How old are you, where are you from, where are you living now and what took you there?
I am 24 and I am originally from Portland, Oregon (USA). Currently I reside in Lima, Peru and have been here since February 09. For years I have been visiting and living in Peru, due largely to the fact that my father is Peruvian. My reason for moving to Peru was to spend more time with my father since I had spent the last 7 years away at Portland State University.
How long have you lived there and how long will you stay? What keeps you there?
As mentioned above, I have been hear almost 8 months now and I have absolutely no idea how long I will be here (it probably doesn’t help that I have a wonderful girlfriend, Zdenka who I love very much). My father and my girlfriend are the strongest reasons for me remaining in Peru, even though I enjoy the country and the city of Lima very much.
What do you do to make a living?
Believe it or not I actually teach English, which I believe to be the common stereotypical job for Americans or any other English speaking foreigner. I also co-own a growing intermediary/brokerage company.
Describe your average weekday and weekend day.
My average weekend involves spending time with friends and family, usually it involves me exploring Lima with my trusting Nikon during the day and in the night relaxing with a couple of beers and friends. The weekdays are much different since I spend most of it working (not much difference from the US really). I also spend time working on my blog, http://intiaperture.blogspot.com/.
What skills have you learned while living abroad?
I would have to say that my Spanish continues to improve with each day and continue to develop a better understanding of the Latin Woman, which sadly like all women I will never fully understand…its like trying to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
What are you missing (professionally) by not being in your home country?
It’s hard for me to say really since I left right after graduation. I am sure that by being here in Peru I am possibly missing out on some potential job opportunities but that’s all part of the risk of living abroad I guess.
If you could live anywhere, where would that be and why?
That’s a tough question to think about since I have never lived outside of the Americas. I guess if I could live anywhere I might choose China, Why? I have always found China to be a fascinating country and it would be an interesting experience to photograph as well.
What is your favorite gadget that makes your work life abroad better?
My HP computer, definitely! Without my computer I would totally be lost, I’m a tech junkie and the thought of being disconnected from the world is disturbing.
Do you have a favorite book that inspired you to travel or consider a different way of living?
Book? I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t read many books, unless their some guide or how to on photography or something. I should probably read more often, my writing might actually improve.
Other than yours, do you have a favorite expat blog?
There are a lot of expat blogs that I read none of which I would say are a favorite of mine (not to sound egotistical or anything). I personally find the word expat interesting, especially since it sounds like a name given to traitors (it’s probably why I don’t refer to myself as one), kinda like something that would be posted on an FBI wanted poster.
