Latest news with #expat
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Move To Europe: 8 Secret Towns Where You Can Live Well (For Less)
Villefranche sur Mer, France—a European town where you can live a better life (for less). Think you have to be rich to live in Europe? Think again. A new report from International Living spotlights the best places to live in Europe—eight secret towns across France, Portugal, Greece and Italy. These are places where expats can enjoy a high quality of life, for much less than it costs to live in the U.S. The report is part of the brand's new 'Hidden Places Initiative,' which aims to uncover the next awesome spots. 'At International Living, we're on a mission to find the next great, overlooked expat destinations—the villages, towns, and cities where you can live well for less—before they hit the mainstream,' International Living's executive editor Jennifer Stevens told me in an interview. According to Stevens, the rise of social media has led travelers to crowd the same few hotspots. 'On the one hand, social media has opened up the world to more people—in a wonderful way. But on the other hand, everybody is just following everybody else around,' says Stevens. The result? Overcrowding, homogenization and skyrocketing prices. That's where the Hidden Places Initiative comes in. Backed by on-the-ground contributors, International Living has identified destinations that haven't hit the mainstream—yet. 'To be clear, just because a place is 'unknown' doesn't make it a worthy recommendation,' says Stevens. 'We're looking for places that earn your attention—because they're beautiful, well-connected, offer enough to do and see and occupy you if you were to live there and offer excellent value for your dollars, too.' Here, we've got a recap of International Living's eight European picks. Keep in mind: These towns might not be full of English speakers or Instagram influencers. But each town on this list offers something more meaningful: an authentic lifestyle, a strong sense of community and the chance to live well—without draining your savings. Villefranche sur Mer—an idyllic French Riviera town. Why: Right between Nice and Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a cozy village with swoon-worthy villas. 'But this sunny port city offers all the Mediterranean lifestyle perks—waterfront living, 300+ days of sunshine a year and a thriving food and arts scene—at a far more accessible cost,' writes International Living. 'Residents enjoy a revitalized historic center, trendy bistros, and highlights like Les Halles, a gourmet food hall and Rue des Arts, a creative hub with galleries and performances.' The Cost: According to International Living, a couple should budget at least $3,000 a month. Housing is the biggest cost, with rent starting around $1,457 (€1,300). French healthcare is excellent and cheap—a doctor's visit will cost you $28 (€25). A view of Toulon, France. Why: If Nice is the queen of the Côte d'Azur, Toulon is her scrappy little sister—with all the sun and sea, but no sky-high prices. 'This sunny port city delivers all the perks of coastal living at a much more accessible cost,' writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, a two-bedroom rental starts around $950, and couples can live comfortably on about $2,800 a month—including healthcare, groceries, dining out and endless aperitifs. The beautiful medieval and artistic city of Ascoli Piceno—an affordable place to live in Europe. Why: Set in the Marche region, Ascoli Piceno is older than Rome and packed with beauty and culture. 'Expats are drawn by the flat, walkable layout, active cultural life, highly rated healthcare and proximity to Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains,' writes International Living. 'A small but happy expat community enjoys year-round festivals, Italian language schools and excellent restaurants—don't miss the local delicacy, olive all'Ascolana.'writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, a two-bedroom rental in the historic center runs $650 to $1,200 per month. Couples can live comfortably on about $2,000 a month. And if you want to buy a house and move in for good, you're in luck: You can find a countryside home for under $200,000. The beaches of Esposende, Portugal. Why: Located in northern Portugal's Braga District, Esposende is a peaceful coastal town with a laid-back lifestyle and strong appeal for creatives, retirees, and remote workers. 'It feels more like a beach town than a city,' writes International Living, 'with walkable terrain, ocean breezes, and a slower pace that's perfect for unwinding.' The Cost: According to International Living, a two-bedroom rental ranges from $872 to $1,090 per month. Healthcare is affordable for legal residents, and everyday living costs are low enough that many couples can live comfortably on a modest budget. Saint Tiago Square (Praca Sao Tiago) is the main square of historical center of Guimaraes, Portugal, an affordable place to live in Europe. Why: Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães blends medieval charm with modern livability. 'It's a walkable, culture-rich city where Gothic architecture meets contemporary cafés and boutiques,' writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, couples can live well here on about $1,800 a month. Rent is modest, and the city's size makes it easy to get around without a car—saving even more. S. Bento monastery in Santo Tirso, Portugal, an affordable place to live in Europe, Why: Set along the River Ave in northern Portugal, Santo Tirso is a peaceful town with history and natural beauty. 