A Little About Me

A Little About Me and the Story Behind my Blog

1. What do you like most about blogging?

Blogging makes me incredibly happy and is such a big part of my life that I think I’ll always blog. I think my favourite thing about blogging is seeing people’s reactions to what I write. When people tell me that they loved my article or that it helped them deal with French bureaucracy or simply that it made them laugh, it makes my day.

2. One song you’ll never stop listing to?

I will never stop listening to an old Motown classic, Baby now that I found you by The Foundations. It’s a beautiful song with a special place in my heart!

3. What things are you most grateful for in your life?

I’m most grateful for my family, friends, my other half and books.

4. What’s the story behind your blog’s name?

My blog was originally called The Princess and the Blog, a play on The Princess and the Frog as I had moved to France and was dating a French man at the time. However, when that relationship ended and I wanted to take my blog to the next level, I wanted to change the name. I racked my brains for a long time but finally decided on My Life Living Abroad simply because that’s what my blog was about and it had a nice ring to it! A lot of people asked me why I didn’t include Paris in the title but I wanted to keep my options open, just in case I ever moved somewhere else.

5. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten?

By far the strangest thing I have ever eaten is pilot whale. Sissal, a friend of mine from the Faroe Islands, brought back some pilot whale for me to try. It was really strange. It was black and had a rubbery texture like squid but it was really salty. I’m not sure I’d eat it again but it was definitely interesting to try!

6. Worst travel experience ever?

Two years ago my Frenchie and I went to Barcelona in the height of the Summer (August). It was horrible. The service we had in restaurants and bars was terrible and we were treated really badly by the locals. We also had a bad Air BnB experience and although being on the beach was nice, you were constantly worried that your stuff would get stolen. At night on La Rambla people tried to push drugs into your hand and the streets were really unclean and unsafe. I would personally not recommend it, however I know people have been at other times of the year and had a much better experience.

7. A little About Me : Where are you from, and what is the most common stereotype or misconception about your home town/region/country?

I’m from a small seaside town called Teignmouth in Devon, England. It’s a beautiful place but very quiet. The most common misconception about my region is that we all sound like farmers and the most common misconception about England is that we eat a full English breakfast every morning. We definitely do not…it’s reserved for very bad hangovers!

8. What is one important lesson you’ve learned in your travels?

I’ve learned so much about who I am and what I want from life. Travelling has also helped me become a better person and a better storyteller!

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

9. Most unique travel destination you’ve visited?

The Greek Island of Milos, a small island in the Cyclades that we visited last summer. It was magnificent and by far the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited.

10. What are your travel goals?

I’m going to Venice next month which has been a long-standing travel goal so I’m really excited about that! Aside from that I would also like to see more of France, go to Japan (our trip in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID) and visit California.

11. How do you like your coffee?

Black, no sugar and preferably cold (my favourite thing is cold brew from Dunkin Donuts in the US!)