Marie, as I’ve mentioned once or twice around these parts, is one of the first people I met when I arrived here in Houston.  Her positivity and ability to tap in to peoples’ strengths and help them to realise their potential is a very special talent.  Marie has recently repatriated in Australia, but she’s had her share of being an expat around the globe!

Where were you born? Dunedin New Zealand, closest city in the world to the south pole!

How long have you been there? Been back in my adopted country (Australia) 1.5 years, living in Perth.

How long do you expect to be there? It was supposed to be permanent – probably another year or two….

Where else have you lived? Mumbai (India) Houston (Texas) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

What you love about where you are living? My kids are there – it has been 10 years since we lived in the same country, having cats – I don’t like the idea of indoor cats or dragging them from post to pillar… and having a BIG house with a BIG garden. I love planting things that I am pretty sure I will see grow.

What is the worst thing about where you live? It is one of the few cities that seems to have avoided the economic global crisis it thrives and I am not sure stupid money makes sensible people.

The hardest part of living where you live? Not having ALL our kids here – we have never all lived in the same country. Ever.

What has surprised you most about where you live? That it doesn’t feel the same as when I lived here before. I knew in my head it wouldn’t but it still surprises me.

Your biggest lesson learned? Never say never.
One reason you wouldn’t have missed living there for the world? Being close to my kids again – I love that.

The best food? Avocados, Ozzie seafood … and crisp white wine… does that count as food?

The best sight? The ghost gum trees swaying in the wind and the black cockatoos screeching at each other in their branches.

Your biggest fear for the future? Never settling anywhere for good – but that is also what I love about my life…

Funniest incident? Catching two possums in my possum trap in a row – I don’t know if it was me or them that was most shocked…. (don’t worry, we let them go in the forest down the road)

What NOT to do in your location? Try to live there with a ‘normal’ job – our city is one of the top most expensive in the world.

The person who has inspired you most where you live and why? My husband – he can fix, or build, or repair, or chop or create almost anything I need and want. And he does it willingly 🙂

Best piece of advice you could give to newbie expats? Breathe. Then do some more of that.

Anything else you want to add? Take each new day as a learning opportunity – to learn about yourself, others, culture and the subtleties of where you are. We are so lucky to have what we have – shake off that sense of entitlement many of us have and find a way to give back to the community you live in… have to go, I have a ‘Hills Suburb’ native plant sale I need to help out on 🙂

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