02 May 2012 Uncategorized

guest + post. (across the pond}

living abroad is on the top of my bucket list.
my heart is always telling me “do it now! do it now!”
but my brain is telling me “don’t be a fool!”
i vicariously live through one of my favorite bloggers who lives overseas.
she kindly answered a few questions about biting the bullet and jumping on a jet plane.
we have the same name.
she’s into tall, dark, and handsome irish men.
and really likes whiskey.
we’ve got a lot in common.
———————————————————————————————————————————- Hello lovely readers of The Egg!

I am Megan from Across The Pond..
super happy to be here and answer some questions..
talking about myself is my favorite..
clearly..
I’m a blogger….
Where are you currently living and how long have you been abroad?
I am currently living in Glasgow, Scotland…Edinburgh’s ugly step sister. 
I joke.
Kinda.
It is scotland’s more “urban” city.
I have been living abroad for almost two years now..that is two winters in the UK my friends..TWO very long winters… 

What took you there?
 I originally moved to Nottingham, England to get my Masters degree. While I was there I met and fell in love with a sexy Irishman with good height. So my degree is was brought me to the UK, but it is my boyfriend that keeps me here (willingly…I havn’t been kidnapped or anything).

I’m dying to move abroad, should I start saving up?
 Yes and No. Depends what your definition of moving is…Do you plan on working here? Do you plan on just traveling..or studying? If you want to stay longer than three months you need to either be working or studying here. As an international student you get permission to live for as long as your course runs plus a few months..My course covered my tuition costs, books, airfare, and gave me a monthly living stipend. This was in loans and scholarships. But it enabled me to study and travel without worrying about having to work. I just needed money in savings to get me through a few months before my funding came in.

What was the hardest part about leaving the U.S?
 What wasn’t hard about leaving the US? That would be the shorter answer. 
The hardest part is leaving family and friends..that support system that you grow to depend on.
The food.
My car.
I am from Los Angeles, so of course, leaving that perfect climate has been by far the hardest.
I love the UK..I love traveling. But my heart will always belong to the US.

Favorite thing about living abroad?
Easy and cheap travel. By far the biggest perk. There are so many places to go just at arms reach and doesn’t entail breaking the bank to get there.
Sometimes the free health care is a pretty big perk..not gonna lie. It has its pros and cons, but I definitely don’t miss insurance hassles and co-pays.
The scenery. sprawling countrysides, CASTLES, and knowing you are traveling through history.
The wild flowers and cherry blossom trees.
Did you meet that hottie Irish man while living abroad? Do tell!
Yes I did! We were in the same program together at the University of Nottingham.
In a class of only 15 with only two males…what are the odds?
To read our full, somewhat dramatic tale go here
Best “Dumb American” moment?
Oh there are many…
so.many.
My first really dumb one went something like this:
Stephen: We need to book flights to Ireland..
Me: cant we drive there?
Stephen: what…?
Me: or take a train?
Stephen: Ireland is surrounded by water…
Me: just kidding.
Will you be adopting anything from abroad and bringing it back to the U.S. with you?  Like a new dish, funny accent?
I fully intend on adopting and bringing back Stephen.. 
a man, accent, and sexy dish all wrapped up in one package.
Done.
*You can read more detailed answers and other questions over here.