Finding anything Hanukkah-related outside of Israel feels like discovering treasure. Back home, Hanukkah was everywhere — lights, smells, sufganiyot, songs. Here, it’s quieter, so spotting a “Happy Hanukkah” sign or a lone menorah display fills my heart.

A sufganiyah? That’s winning the lottery! These little moments bring me joy, connection, and a piece of home. Every “Happy Hanukkah” message feels like a hug, reminding me of the light this holiday brings.

Six months ago, I started a new job. This week alone, two of my coworkers indicated that in their minds, I've been here for well over a year already.

Is this a good sign?

Fun fact: Speaking a second language not only boosts brain power but also makes life more fun!

Watch my latest YouTube video all about speaking a second language. Click the link or search “Hebrew by Inbal” on YouTube to watch.

https://youtu.be/tOJ1j7k4ZEE?si=3xefhKf_vDFhxvEw

#secondlanguage #language #expatlife #languagelearning#hebrew

We're finally back, starting with the long-overdue video on #cultureshock! What is it and how do you deal with it? More inside! #vlog #culture #shock #mentalhealth #travel #ExpatLife #expat #expatriates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGP4TR6NK1w

In order to vote in Germany as a citizen residing abroad, I have to 1. wait for the registration forms to become available, 2. get them to the municipality where I last lived 20y ago, 3. they send me election papers, 4. I send them back.

The place I'm mostly at in east Africa does not even have a street name; so this probably needs to go through my The Hague address; which means I have to be there in the critical period before the election in which the documents will be mailed.
#expatlife

lol. Cultuurshock in de wachtkamer na de COVID booster.

In SG: iedereen draagt een masker. Iedereen zit netjes op stoeltjes naast elkaar, en staart stil voor zich uit of leest een boek of scrollt op diens smartphone, onder toeziend oog van een MoH medewerker.

In NL: ik ben de enige met een masker. De lokale bingoclub is gezellig samen gegaan en heeft een discussie over waarom Hans en Heleen er niet zijn en of ze hierna nog een bakkie gaan doen want ja we hebben nu al koffie en oh ja waarom zeiden ze eigenlijk dat ik genoeg water moet drinken? Ik drink al heel veel water. Ik drink zegmaar meer water dan koffie, bij wijze van spreken!

Ondanks het gebrek aan maskers vond ik het natuurlijk wel heel goed dat ze met z'n allen gaan en er een uitje van maken en omkijken naar hen die er niet zijn. En ik ben natuurlijk blij dat ik een booster kon komen halen

I've been feeling really homesick for Singapore this week and I can't quite figure out why.

Yes. I did wait to the last possible moment to file my US taxes. Why? I haven’t a clue. It’s what I do. Must love the stress.

Anyway for US Expats, last year and this I used expatfile and I’m pleased to give them money to make it easy. I’m sure there may be better software but this worked for me. #USTaxes #Expat #ExpatLife oh, before you ask, yes I have to file US Taxes eventually through I don’t live there. Luckily I don’t make that much so I don’t have to pay (they would deduct my Irish taxes anyway) but it’s an efn bother and expense.

How to make the day of the people manning the voting station today:

Hand in your "resident , non-Belgian" paper

Went to vote about 1,5 before closing time, and I was the first (out of the four that were registered at that station). They all went "Finally! A blue card!"

Hilarious.

My Swedish partner and I had been dating for two years very long distance, with him there and me in Denver. When we got to the ‘Who’s going to move where?’ conversation, it was very short.
https://buff.ly/4dHHiXO

O M G

Doctor's office just put the prescription on the health insurance card. What's next, flying cars?!

I really love this picture Andrew took of me while doing the shim sham during my very last visit to BluJazz in Singapore. I made so many friends in that place, and I will really miss it. I never imagined that a place like this would exist in Singapore. Also: I never imagined that I would come to love dancing the shim sham so much. It has grown to be probably my favourite part of every social! This picture represents so many good memories