It was subtle and discreet, but he was definitely laughing at us while we tried to figure out the bus signage.

It’s difficult enough to ask strangers if I can take their photo. I wonder if it will be even more difficult in Japan.

I can walk for an hour in this Houston suburb and not see another person. I miss French squares filled with people.

After only 30 days, I’m sure I don’t have a true picture of expat living, but I learned a few things.

As a frequent traveler and someone who cares about the environment, I knew I should take public transportation. I was irrationally nervous about it.

It’s difficult to ignore a giant flea market at your front door, even if you’re not a shopper.

Being sick did a number on my frame of mind. While stuck in my apartment, I started to miss American life and I was annoyed at all things French.

I always come across articles on “How Not to Dress Like a Tourist.” But the idea of not looking like a tourist is kind of laughable.

"Help me. Help me." I saw a young Asian man yelling and waving his arms. The man sounded desperate.

If you’ve ever romanticized the idea of walking to the local market every day, you’re right, there are benefits…and some downsides.

Even in this large French city, I'm beginning to feel like this is my neighborhood and I am getting to know the shopkeepers .

The man at the next table wanted to know where I was from. He said he only asked because I had coffee with lunch, unusual in France.

I’d been hitting DuoLingo pretty hard. Still, I hesitated because it was the middle of the night.

People who call me "brave" don’t understand how I can travel solo and not be unbearably lonely.

I wanted to retire in 2020. That was a terrible idea.