Who are you?
I am a French Personal Trainer living in New York, where I run my own business and I just self-published my first novel, The Polar Bear and the Palm Tree, about my life and work in Saudi Arabia .
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
I left Paris in 2000 for South Korea where my husband (a banker) got a great job offer.We then moved to Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. In 2017, after 8 years in the Desert Kingdom, we moved to New York City.
What challenges did you face during the move?
One was to ship our dog, the other to downsize and go through 2 storage units. It was exhausting but liberating.
Are there many other expats in your area?
In New York, for sure!
What do you like about life where you are?
The cosmopolitan aspect of New York, hearing 5 different languages while walking my dog in Central Park, the sheer talent this city offers, the art and culture, the amazing people we meet.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
The inequalities I face daily, homeless people etc.
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
I left France almost 20 years ago so… but I’d say the positive, resilient attitude of people here.
What do you think of the food and drink in your new country? What are your particular likes or dislikes?
I love that everything is available: vegan, vegetarian, spicy, exotic, gluten free bakeries, farmers’ markets…
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Be open, be patient (I learned that big time in Saudi Arabia!), be kind to yourself.
What are your plans for the future?
To stay in NY for a few more years then continue exploring, maybe back to Asia, maybe South America.
You can find Evelyne's novel, The Polar Bear And The Palm Tree, on Amazon.
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