Hi. I’m Julie and that’s my husband, Jaro. Welcome to our little blog.
We are average Americans who surprised everyone (including ourselves) when we uprooted our comfortable life in Chicago and relocated to Europe, not knowing when (or if) we’d return. We lived in Amsterdam for a mere 14 months and learned we would be heading “home” to the United States much sooner than expected. In November 2012, we moved back, this time to Portland, Oregon. It was a whirlwind, quite literally. I visited 22 countries, dozens of cities, and countless cobblestone streets.
Though we are no longer expatriates, we are forever changed by our experience of living in Europe. In surprising and profound ways, we have a new appreciation for the world. For travel. For people. For… everything.
This blog is where I share that new perspective. Jaro chimes in sometimes too. We are doing our best to enjoy these unexpected twists in our journey together. It’s our life. It’s one we never dreamed we’d have.
I hope you’ll join us for the ride.
With love,
Julie
Those Dam Americans 
Love your website!
Thanks so much for sharing your life adventures, Miss and Love you both-Njnjia
Thanks for inspiring me! I have just nominated you for the Inspiring Blog Award: http://wiesagtman.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/inspiring-blog-award/
I’ve nominated you for The Sunshine Award! You can see my post here: http://pennilesstraveler.com/2012/08/25/the-sunshine-award/ Congrats!!
I’ve nominated you for the Adventurous Blogger Award! You can see my post here http://pennilesstraveler.com/2012/09/01/adventurous-blogger-award/. Congrats! I’d be so happy if you’d accept =)
Y’all are too cute! I look forward to reading more about your adventures.
Thanks! I like your blog too. Excited for you to be over here in Europe long-term; living here is fantastic. x
You’re so welcome!
I’m positively thrilled.
Great website!
Have fun in Sweden!
What a cool adventure. Keep documenting it all not only for you but for us too!
Absolutely! It’s a fun story to share. x
Hilarious. I keep thinking about getting an American flag sticker and every time I do something stupid or culturally unaware, leaving it in that spot. Enjoy your time!
Love this! I had MANY of those moments.
Nice blog! I love this -> “We’re American. We live abroad. We’re trying not to be idiots about it.” Made me smile.
I was in Stockholm for a holiday this summer and I loved it!
Hi Julie,
I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award – congratulations! Follow this link to see the post and learn more about the rules for this award: http://wiesagtman.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you for inspiring me! And good luck with your new life — again! — in the U.S.!
Sam
Great title! First I thought of a typo when the little tulip icon appeared into my ‘blogs you might like’ then a little light went up!
Thank you! It was the perfect fit while we were living there, but I’m still trying to hang on to it somehow. 🙂
Julie –
I tried emailing you with some information about Portland (I am newer here too!) but the email bounced back – feel free to contact me directly so I can send you the note. Best, Kimberley