I usually like being a foreigner. In fact, I usually love it –especially when I’m confronted with the possibility of not speaking the same language as the “natives.” I love... Read more >>

At last, the weather is turning and the sun and all of its charming glory has made an appearance—a promising appearance. For months on end I have longed for wine and book reading in... Read more >>

A Facebook friend wrote me a letter saying she agreed with me that Americans are unduly afraid of socialism and speak about it as though it were communism. I wrote her back.    Dear Tanya,... Read more >>

When I speak to professional women at all levels across various industries, I hear many reasons why women think they, in particular, “can’t” go abroad. I would like to dispel these... Read more >>

Parlez vous Internet shopping? I may not be able to get to the Louvre this spring, but that won’t stop me from browsing its gift shop. The dollar is down, or so they keep telling me. With a... Read more >>

Looming over me was a blur of aquamarine eye shadow, crimson blusher, and frosted orange lipstick, topped by a head of henna-red hair that would make a mad scientist jealous. Zoya ran a state-owned... Read more >>

We had four goals for this summer’s vacation.One, visit a foreign country and live as a local as much as possible. Two, learn a new sport (surfing). Three, get away from it all (no T.V.,... Read more >>

The masses have been asking for another installment about life in Zanzibar. I’m doing audience response this time: Do you have a washing machine? If not, do you outsource? I have a washing... Read more >>

Vered was never one to lie in bed, wishing the day hadn’t yet arrived, contemplating the sheer point of getting up. Her right leg is pulled close to her chest, and the left is stretched out... Read more >>

A wedding invitation used to be a good excuse to buy a new party dress; now it’s a great excuse to buy a new vacation wardrobe to go with that new dress. In the last ten years, I have received... Read more >>