After a long wait, the news finally came, my four year old was accepted to start school. Like all momentous moments in life, I remember exactly where I was when I received the call. I was outside the Supreme Education Council building on the C Ring road, clenching my teeth and banging my head against…
It’s a common misconception that the life as an expat wife is an easy one. While many expat wives enjoy benefits such as a maid, a driver and a larger disposable income than before, the emotional cost of a little luxury can be high and may result in an identity crisis. The first expatriation may…
International Women’s Day was celebrated on Wednesday last. Living in Abu Dhabi and surrounded by expat wives and women ( I differentiate purposely) it prompted me to think of the women I know and love and their qualities and achievements. Unfortunately, many of the qualities that immediately come to mind were bitching, moaning and complaining…
Having fled Ireland a few months ago and ventured to Qatar in the Middle East it is easy to think of oneself as being a world traveler, taking in the Arab culture with wonderment and commending oneself and one’s ability to fit in. All this is made somewhat easier when you know your home is…
As it becomes more and more evident that the Irish community in Doha, pretty much stick to themselves outside of one or two large social occasions during the year, one being a St. Patrick’s Day Ball and the other a Christmas Party for Children hosted by a too skinny, too young, suit too shabby Santa, …
There’s almost a formula for expat couples in the Middle East. The man works all year round, takes two weeks off in summer for holidays and the woman looks after the home and hightails it back to Ireland or the UK for a two month hiatus from the intense climate and the hot weather! My…
thereluctantemigrant 