Category Archives: Uncategorized

Life Under Lockdown

Posted on April 1, 2020 by abroadintheusa

So, on the surface the leafy-suburbia version of the apocalypse turns out to be a rather mundane affair involving furious debate on the community Facebook page over whether it’s still OK to use the school playing fields (hint: it isn’t) … Continue reading →

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How our world has changed

Posted on March 23, 2020 by abroadintheusa

When I posted on March 13, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (aka Montco) had just started a supposed two-week shutdown of all non-essential businesses to try to “flatten the infection rate curve.” Within days it was clear that few businesses were willing … Continue reading →

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And so it begins

Posted on March 13, 2020 by abroadintheusa

Three weeks ago, a family member laughed at me when I admitted I was starting to quietly stock up on essentials (like soap, pasta, and canned goods). Two weeks ago, many people I know were still dismissing the headlines (“It’s … Continue reading →

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The Cost of Healthcare in America

Posted on December 6, 2019 by abroadintheusa

As the US presidential election race grinds onward, the issue of the nation’s healthcare system—or, rather, the lack of it—has been getting some airplay. I recently saw a video of people in the UK being asked what they think health … Continue reading →

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About Florida

Posted on April 5, 2019 by abroadintheusa

In the 34 years I’ve lived in the USA, I’ve visited (i.e., spent at least one overnight) in about 30 of the 50 states, and my least favorite by far is Florida. Admittedly, I’ve only been there twice, most recently … Continue reading →

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Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Posted on February 18, 2019 by abroadintheusa

This is the second of two posts on our trip to New Orleans (you can find the first one here). This one is about food, Mardi Gras, and cemeteries. After five days in New Orleans, I came to the conclusion … Continue reading →

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The Big Easy

Posted on February 15, 2019 by abroadintheusa

So last week I had the great good fortune to accompany Spouse on a business trip to New Orleans. While he spent time in conference meetings and ‘networking lunches’ I got to play tourist in a city that is like … Continue reading →

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Halloween in America: Candy, Costumes, and Crazy Decorations

Posted on October 30, 2018 by abroadintheusa

I’m cheating a little here and posting an update of last year’s piece on Halloween in America, with a few new pictures from the neighborhood. As usual (almost) everyone is getting in on the preparations; every other house in the … Continue reading →

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Voting in America

Posted on October 22, 2018 by abroadintheusa

Americans are very proud of being a democracy—”land of the free” and all that—and voting is the bedrock of the democratic system. So why, in this most vibrant of democracies, is the actual act of casting of a vote so … Continue reading →

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Pumpkin spice season

Posted on October 8, 2018 by abroadintheusa

It’s been a rough few days on the American political scene so, naturally, I feel like writing about something orange and kind-of-disgusting that deeply divides the country. No, not that one: I’m talking Pumpkin Spice. The calendar says it’s fall, … Continue reading →

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