E066 - Ahad's Journey: Love, Education, and Cultural Bonds
Summary In this episode, host James Doran converses with Ahad, who shares his unique journey of living in multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and the Netherlands. Ahad discusses the cultural transitions he faced, the impact of education and love on his moves, and the challenges and opportunities he encountered in each location. The conversation delves into the nuances of expat life, the importance of community, and the personal growth that comes from navigating different cultures. In this conversation, James Doran shares his experiences living in multiple countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. He discusses the cultural differences he encountered, particularly in food, social norms, and healthcare systems. Doran reflects on the challenges of adapting to new environments, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from each culture. He emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in navigating cultural differences and offers advice for future expats considering a move abroad. Takeaways: Ahad's journey reflects the complexities of cultural transitions. Education played a pivotal role in Ahad's move to Turkey. Love influenced many of Ahad's decisions to relocate. The experience of being an expat often involves starting from scratch. Cultural bonds can ease the transition to a new country. Ahad's experiences highlight the challenges of finding community abroad. Language barriers can impact social interactions in a new culture. The importance of adaptability in navigating different environments. Ahad's story emphasizes the significance of personal growth through travel. The role of family support in pursuing education abroad. Turkish food is flavorful but often lacks the spice that some cultures prefer. Cooking at home can be a fun and budget-friendly way to enjoy familiar dishes. Cultural adaptation is easier when one has experience living in different countries. The Netherlands is welcoming, with English widely spoken, making it easier to adjust. The Dutch diet is healthy but can be unappealing to those used to spicier foods. Public infrastructure in Northern Europe is generally superior to that in other regions. Healthcare in the Netherlands operates on a wait-and-see basis, which can be frustrating for newcomers. Living in multiple countries provides valuable insights into different cultures and social systems. Economic conditions in Turkey can be challenging for expats seeking better opportunities. Empathy and understanding are crucial in addressing cultural differences and systemic issues. Connect with Us: Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/ X: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/ Subscribe, Rate, and Review: If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat. Go and check out Ahads Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeeklyVasl https://thisisahad.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ahad's Journey 02:18 Cultural Transitions: From Saudi Arabia to Pakistan 04:10 Education and Love: The Move to Turkey 11:10 Settling in Turkey: Challenges and Opportunities 16:43 The Move to the Netherlands: A New Chapter 27:03 Life in Turkey: Cultural Experiences and Adjustments 36:59 Exploring Turkish Cuisine and Cultural Adaptation 42:16 Transitioning to Life in the Netherlands 46:59 Infrastructure and Public Services in Northern Europe 51:41 Healthcare Experiences and Cultural Shock 55:42 Lessons from Living in Multiple Countries 01:03:18 Advice for Future Expats and Cultural Integration