Many diplomats are quick to point out that their lifestyles aren’t as glamorous as they sound. They much rather talk about the downsides...

It’s no secret that I love living in Armenia. Wonderful people, interesting history, fresh food, low prices, sunny weather, and the...

Volunteering is an integral part of expat life. Expats often have opportunities to help the local population because they have knowledge,...

As I'm writing this post, I’ve been waiting for a security clearance determination for 18 months. From the day I passed the Foreign...

ARENI CAVE My first trip to Areni was mostly focused on wine tasting and pottery baking (in Sisian). This time I went to Areni, which is...

One tricky thing about being an expat is adjusting to new food every time you move. It might not be the most serious or emotional part of...

I always argue in favor of learning the local language if you’re going to live somewhere new—especially if you’re going to be there for...

For most diplomats, the summer is “bidding season,” which means applying for new assignments. FSOs typically bid one year out, every two...

Once you’ve decided to (try to) become a diplomat—a generalist Foreign Service Officer for the US Department of State—the first thing you...

It’s been almost a year since we moved to Armenia, so it’s time for a second installment of Exploring Armenia (with kids). In Part I, I...

There are 646 restaurants in Yerevan, according to Tripadvisor, which is a lot more than there used to be half a decade ago. So far, I’ve...

For diplomats and other embassy employees it’s easy to be totally consumed with work. There is always something important going on, and...

Did you know that Armenia produces more and better wines every year? Finding a nice, even excellent, wine here is pretty easy now. Many...

Joining the Foreign Service is a long process – it takes a good deal of studying, planning and waiting to pass all of the entry exams...

Jobs at the US embassy are not just reserved for diplomats (I mean FSO generalists) – the majority of employees in embassies are actually...

Let’s face it: I like shopping, and living abroad only makes hunting for treasures more fun. I’m talking about clothing, shoes, and...

Diplomats in the US Foreign Service work in one of five career tracks. Even though they are called "generalists", which means they can...

Diplomats in the US Foreign Service work in one of five career tracks. Even though they are called "generalists", which means they can...

Living and working abroad is amazing in a lot of ways, most of the time. There are certainly challenges, but the opportunities, in my...

In case you missed it, a “velvet revolution” just took place here in Armenia. I’m not sure if “revolution” is the right term for what...