Hi, I’m Kelly. I’m an American Foreign Service spouse. My husband and I are on our sixth (and probably last) assignment overseas together, in Vienna, Austria. Previously, we’ve been posted to Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe, and my husband has done one year-long “unaccompanied” tour.
I lived in suburban Washington, DC for seven years before we moved to Vienna. That has to be some kind of Foreign Service record, right? Not a coincidence. It reflects my mixed attitude toward expat life. It can be fun, but it can also be a lot of work. And it’s very stressful.
I’m not a super gung-ho diplomatic spouse. I like living overseas, but I like living at home, too. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. I love my downtown apartment, but I miss having a real garden. I love the travel, but don’t like being so far from family. It’s definitely a trade-off as far as I am concerned.
And my relationship with the State Department? Well, it’s complicated.
That said, I realize that Vienna is an extremely cushy assignment. And, especially if it’s going to be our last post before retirement (from the FS only–I won’t even be 50 yet!) I intend to make the most of it! This blog is mostly about travel, expat and Foreign Service stuff, with a few topics of personal interest thrown in here and there.
You may notice I don’t identify myself too specifically on the blog. It’s just easier that way. I figure, if you know me, you’ve seen the link on Facebook, or you can work it out. If you don’t know me personally, then it really doesn’t matter who I am.
Recently, a couple of people have asked if they can quote me or link to me on their blogs. Please feel free to do either with attribution to Kelly at Well, That Was Different. I wouldn’t put it out there if I didn’t want other people to read it. I just don’t use my (rather unique) name because I happen to share it with my husband, The Diplomat. I am sure you understand.
And that’s my perspective, which is mine, and only mine, and not official in any way, and yadda, yadda, yadda….
Please enjoy!
Hi there, just found your blog through the FS round-up. We are headed to Vienna next year as well!
Nicole
Well, that’s pretty neat
Looking forward to hearing from you-bon voyage!
Love the blog! Thanks for linking mine on yours. Hope it helps you navigate the food in this town:)
You are welcome! I really enjoy yours, though the photos make me hungry
Thanks for connecting! I’m looking forward to keeping in touch and reading about your experiences in the FS. I’m a former FSO turned EFM and know all too well what you mean by “complicated.” My wife is still in; we’re posted in BKK. We’re trying to enjoy to best of the FS life with as few headaches as possible.