How old are you, where are you from, where are you living now and what took you there?
I’m 48. I was born in Brazil but grew up in Argentina. I live now in San Clemente, California, US. I came to the States after finishing college, I have a Psychology degree. My mom, brother and sisters were all already living here. I came to visit but met my husband Ed…do I need to say more?
How long have you lived there and how long will you stay? What keeps you there?
I’ve been in California for 20 years. To be honest, I never thought much about moving out of the States until 4 years ago, when I went back to Argentina for a summer vacation. I saw Argentina with different eyes. I realized that it has a lot of good things that we can’t even dream about by living in California. Now we have plans to move back to Buenos Aires when my Daughter finishes her senior year in about 1 1/2 years.
What do you do to make a living?
I’m now a housewife and I recycle, paint and sell vintage furniture. My husband is a loan officer for a big American bank.
Describe your average weekday and weekend day.
My day starts at about 6:30 am. Breakfast, lunches, laundry, kisses and “Have a great day” kind of thing until 8:30 or 9:00 when I start usually some project. A little sanding, a little painting, sometimes a little sewing in between errands, school pick- ups, blog checking and writing.
My weekends usually involve soccer (Yes, I’m a soccer mom!), driving to the mall to pick up and drop off a bunch of teenagers. Dinner with friends and family. During summer, we spend the weekends at the beach.
What skills have you learned while living abroad?
I had my own store for 6 years. In the American system I learned discipline, work ethic and the importance of customer service, all things that were non-existent in Argentina 20 years ago.
What are you missing (professionally) by not being in your home country?
I’m not missing anything professionally by not being in Argentina.
If you could live anywhere, where would that be and why?
I would move to Buenos Aires in a heartbeat. People here think my family and I are crazy for even thinking about leaving this place and this lifestyle but it all comes with a huge price tag and we are not sure we are willing to keep paying for it. I want my kids to really experience a different way of living, we are willing to have less and enjoy more.
What is your favorite gadget that makes your work life abroad better?
I’m not a gadget kind of person but I LOVE my computer.
Do you have a favorite book that inspired you to travel or consider a different way of living?
Not really. I think that the love for traveling was given to me by my parents and I’ve made sure to pass it on to my kids.
Other than yours, do you have a favorite expat blog?
I read every single expat blog I find out there, but Expat Alley is my favorite.
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I might have gone to school with your husband Edward Cavaglieri, if he went to the Day School in Mar del Plata. Ask him if he knows Patricia Signorio, Jorge Lams, Marcelo Cristeche…and if his dad worked at Smith & Wollensky in Manhattan.
Hope to hear from you,
Liliana