From Wareham to Oman: Woman finds herself in the Middle East and on TV
Eliza Austin-Richardson's life is a little bit like a television show, so it made sense that the show "House Hunters International" wanted to profile the Wareham native's journey to Muscat, Oman.
The show helps people who are looking to live abroad find their way in a foreign country. The episode was shot last spring, and since then, 25-year-old Richardson has carved out a niche for herself in her adopted country.
"Life here's been good … I guess I'm just getting a bit more established," said Richardson. "I think as time goes on, you get a bit more settled."
Richardson was working as a flight attendant out of Boston when she met her future husband, Ash, who happened to be a pilot. He knew he'd have more job opportunities abroad, so he decided to see what was out there. Then, he landed a job flying out of Oman.
"House Hunters International" discovered their story through Eliza's blog, and reached out to the couple to document their transition to life in Oman.
Richardson was a little nervous about how the editing process would cut and paste their life for the small screen, but she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the finished product.
"I was actually pleasantly surprised," said Richardson. "I'm really happy with the way it turned out. ... It was really accurate. They did a good job."
Richardson was excited about the move, but apprehensive about how she would fill her days.
"We came out here for him … but for me I kind of had to start from scratch," said Richardson. A self-taught guitarist, she decided that with no immediate job prospects, it was time to pick up her guitar again.
She's been giving guitar lessons to children and teachers who attend The American International School in Muscat.
"A long time ago I put up a flyer in the teacher's lounge, and that's how I got most of my students," said Richardson.
Oman is a relatively liberal Muslim country, but some things are still slightly different. Sometimes Richardson will try to click through to a news article on the Internet, and find that it's been censored.
Some elements of popular culture are censored as well.
"Say they're showing something on a red carpet [on T.V.] and a girl is wearing a backless dress. All that is blurred out," says Richardson.
Despite the adjustments, all in all, Richardson says she's having a ball living the ex-pat life.
"House Hunters International" airs on the Home & Garden network. Check local listings for Eliza's episode, and follow her adventures on her blog at pumpkinpolarbear.blogspot.com.