'It blends thermal spas, riverside parks, and small-town charm—with a lower cost of living and a relaxed pace,' writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, furnished one-bedroom apartments rent for around $925 a month, and daily expenses are low. Healthcare access is excellent, with a 24-hour hospital in town and top clinics nearby in Porto. Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal—an affordable place to live in Europe. Why: Just 20 minutes from Porto, Vila Nova de Famalicão is an up-and-coming city combines modern infrastructure with small-town friendliness. 'It's well-connected, walkable and full of green spaces—plus it's got a youthful, creative energy,' writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, one-bedroom apartments start at $179,000 to buy, and four-bedroom rentals go for around $1,516 a month. With co-working spaces, a solid expat community, and affordable living, it's a smart pick for remote workers and families. A traditional stone house with blooming pink oleander flowers in the village of Litochoro, Greece. M Why: Set between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus, Litochoro is all about stunning views, outdoor adventure and lovely little villages. With snow-capped peaks towering above, a charming village nestled in the foothills, and the Aegean Sea minutes from town, it's a breathtaking setting,' writes International Living. 'The surrounding nature and welcoming community blend seamlessly, creating a place full of adventure and warmth.' The Cost: According to International Living, two-bedroom rentals range from $270 to $380 per month. Meals out cost as little as $11, and healthcare is both accessible and affordable.
ABC News
a day ago
- General
- ABC News
Women filmed in bathroom without their consent, former housemate to be sentenced over violation
When Sarah* moved into her first Sydney share house, the Canadian expat thought it was a "completely safe, normal environment". Months after moving out, she would find out it was the backdrop of a horrific violation of privacy and trust, perpetrated by her former male housemate. Luis Alberto Cancino Mena had placed three female housemates under intimate surveillance without their knowledge or consent. The 39-year-old man had set up a secret camera to film Sarah and two other women in a communal bathroom — including in the shower — and in one of their bedrooms. After being called into a local police station, the 27-year-old said she sat in shock as she had to review one of several videos taken of her. "I felt violated, scared, confused — I couldn't believe someone could do such a thing," Sarah said. "It's something that you would see on TV or in movies but never something that you could imagine happening to you." Court documents show that cleaners at the home located a camera device shaped like a pen on the ground of the bathroom before they pulled it apart and found that it was recording. After removing the storage device card inside, they found files of themselves cleaning the bathroom and a woman taking a shower. The property owner took it to police. Officers found a recording of Cancino setting the camera up and said he "made full and frank admissions" when interviewed by police. The documents also showed that one woman was recorded in both the shared bathroom and inside her bedroom, with videos saved on his laptop under a folder with her name. That is where a folder labelled "Sarah" was also found. All three victims were unaware of the camera and did not give Cancino consent to film them. "It definitely put me on edge, made me trust people less because of it and I just want this chapter of my life closed so I can move on." Cancino, from Chile, is expected to be sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to three counts of intentionally record intimate video/image without consent. Court documents show Cancino is in Australia on a temporary visa, which is about to expire. His passport was seized by police and the documents show he told police he intended to return to Chile and not return to Australia. Sarah said she wants justice and has been attending each court appearance. "It was definitely scary [seeing him in person again]. My heart was beating out of my chest … he's a predator, he's a criminal," Sarah said. "It was an attack on women, and I don't think a person like that deserves to be here in Australia … ultimately I just want him to get what he deserves." The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) said there were 422 finalised charges relating to recording or threatening to record intimate images without consent in 2024. The data shows an uptick to the previous year, with 267 finalised charges in 2023. "Despite the recent increase in charges, the proportion of proven charges has remained similar in 2024 (43 per cent proven) compared to the previous year (48 per cent proven in 2023)," BOSCAR said in a statement. Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre director Associate Professor Bridget Harris said it was hard to know just how common this is because there could be many cases that go undetected. "We don't have the stats on this, but I would suspect, given other rates of technology-facilitated abuse, that gender and sexually diverse people are also experiencing high rates of digital voyeurism," Dr Harris said. Dr Harris, who leads Monash Criminology, said more needs to be done to target the ideologies that drive this type of harm, recognising that it as a form of gendered control and sense of entitlement to someone's body. She said often those most subjected to these harms are expected to try and prevent them. "It's just another form of … safety work that women will do, or other targets will do to try and prevent violence from happening and the burden is really often with victim survivors, especially when there aren't enough mechanisms to help in detecting or regulating or stopping this harm." Sarah said she wants to warn others in the rental market to stay vigilant, acknowledging it was yet "another thing women have to worry about." "I think the rental market is so crazy… and we kind of let our guard down and let things slide just trying to get into a place," Sarah said. "I know that something like this is not my fault. "I didn't do anything to have this happen and there was nothing I could've done to prevent it. So speaking out, having my truth told, was important." *Sarah's surname has been withheld for privacy reasons.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
Why Every Expat, Retiree, and Digital Nomad Should Consider Moving to This Affordable European Island Destination Right Now
Moving abroad to a warm, sunny spot that looks out on the azure waters of the Mediterranean sure sounds dreamy. It also sounds expensive. But, as a new report in International Living shows, there is one place where you really can have it all for under $36,000 a year. In late March, the website dedicated to helping expats live, retire, and travel abroad released a list of the top spots to live in Malta, an archipelago located off the coast of Sicily, known for its beautiful scenery, fantastic architecture, and a growing expat community. "With its stunning coastline, mild climate, and affordable cost of living, English-speaking Malta offers expats and retirees a high-quality yet budget-friendly lifestyle," International Living reported, adding that Malta is often one of the European Union's most overlooked retirement destinations. 'Malta offers the best of Mediterranean living—history, safety, and affordability,' Kathleen Evans, a contributor to International Living, shared. 'It's an incredibly safe place where living on $3,000 a month, or even less, is still a reality.' According to Evans, expats and retirees can stretch their dollar by living outside hotspots, such as Valetta's Inner Harbour. International living highlighted three locations as the best destinations for affordable living in Malta: Mellieħa, Marsaxlokk, and Gozo. In Mellieħa, a less populated area of the island, expats will find gorgeous beaches and thinner crowds. They'll also find two-bedroom, two-bath apartments renting for about $950–$1,000 per month. (Though the website notes that "sea-view properties come at a premium.") Those who want to buy can find houses in the $250,000–$300,000 range. Marsaxlokk, located in the south, is a quaint fishing village with just 4,000 full-time residents. Here, apartments rent for about $900–$1,000 per month, while homes can be purchased for over $300,000. And lastly, in Gozo, Malta's northernmost island, expats will find a bit more energy, thanks to its 41,000 residents. Here, a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment rents for $900 per month, and homes sell for around $309,000. International Living noted that those seeking permanent residency should consider buying property worth at least €300,000 (about $309,000), which will qualify them for the country's MPRP permanent residency program. However, if you just like to test the waters first, you can apply for its Digital Nomad Visa, which allows non-residents to stay for up to one year and can be renewed up to three times. As for the rest of your living expenses, International Living reported that groceries are a little pricey due to shipping costs, and there is only one public hospital in Malta, complicating access to specialized care. See the full report and more insights on Malta at
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Feels so positive': Expat reveals the biggest culture shocks after working in Australia for a year
After working in Australia for over a year, an expat from Singapore has shared the biggest culture shocks she's experienced. Luna, 29, works in media in Melbourne and has been surprised by Australia's chill workplace culture. Firstly, unlike in Singapore where a typical working day ends at 6pm, Aussies knock off at 5pm. 'The one that stood out the most is how everyone leaves on time. In Singapore, especially in small and mid-sized companies, I hardly see anyone packing as the clock strikes 6pm,' she said. The young worker said, in Singapore, leaving work before your boss does back isn't exactly the done thing if you want to get ahead. 'There's a certain unspoken stress that comes with leaving the office before your boss leaves,' she told 'There was once, at my first job, when I left on time my then-manager remarked, 'Wow, you're leaving early today'.' The 29-year-old stressed that she didn't go in completely blind and had done some research before coming to work in Australia, but it was still a shock. 