American Expats Living in Ethiopia - Interview with Bob Rob & Ana

In 2009 Bob and Ana were tired of being victims of the unstable educational system in California. The cutbacks and the continued uncertainty forced the pair into seeking work overseas. Since then there has been no turning back, although they miss their friends and family back home, they are having a blast seeing the world and all the the challenges that come with it. Bob Rob and Ana 's expat blog is called Tibs Tummy - Ethiopian Adventures (see listing here)

Here's the interview with Bob Rob and Ana ...

Where are you originally from?
San Diego, California USA

In which country and city are you living now?
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

How long have you lived in Ethiopia and how long are you planning to stay?
Lived here 8 moths and plan to stay at least 2 more years.

Why did you move to Ethiopia and what do you do?
We are teachers working at an international school. We liked what Ethiopia had to offer aesthetic wise.

Did you bring family with you?
Just us.

How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
We both come a bi-national, bi-cultural background and when you live just a few minutes away from the last outpost of where South/Cental America culture meets North America, it was not too difficult of a transition.

Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
We try to socialize with everyone. We talk to strangers a lot.

What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
Get out of the city and explore, go camping, see all that there is.

What do you enjoy most about living in Ethiopia?
The weather is great, people are friendly, plenty of outdoor activities.

How does the cost of living in Ethiopia compare to home?
If you eat and live like a local it is decent. If you need your western goods then expect to shell out quite a bit.

What negatives, if any, are there to living in Ethiopia?
The air quality can be awful. The driving is like human Frogger. To get anything official done is quite a task...they take forever.

If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to Ethiopia, what would it be?
Know what you're getting into. Make sure you pack your sense of humor. If you're uptight and live by your watch, they you're better off staying away.

What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Anything paperwork related.

When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
We hope this never happens, it might be a long time until we return. Ask us down the road.


What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?

1. Bring your humor.
2. You're not at home anymore so don't expect things to be the same.
3. Try the local foods and drinks.
4. Befriend locals, it'll enrich your experience in your host country.
5. Explore your new country.

Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
We like our adventures and misadventures and tend to document them through blurbs and pictures. We try to take it all in and explore around every corner.

How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Contact us via our blog.

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