I always think in terms of an expat, I wonder how come I didn´t write about this topic earlier. I was inspired by a friend of mine, Lavinia, whose blog I get to read every once in a while. She lives in England and mentioned a couple of things she had to change since she´d moved there. So I thought I should explore the topic myself, since Romania and Norway are two very different countries, indeed.

First thing that stroke me here was the weather. I´m sure that´s no news to the ones of you who have been reading my blog for a while now. 😉 You see, I´m from Southern Romania where we get temperatures close to 40 degrees C in summer. It seldom rains (or I chose not to remember rainy days) and I´ve always felt like staying inside when it does. In Norway, rain is just an everyday phenomenon and even though Oslo is much drier than the West Coast, it´s still too much rain for this cutie! After 13 years here, I went and bought myself a pair of rubber boots and a rain coat last year, to be able to walk my Sammy without swearing and fussing about. Yesterday it poured though and I ordered a cab. I just couldn´t bring myself to get an umbrella and risk getting wet.

Another thing I didn´t managed to change entirely is my way of dressing. I don´t wear as much makeup any more and my clothes are definitely simpler (I adore Scandinavian wear!), but I´m still overdressed for most occasions. Haha!;-) I stopped caring long time ago though, instead I just enjoy every opportunity to shine. 😉 haha!

Food wisely I eat much more fish and sea food now, but I think I would have done that anyway if I´d move to the seaside anywhere else in the world, including Romania. Where I come from my parents would buy fresh river fish once or twice a month, fry it and serve it with polenta porridge and garlic sauce. I had of course tasted fish prepared in other manners, but wouldn´t say it was my cup of tea. Now I can´t think of anything better than a piece of monk fish or a shrimp canapé.

Last, but not least, living in Scandinavia has made me a bit more carefree (worrying is still a part of me, either on account of my depression, my being a Virgo or my Romanian blood). Haha! I don´t spend as much time worrying and complaining, but it hasn´t been easy, believe me!

What about you? What is your experience with living abroad?

xxx, Alina