the honeymoon phase
This expat life has its ups and downs. Highs and lows, waves and phases. A rite of passage. When we first arrived we were solidly in the honeymoon period. Dreamily walking through cobbled streets, playing in wooded parks, sipping tea, popping in and out of museums, new pubs, even the bus. Everything was new, exciting, full of core-memory making potential. Marvelling at the experiences we were having, swapping British phrases we overheard, remarking on the quirky differences between life here and back home in the states. Everything feels charming, each day a gift. Cliches would pour out of my mouth. I can't believe we get to do this, live this beautiful life! We daydreamed about what it would be like to stay longer, forever?! Then one morning I woke up to an email from the owners of the house we are renting saying they need to move back in earlier. Then the car we just bought started doing something weird. Then the washing machine broke. In the span of one week I am quickly humble
