Transcontinental Overload
Transcontinental Overload shines a spotlight on expats’ life stories, and the realities of leaving your home country and making a new life abroad. Host Stephanie Cook talks to fellow expats, global nomads and professionals about their personal journeys and observations, discussing the complexities, wonders, heartache and richness of living abroad. The podcast goes hand in hand with her blog on www.transcontinentaloverload.com.
Transcontinental Overload
21. From expat to immigrant - with Etienne de Bruin
My guest today is Etienne, whom I met through my husband's work, and who I knew within five minutes of meeting absolutely had to be a guest on my podcast. Originally from South Africa, Etienne has lived in Germany and then moved to the US in 2000 with his South African wife. They now live in San Diego, CA, with their three children.
Our conversation topics span the full US expat spectrum, and include gems such as:
- accents, especially German and South African
- Afrikaaner and English differences in South African culture
- the intricacies of bringing up your children with multiple languages
- musings and insights into the American psyche
- the pros and cons of reinventing yourself & the price you pay for leaving your home comforts
- sausages in all shapes and forms
- American chocolate
We also seem to dedicate an inordinate amount of time talking about Starbucks.
The Netflix show I mention but couldn't remember the title of, starring German comedian Anke Engelke, is called The Last Word. It is a brilliant example of German humour.
Etienne de Bruin