Expat Stories

Love me, Right Now, Endlessly. 1980s Hong Kong, a time of neon lights, Sony Walkmans, and turbulent change. Damien struggles to fit in. Uprooted from his life in the UK, he finds solace in listening to indie tunes, reminding him of his bandmates and girlfriend. That all changes when he meets the unconventional Shirley Wong. Forced to join musical theatre, she becomes his muse, and soon his days in Hong Kong are filled with classical music and laughter. However, underneath Shirley's smile lies the shadow of someone trying to get by in a world of speed, change, and ever-future-afters.

In a world where love and loss intertwine like the vibrant threads of a tapestry, Sam finds himself caught between two homes. After being uprooted from his familiar life in America, he embarks on a journey to Nigeria-a land rich with culture, untold stories, and unforeseen challenges. As he grapples with the heartbreak of leaving behind his friends, especially Bliss, whose silence echoes in his heart, Sam must navigate the complexities of a new life where friendship, rivalry, and the whispers of unrequited love beckon. In Nigeria, he encounters Julius, a charismatic local who introduces him to the thrill of adventure and the warmth of companionship. But as Sam struggles to carve out his identity in this foreign land, he realizes that not everyone is as welcoming as they seem. With the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future pressing down on him, Sam must learn to trust his instincts, confront his fears, and discover the true meaning of love. Join Sam on this emotional rollercoaster as he navigates friendships, fights his inner demons, and discovers that sometimes the path to finding oneself is paved with unexpected turns and breathtaking moments. Will he be able to embrace the love waiting for him in Nigeria, or will his heart remain tethered to the memories he left behind? The answer lies in the vibrant streets of Anambra, where every moment holds the promise of new beginnings.

A Swedish girl living in Colorado wants to go back to her country of origin until she discovers the real reason for their sudden move!

A funny, painful love letter to London and all its outsiders. London is full of dreamers. It just doesn't have time for all of them. When Dušan, a queer Slovak filmmaker, moves to London, he believes talent and hard work will be enough. Instead, he finds himself navigating dead-end jobs, mispronounced names, awkward dates, diversity forms that don't really include him, and a city that welcomes everyone, on paper. Other White is a sharp, self-aware comedy-drama about being visible but overlooked, included but not quite wanted. About trying to "make it" while quietly disappearing. About love, ambition, class, immigration, and the strange comfort of anonymity. The term Other White is a classification of ethnicity in the United Kingdom to describe white persons who are not of the English, Welsh, Scottish, Romani or Irish ethnic groupings.

What would you do to keep your dream alive? Thats a question Emilia Bosque never thought she'd answer. But after losing her job and at risk of being deported, Emilia or Emmy would do anything to keep living her dream life in South korea. Even so far as to accept an interview for a low level job from one of the most prestigious families in Seoul. But what she thinks is a simple interview turns into something not even she could have predicted..... Follow emilia as she's thrusted into a world of secrets, lies and riches in "The Truth untold"

Holly moves to a new country. WIll good intentions be enough to win over her neighbors in a place where she doesn't speak the language, is still figuring out the customs, and occasionally, accidentally, steps on some toes?

In this second installment of The Paul and Sandy saga the couple find themselves on the way to Europe to get married at last. Grappling with all the complex arrangements of a whirlwind German wedding in a quaint little church discovered online before heading to Venice for a well-deserved honeymoon. Running into a series of interesting and colorful characters along the way in the midst of the many charms and majesty of one of Europe's oldest and most famous cities. Afterwards it's off to Japan on the next leg of their journey to begin a brand new chapter in their lives living and working abroad. They begin teaching English in Japan, facing their fair share of mishaps, missteps, challenges and obstacles along the way, adding to the overall kaleidoscope of awkward and unexpected encounters they eventually face. Interacting regularly with enigmatic, unhinged, freewheeling and free-spirited characters during the course of hugely varied experiences abroad. Japanese and expat friends alike become seminal in altering their perspective on life, living and loving in Tokyo. They adapt quickly and begin thriving in their new environment, all the while growing closer as a couple; maturing and expanding their awareness of themselves in addition to all they lacked back in the US. Provinciality gradually falls away as they eagerly adjust to their new home. Adventures abound in Tokyo and the broader countryside as the two lovers become engrossed in the wonder of varied and disparate surroundings. Occasionally taking time out for far-flung destinations in other parts of Asia during work breaks. Bali, their first excursion outside Japan, blows their minds before venturing to other Asian hotspots equally as impressive. What happens when they find new friendships but scores of unexpected and shocking encounters marked by heartfelt conversations with their new Japanese and expat counterparts, prompting reflection on their new environment and all they missed out on back home.

This story recounts a twenty-four hour period around the first day of the Year of the Snake, February 2013, in Hangzhou, China. It offers nature, cultural insight, self-discovery and drugs.

i miss writing, so here is some writing. i'm older and not wiser but the words haven't left me (yet). so here is some writing.

The couple really strays off the beaten path and dives headlong into their new surroundings, discovering the highlights and lowlights of greater Tokyo in the course of their quest. Covering popular and celebrated sights as well as "secret" locations less reputable but equally as stimulating and educational for the unsuspecting pair. They grow closer to friends and fellow teachers during that time, sharing experiences and struggles as mounting obstacles in the form of interracial relationships, cultural differences, societal racism and general misunderstanding of daily life are handled with difficulty and ease in turn. Gaining inspirational cues from associates, cultural attractions and the general population alike. Delving into the seedier side of Tokyo life to witness the underbelly of Japanese culture first-hand as much as the upper eschelons of society with both fascination and inflamed senses for various reasons. Transititioning between disparate worlds effortlessly and gracefully to learn all they can about the people and culture they've selected as home. From hostess bars to criminal haunts to high-powered and glass-towered sections frequented by the upper class, Sandy and Paul embrace and (if all goes well) rise to it all. They also run into a couple on the street, not much older than themselves, who offer them an opportunity to catapult their careers working with the next generation of top university graduates. Initially the interview process seems strict but intriguing as it involves an international organization training future executives, corporate heads and government brass. Paul and Sandy must undergo extensive training as well as thorough security clearances in order to qualify for these prestigious positions. Leading them into a hidden world they have no idea about until it becomes their own to witness and interact with personally. Something they are wary of at first.

Some things are not as they seem, and sometimes they are. This is a journal of an expat girl in Shanghai, always ready for challenges and enjoying her life which keeps her looking young. In Shanghai she has a well paying job, but is missing her husband, her other half. *Some parts from this story are from the past, some about what is currently happening.* Hope you enjoy! :>