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Cianalas: The Gaelic “Homesickness”

Bayble Island at sunset

“A Lewis man would be homesick in heaven.” I’m not sure where I first heard it, but this phrase – about the island in the Outer Hebrides where I’m from – has stuck with me ever since. It felt particularly…

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Washington Square Park Arch

4 Years of Expat Life in New York City

In many ways, New York City has defined my adult life. I may have only lived here for four years, but New York City has been my constant companion now for a decade. It was a crisp autumn day in…

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Bayble Island Isle of Lewis

On Going Home Again: A Spring Visit to the Outer Hebrides

I love watching the sunrise as I wake up in the morning, fresh cup of coffee in hand. Usually I have a quick glance through the window at the light breaking over the Manhattan skyline, but for most of the…

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Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band New York City

Tartan Week 2018: A Scottish Celebration with a Difference

Each spring, Tartan Week in New York City celebrates Scotland’s influence on the USA. Over the years, events have ranged from fashion shows and red carpet photo shoots, to poetry readings and theatre performances. But this year, for me, Tartan…

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Expat friends

How To Make Friends As An Expat (From Someone Who’s Been There)

The harsh reality of life as an expat – especially in the early days – is that loneliness is a constant companion. It sounds dramatic, but even when you’re with a husband, wife, or significant other, it’s hard not to…

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Port of Ness pier

Notes on Going Home (Again): A Week in Lewis and Harris

It was March 2016 when I first returned home to the Outer Hebrides, 18 months after moving to the USA and being prohibited from travelling. I expected the experience to be revelatory, and in the end it was, but not…

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HELLO!

I'm Katie, a Scottish islander in the USA, and the journalist behind Stories My Suitcase Could Tell, a travel blog which inspires you to explore the world. Read More…

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