In this episode, we’re doing our first round of “ask us anything.” We didn’t have time to cover all the questions, but we do discuss our friendship, how to maintain long-distance friendships and family relationships, meeting neighbors with limited language, and embarrassing moments (well, we only had time to share ONE moment this time because Melissa’s story took us by surprise). We also give some rapid-fire answers to questions about books, pets, and what goodies we shove in our suitcases.

Connect with us!
 Denise
 Melissa
Alicia

Questions discussed in this episode: 

How do you guys know each other?

How do you maintain long-distance friendships?

How do you envision the three of you as grannies?

What are some practical tips for maintaining long-distance relationships with family and friends?

What is your favorite part of your host culture?

What is the best thing you like about your expat life?

What is your most embarrassing expat moment?

How do you meet your neighbors when you’re still new and don’t have a lot of language?

What are you reading?

What is your favorite book other than the Bible?

What book do you recommend?

What have you learned to cook because you live overseas that you would have never tried before?

What is a favorite American goodie you always bring back with you?

What is your favorite go-to date night with your husband?

Do you have pets? If so, what kind?

Where do you buy your undies and bras?

What’s your favorite tea?

What are you willing to pay export price for?

What is your dream for the Taking Route Universe?

Mentioned in this episode:

Lubalin’s IG account — the random song lyrics we were quoting about broccoli and blue cheese come from this musician who makes funny songs out of internet drama.

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis

A Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman

Big Dreams and Daily Joys by Elise Blaha Cripe

The Meaning of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller

The Tyranny of the Urgent by Charles E. Hummel

Recipe for making condensed soup

Recipe for making your own ricotta cheese 

Hoosier Farm Mac and Cheese powder (and here’s the no-color-added version)

Good Earth Sweet and Spicy tea (smells like Big Red gum)

Find us online:

Join us on Instagram. 

Interact with other expats on our private Facebook group. 

Search for expat articles on our blog.

Get monthly curated resources monthly via our newsletter.

Show credits: 

Hosted by Denise James, Alicia Boyce, and Melissa Faraday // produced and edited by Melissa Faraday // content managed by Kim Johnson.

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