'I love the emphasis on work-life balance. Nobody disturbs me when I'm on vacation, and even if someone emails me after working hours, they do not expect a reply until the next day,' she said. The young worker said the cultural norm in Australia is that you should take leave and 'enjoy it' and not be contacted while you're away. She was stunned to discover that there also a law around this, In August 2024, Australia introduced the Right to Disconnect law, which ensures employees can refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact from their employer or others outside of their working hours, unless refusal is unreasonable. Luna claimed it is proof that Aussies really 'respect the boundary between work and personal life', which she appreciates. The worker has also been amazed to discover the concept of long service leave, where if you've been at a company for over a certain amount of time, you get extended paid leave. It varies depending on where in the country you are working. For instance, in the ACT, you receive it is just over six weeks of long service leave after seven years, but in NSW, you're entitled to two months after a decade. Luna has also been astounded by how casual Aussies are at work and said the 'chill vibes' have been a nice surprise. She has found it wild that people will say the F-word in the office and co-workers talk to each other like their friends. The 29-year-old also said she was taken aback by how relaxed the Aussie office culture is, even if someone makes a mistake. 'Everyone is very chill about things going wrong. If you're running late, text your boss. Need to work from home? That is all good. Made a mistake? No worries we will fix it together,' she said. 'Work culture feels so positive and less toxic in Australia.' Luna has also observed that, in Australia, it is normal to bring food in for lunch and eat alone, whereas back in Singapore you always buy lunch out and grab food as a team. 'I kind of like this better as it encourages team bonding, but of course, it is annoying when there's someone I dislike in the team,' she said. Another downside about working in Australia is that she's been stunned to learn that she has to pay 30 per cent tax in Australia, while back home, she only paid three per cent in tax. There's also the fact that she's found it hard to connect with her co-workers, but she's getting better at it. 'The part I'm finding challenging is finding common topics with people to chat about. Coming from a different culture and country, I consume different media, watch different shows etc,' she said. 'Plus, Aussies are chattier than Singaporeans, so I struggle with trying to hold conversations. I've been trying to bridge that gap by listening to Aussie podcasts, watching Aussie reality TV shows, and following Aussie news. 'I also noticed that people in Melbourne always complain about the weather so I do that now as a small talk topic.' Luna's work observations have divided people online, with some claiming Australia has an amazing work culture and others not being so convinced. 'There are still many problems with Aussie workplaces including subtle racism and micro-aggressions,' one said. 'Australia sucks! Saying that as an Aussie,' another noted. 'I'd pay the tax just for the work life balance,' someone else said. 'Been in Australia for over a decade and I could never go back to the work culture in Singapore. Toxic places do exist in Australia and it's a different kind of toxicity, but everyone does respect others time outside of work,' one said. 'I got scolded once for calling an Australian colleague at 4.30pm. They really take their 9-5 seriously,' another shared. 'Okay, I don't know where you are working, but this has not been my experience in Australia working in law. It must vary widely between industries,' someone else said. 'This made me feel kind of blessed to be an Aussie. I didn't realise our work culture was so good,' one chimed in.
CNN
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘The US is the best place to exist': She returned to Germany after living in California, and now she's full of regret
She left Germany for the United States in the late 1970s, and built a wonderful life in California, but nearly four decades later, Camilla Delsid decided to return to her home country. The mother-of-two, who grew up in Southern Germany, has been living near the city of Stuttgart, in southwest Germany, for the past few years. However, she's far from happy about it. 'California was my home, and in my heart it still is,' Camilla tells CNN Travel, before explaining that she misses the US desperately. 'I wholeheartedly regret moving back here and believe that the US is the best place to exist in this world.' So how did she end up in California in the first place? Camilla says she never really felt like she belonged in Germany and always 'dreamed of foreign countries' during her younger years. 'I grew up very guarded and distrustful,' she adds. 'I can't say I had much of a sense of humor then. I do now… 'It was always really serious. German culture is very black and white and 'yes' or 'no'. You either fit into some box, or you don't. And if you don't, that's a problem for you.' When Camilla met her future husband Carlos, a Mexican American soldier, through a friend at the age of 18, it felt as though everything had clicked into place. 'That was like a prayer answer or a dream come true,' she recounts. 'But I was so dumb when I was young, I didn't really know much…' She'd been fantasizing about leaving Germany for years, so Camilla didn't think twice about giving up everything to move to the United States with Carlos, 'against the laments' of her family and friends. 