How Living Abroad Transformed Me Into a Better Person: A Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery
January 13, 2026Where Are We Headed? Reflections on Our Rapidly Changing World
January 13, 2026Living abroad has completely changed how I see everyday electronics. What started as necessity – keeping my daughter entertained during long afternoons or desperately needing that morning coffee fix – has turned into something of an obsession. Just last week, I found myself wandering into Electronics City while babysitting. Sure, it wasn’t exactly a ‘boys’ toys’ paradise, but those ultra HD 3D TVs? Let’s just say they’re firmly planted on my “when I win the lottery” list!
My Camera Collection
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as an expat, it’s that memories are everything. My trusty Fujifilm HS 50 has captured countless moments – from street food adventures to my daughter’s first day at international school. But here’s where it gets painful: my beloved Nikon D90 is currently sitting in a repair shop, gathering dust. The repair costs? Let’s just say they’re competing with my monthly rent. So for now, it feels like saying goodbye to an old friend. Thank goodness for my little Fuji point-and-shoot – it’s not fancy, but when you’re stuck in one place (thanks, budget constraints!), it does the job.
The Tablet Experiment
Confession time: I bought an Android tablet from Tmart purely because I couldn’t face the crowds at the mall. It was supposed to be for my daughter – honest! But after playing with it for “testing purposes,” I’m seriously considering keeping it. For a budget device, this thing is surprisingly capable. It even connects to our TV! Who knew being lazy could lead to such discoveries?
Printer Nightmares
Can we talk about HP printers for a second? Mine must be possessed. Every time I dare to use refill ink (because who can afford those original cartridges on an expat budget?), it throws a tantrum with error messages that would make a sailor blush. You’d think after paying good money for the machine, they’d let you use whatever ink you want. But no! Fed up with the drama, I finally switched to Canon. Take that, HP!
Home Entertainment Gems
My absolute favorite gadget has to be my pocket-sized LG LED projector. This little miracle worker transforms any blank wall into a cinema screen. I’ve become that person who watches movies with headphones cranked up to ear-splitting levels – my family thanks me for it, though I suspect not entirely sincerely!
The Reading Revolution
I’ll admit it – I was that eager expat refreshing Amazon’s page the moment Kindles went international. Years later, that first-generation device is still going strong. The real game-changer? Being able to send any long article to it and read poolside instead of hunched over my laptop. Pure bliss.
My friend Sarah takes it to another level – she’s devoured over 170 books on her NOOK in three years. When you’re churning through 2-3 books weekly (how does she do it?!), these e-readers aren’t just convenient – they’re essential for sanity during those long visa runs and weekend getaways.
Kitchen Gadgets That Changed My Life
Last year, I went a bit crazy in the appliance department. The washing machine decision nearly broke me – should I go for the space-saving washer/dryer combo or the fancy model with automatic detergent calculation? After literally flipping a coin (yes, really), the weight sensor model won. The best part? It speaks Dutch! Living in a non-English speaking country, finding appliances that speak ANY language I understand feels like winning a small lottery.
Then came my Kenwood Titanium Major – the kitchen aid I’d been dreaming about for years. Originally, I had my heart set on a KitchenAid (so pretty!), but my practical husband insisted we needed a bigger bowl. When we spotted a Black Friday deal, even my visiting dad couldn’t resist chipping in. Now I’m that expat making fresh bread and pizza dough like it’s my job. The neighbors probably think I’ve lost it, but fresh bread makes everything better, right?
The Smartphone Learning Curve
My Galaxy phone was a surprise from my husband, and let me tell you – it took over a week before I stopped accidentally calling people while trying to set an alarm. These “smart” phones definitely make you feel pretty dumb at first! But now? It’s practically glued to my hand. How did we survive international moves without Google Maps and translation apps?
Coffee Machine Chronicles
My latest adventure involves replacing my faithful 8-year-old Italian coffee machine. The old girl still worked, bless her, but the puddles she left looked suspiciously like our neighbor’s cat had visited. The new machine? It’s like mission control with all its lights and buttons. Here’s the cruel irony – I need coffee to function in the morning, but now I need to be fully functional to make coffee!
I miss the zombie-friendly simplicity of my old machine. Back then, I could stumble into the kitchen, hit one button with my eyes closed, and voilà – coffee! Now it’s like solving a puzzle before caffeine. Who designed this torture device?
The Quirky Side of Electronics
Sometimes my gadget enthusiasm gets the better of me. Case in point: the fake money detector gathering dust somewhere in my apartment. Seemed like a brilliant idea at 2 AM while browsing online. In the harsh light of day? Not so much. But hey, you never know when you’ll need to verify those bills at the local market!
Here’s what years of expat life have taught me: whether you’re in Shanghai, Jakarta, or anywhere in between, we all develop relationships with our electronic companions. They’re not just gadgets – they’re lifelines to home, entertainment during lonely evenings, and sometimes sources of pure frustration (looking at you, coffee machine). But somehow, these electronic adventures make the whole expat journey more colorful. Even if half of them come with instruction manuals thicker than my passport!