The Real Expat Wives of Arabia Kim Haughton

Emma, UK born ( Bristol and Cornwall) Having been in a remote conservative non-diverse upbringing landed herself in London as a primary teacher where she met her Pakistani husband. After converting to Islam, and having her two children they got the offer to move to Saudi Arabia. As a Muslim this was very special for her, and her perspective as a mom of two under 5 years old, is one I think many will enjoy, especially the stark contrast of quality of life between life in London and life here in Saudi.

Been a minute! Stateside brought its share of chaos, finishing up clinicals for my final rotation of MSN/FNP school, spending time with my oldest helping her, and guiding her to balance life now as an adult, school, work, friends, boyfriend, and doctor appointments. Online/ remote nursing gig has been a blessing but just adds to the plate! Maldive EID holiday trip lowdown, and an upcoming trip to Tanzania in June! Introducing my next guest Emma from Riyadh!

Allison started her overseas experience growing up as a third culture kid in Malaysia. She always knew she wanted to go back overseas one day. When, then hubby of 10 years, Andrew got the job offer to be the middle school music teacher here in Saudi Arabia, OFF THEY WENT! Allison, actually being the more qualified having worked as band director and music teacher for both public and private schools in the USA, was ready to shift her focus to growing a family. She shares the journey her and Andrew have had working with infertility specialists here in the Middle East. This new season also allowed her to rekindle her childhood passion and hobby of photography.

Allison Redmon photography was birthed 7 years ago and she shares the joys of being a business owner while still juggling her family of 5. Be sure to give her a follow on all 3 platforms her website,

@https://www.allisonredmonphotography.com/

Her IG @allisonredmonphotography

Her FB @Allison Redmon Photography

Stacy and hubby Matt (Check him out on International Teacher Podcast!! ) with their 4 boys aged 6,9,9 and 11 have been in Saudi Arabia for 12 yrs. They are both school teachers and with only one kid at the time, they were faced with a decision to leave their expat life in Venezuela and either go to Hong Kong, or Saudi Arabia. They chose the Middle East for many reasons that fit into their growing family perfectly.

Enjoy our conversation while we discuss the benefits of life on camp including the benefits vs disadvantages of having younger and elementary school-aged kids vs middle/ high school-aged kids here in Saudi, the MAJOR challenges that come with having kids so far away in boarding school but also the challenges of depriving them of such an opportunity and keeping them here or returning stateside for public schools, having children with learning challenges and possible diagnosis that may require medication, how having a nanny as 2 full-time working parents has evolved as their children have grown older, her experience of giving birth to twins and her 2 c sections her in Saudi, her panic attack when she first moved here to Saudi while in IKEA, and last but not least her story of how they were STUCK in the maldives during COVID!!!

To listen to the ITC (International Teacher Podcast) and learn more about the many resources and opportunities for overseas teaching go to:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-teacher-podcast/id1561461759)

Although Judit is Riyadh-based and Hungarian-born, she claims London as "home". Her unique perspective led her to create a blog documenting her adventure as an expat in Saudi Arabia. With a Belgian hubby, 2 children, and one on the way, we agree, "never a dull moment"! Her background in Finance and Luxury and her experience working at Christie's Auction House in London has resulted in a recent lifestyle/ fashion coach certification where her passion for helping women feel more comfortable both in their postpartum bodies as well as helping women feel comfortable dressing specifically in Saudi Arabia ( See her blog for more information!!). Enjoy as she shares her own unique story and perspective with a few statements of advice for others wondering about moving to Saudi Arabia.

"You have to find your own way. NOW is the time! TAKE THAT PLUNGE!"- Judit

Find her on Instagram @theexpatadventures

Find her blog @theexpatadventures.com

From Tbilisi Georgia to the Caribbean, to Mauritius, to India, to Hawaii, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia with MANY trips up and back from Daytona ...... and a most recent trip to Austria, and Hungary!!!! Guys..... this expat lifestyle for realz be moving lightning-fast sometimes!! Have a listen, if you dare.... or care, to hear about my whirlwind of a summer. Can't look back too long, we are high-tailing it into fall and this podcast although had a long hiatus is ready for more action! Who will be my next guest?? Don't forget you can contact me at either handle:

On FB @Kimberly Fast Haughton

OR

On IG @trvels_with_kim

Much love