'We fell in love,' she recounts. 'And after three years or so, he went back to the US, to California, San Jose, and I came as well.' Camilla and Carlos married soon after arriving in the US together in 1978, and went on to have two children. 'I had a godfather who was very upset with me for marrying a brown-skinned person, saying that I'm messing up the 'good German gene pool,'' she recounts. 'And I told him where to go.' While she was thrilled to be living in the US, Camilla admits that she 'was a bit lost at first,' due to the significant cultural differences. She remembers struggling with simple things like day-to-day pleasantries because she was so accustomed to the notorious German directness. 'In the very beginning of my stay in California, when someone asked, 'How are you?' I just started to tell them my life story,' she recalls. 'I felt obliged to have to answer that question. But it was just, 'Hello.' So that took me a long time to adjust to. Realizing that that doesn't mean they really want to know how I'm doing.' While living in the US came with its evident challenges, Camilla, who was based in Sacramento, quickly found that California suited her far better than her home country. She enjoyed the fact that she could make mistakes without feeling judged, and loved that people were 'interested in little old me.' 'The Americans were incredibly interested in me and my story,' she says, noting that 'Americans are generally inquisitive.' 'I was treated extremely well.' Feeling as though she was finally in a place where she was accepted, Camilla's confidence grew, and she began to understand that she was capable of much more than she'd envisioned. 'I realized that I was intelligent,' she says, explaining that her parents had 'invested heavily' in their son's education while she was growing up, and were less focused on their daughter's. 'We were expected to marry and be taken care of,' she adds. But although she'd taken to the US with vigor, things were far from smooth sailing when it came to her personal life. After five years of marriage, Camilla and her husband divorced, and she found herself struggling financially. 'I had to go on welfare and deal with the shame that came with that,' Camilla says, admitting that she started to wonder whether she should have listened to her family and stayed in Germany. 'I was a failure and I thought, 'I just have to fight now.' So I fought. I got on welfare which is hard, because it's really not very much that you get.' While she found being a single parent extremely challenging, Camilla says that she received a huge amount of support from her friends in the US, and was given the opportunity to go to junior college. Camilla, who had studied at business school after leaving high school in Germany, went on to gain a PhD, and became Dr. Camilla Delsid. 'I could have never done that in Germany,' she says, describing how the 'love and encouragement' of her strong network of friends, including other moms, spurred her on. 'I made the most amazing American friends,' she says, stressing that she would not have 'been able to make it' on her own. 'Girlfriends, who also had children… 'I learned how to parent in America. I learned that it's no big deal when you spill the milk. So what? That doesn't make you a bad child, it's just spilled milk. Big deal. 'I really learned how to be a good mom from my American friends, who didn't have war children as parents.' Buoyed on by the support of her community, Camilla became a substitute teacher and eventually moved into social work. 'When I did substitute teaching, I saw so many children who came from homes and were not healthy,' she explains. 'They would come hungry. They would come not dressed well, or cleaned up… And then I thought, 'I think here's my calling…' 'I need to go into social work and work with parents so they learn how to become better parents and stop all these cycles that so many of our families that grew up in poverty are stuck in and just pass on to the next generation.' In the years that followed, Camilla became part of a movement to improve the child welfare system in the US. 'We worked with families that were willing to work with us, on strengthening them on the many different levels,' she says. Despite the breakdown of her marriage, Camilla felt rooted in the Golden State. She became a US citizen in 2000 and saw herself living there for the rest of her days. But life had other plans. Camilla's son, Rafael, and her daughter, Jordana, both ended up moving to Germany for work opportunities, building strong careers in the country, and she missed them dearly. 'I was in California with my dog, and my kid said, 'Why don't you come to Germany?'' she recalls. 'And on bad days, you miss your family so much. You miss your children so much. And so I said, 'OK, I'll come and I'll just check it out.' After mulling things over, she ultimately decided to pack up her life in California and return to Germany in August 2020. Unfortunately, her move coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought about border closures and nationwide lockdowns, and Camilla struggled with the 'utter isolation' that ensued. 'It was terrible,' she says. Once life returned to normal and she was able to truly experience Germany again, Camilla says she found that the country had changed during her years away, and as far as she was concerned, this wasn't for the better. 