. I've heard that the road to get there is not that good. But I can't wait to find out if it's true or not. I really want to visit Acapulco.
Does anyone have any suggestion for our next trip? Need to be within driving distance.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
More Friends Relocating
As I've mentioned before, once you enter the relocation wagon it is hard to leave it. I just heard from 2 friends today, and they will be relocating again in June. Good job offers! One is going to Ireland and the other one to Russia. They're excited about it and also a bit apprehensive.
It is funny but I know less about Ireland then I do about Russia. I am not talking about stereotypes. One thing I know is that it's a beautiful country. But that's it. And Russia: St. Petersburg, the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets, the architecture and the colors. And the only two words I know in Russian - "Da" and "Niet" - yes and no. I do know a couple of curse words, but I can't spell them. I also know that the american school there is very good and that it is freezing cold. Much colder than Ireland.
My friends are going on their "look-and-see" next week. They both wanted to come back home and they want this to be their last international assignment. So besides the working on the new job, their husbands are going to have to start working on their career plan to bring the families back soon. Two big tasks. Lots of pressure. But they can handle it.
They just started planning a trip here for winter and I am planning my trip there next summer. I can't wait to see what Ireland is all about and watch the Bolshoi and Kirov again.
I wish them all the best!
It is funny but I know less about Ireland then I do about Russia. I am not talking about stereotypes. One thing I know is that it's a beautiful country. But that's it. And Russia: St. Petersburg, the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets, the architecture and the colors. And the only two words I know in Russian - "Da" and "Niet" - yes and no. I do know a couple of curse words, but I can't spell them. I also know that the american school there is very good and that it is freezing cold. Much colder than Ireland.
My friends are going on their "look-and-see" next week. They both wanted to come back home and they want this to be their last international assignment. So besides the working on the new job, their husbands are going to have to start working on their career plan to bring the families back soon. Two big tasks. Lots of pressure. But they can handle it.
They just started planning a trip here for winter and I am planning my trip there next summer. I can't wait to see what Ireland is all about and watch the Bolshoi and Kirov again.
I wish them all the best!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Costumer Service Comparison
It's funny, but one of the first things we complain about when we move to Latin America is the poor costumer service. But I keep on wondering: What happened to costumer service in the U.S.??
First it was Comcast. Then it was the alarm company and the propane company not showing up at the scheduled time. And now it is the freaking sleep number bed! We just bought one and it came without the remote control. Yes, what was I thinking when I bought a bed that need a remote control in the first place, right? Then, after a week, they shipped the wrong remote control. And now, it will take at least another week until I get the remote. And they don't accept returns! What a nightmare! Funny thing is that there was another couple at the store complaining they only received half their bed when the crew came to deliver it. And what do you do with half a bed?? We thought it was very expensive, but we figured it would be a good thing to have a nice new bed to sleep on for the next 10/15 years. Huge mistake!
When we move to another country we expect that the costumer service won't be as good as in the US. True, the costumer service in Mexico has been bad. People are always late or missing appointments, but you know it is part of the culture. In Brazil it was a little bit better, but not that much. But here in the US? I did not expect it when I came back. And it's been one thing after another. They are making the brazilian costumer service look good, and trust me, this is not an easy task, as some of the people living in Brazil can confirm. And I never taught I would say such a thing.
So what happened here? Is it only with me? Murphy's law? Effect from the recession? I think this is one case where the grass really is greener on the other side. Why can't the companies just get their act together? When you're selling a product or a service you're expected to know what you're doing. Specially when you're charging big bucks for it.
So friends living abroad, rejoice! It can't be this bad...
First it was Comcast. Then it was the alarm company and the propane company not showing up at the scheduled time. And now it is the freaking sleep number bed! We just bought one and it came without the remote control. Yes, what was I thinking when I bought a bed that need a remote control in the first place, right? Then, after a week, they shipped the wrong remote control. And now, it will take at least another week until I get the remote. And they don't accept returns! What a nightmare! Funny thing is that there was another couple at the store complaining they only received half their bed when the crew came to deliver it. And what do you do with half a bed?? We thought it was very expensive, but we figured it would be a good thing to have a nice new bed to sleep on for the next 10/15 years. Huge mistake!
When we move to another country we expect that the costumer service won't be as good as in the US. True, the costumer service in Mexico has been bad. People are always late or missing appointments, but you know it is part of the culture. In Brazil it was a little bit better, but not that much. But here in the US? I did not expect it when I came back. And it's been one thing after another. They are making the brazilian costumer service look good, and trust me, this is not an easy task, as some of the people living in Brazil can confirm. And I never taught I would say such a thing.
So what happened here? Is it only with me? Murphy's law? Effect from the recession? I think this is one case where the grass really is greener on the other side. Why can't the companies just get their act together? When you're selling a product or a service you're expected to know what you're doing. Specially when you're charging big bucks for it.
So friends living abroad, rejoice! It can't be this bad...
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