'Huge, huge changes. I really don't even recognize this country anymore…' she says. 'So many things are not working here. People are so frustrated here, and it shows up in their behavior.' She desperately misses the 'friendly American way,' and feels that some Germans are uncomfortable with her 'because they don't know how to respond to friendliness.' 'Call it shallow, whatever,' she says. 'But I'll take a shallow, smiling American over a sour-faced, bitter German, who's also shallow, by the way.' Camilla admits that she's been particularly disheartened by the current political tensions in Germany, where far-right parties have been moving from the political edges to the mainstream in recent years. When questioned on the political tension in the US, Camilla says that she's well aware that there are likely 'just as many idiots' in California, but she doesn't feel the same level of despair about the situation. 'I would love to go back and help my friends and my community in California, and be part of an effort to make it better,' she adds. Nearly five years since her return, Camilla says she still hasn't 'arrived' in Germany, 'mentally and emotionally,' and can't help but long to be back in the US. 'I know it's not perfect, and life is not better there,' she says. 'But my friends are there. And the people are just friendly.' Camilla goes on to explain that she misses what she describes as the 'pioneer spirit' of the people in the US. 'They're just more open-minded people than Germans are,' she says. 'And that's what I like the most. 'You could really mess up, and you weren't a bad person or a failure.' While she enjoys being closer to her children, and having the opportunity to spend time with her grandchild, Camilla has realized that she still doesn't fit in there, and was much happier in the US. 'I never really wanted to return to Germany,' she admits. 'But I did it for my children. I also wanted to give it a really fair shot, and I did. 'I feel as if I've really given it my all. And I don't belong here anymore. If there were a way for me to go back to California, I would.' So why she hasn't gone back to California? Camilla explains that she feels as though she has little choice but to remain in Germany as she has a well-paid job there and can't 'financially swing' living in the US anymore. 'When you work in social work all your life there, you don't make a lot of money,' she explains, adding that her retirement income 'isn't that great.' 'And there's not a lot of money to put away.' Camilla points out that her retirement income would simply 'not be sufficient to cover both the cost of relocating and my living expenses once I stop working.' 'I have a little savings, but I would have to get into a full-time job in California,' she says. 'And I can't work forever… I have to be realistic.' She currently works for the government and admits that the way people react to her makes her feel like she's 'a hundred years old' at times. 'It's almost inconceivable that somebody my age, retirement age, is still working and likes it,' she says. 'And in California, I don't feel that way.' However, she concedes that after living and working in the country for several years, she's come to appreciate the 'discipline and reliability embedded in everyday life,' despite wrestling with the 'rigidity' of German culture. 'I'm cautious not to overgeneralize,' she adds. 'Every culture has its undercurrents – deep-rooted values that shape how people think, interact, and solve problems. 'In Germany, structure, rules, and a sense of order run like a vein through the national psyche. 'This has its strengths, especially in fields where precision and reliability are vital. But it can also stifle creativity and adaptive thinking.' Camilla, who recently adopted a beagle named Amora, goes on to explain that she's found it hard to make new friends in Germany because of the 'generational thing.' However, she stresses that being around younger people makes her feel somewhat hopeful about the future of the country. 'The young Germans are really cool and nice,' she says. 'I like their mentality, and I'm glad to see them breaking away from that post-war brokenness.' She's optimistic that 'this emerging generation will carry forward the best of its traditions — its thoughtfulness, craftsmanship, and intellectual rigor — while also embracing a more dynamic, inclusive, and open approach to life.' Reflecting on her decision to move back to Germany, Camilla says that she's learned a valuable lesson. 'You should never make your children, your adult children, the center of your life,' she says. 'And neither expect from your adult children that you are the center of their life. They have their lives, and I left mine behind in California.' While she may be dissatisfied with life in the country at present, Camilla stresses that she's extremely proud of her German roots. 'I love the old German culture,' she says. 'My son is in the theater and opera, and I can't escape all the knowledge I gained when I was just a little child, which shaped me, and I really appreciate all that.' Camilla is also a huge fan of the 'green and lush' landscape of Germany, but ultimately feels as though she is 'more aligned' with the US, seeing herself as 'American and not German' now. 'American culture and people are the most wonderful there is in this world,' she says. 'Warts and all.'
