A MUM IN INDIA

Living abroad with your tribe...it sounds exciting ? scary ? hard ? Or maybe a bit of the three at the same? Thanks to our serie "A MUM IN..." discover what it is like to raise kids across the globe. Today follow our contributor in India, Julie Wouters where she lives with her 4 kids.

  • What brought you to Bangalore?

We moved to Bangalore in India for my husband's work. He is the head of an important Belgian company.

  • Is Bangalore kid-friendly?

I would say what my kids say: this country is dirty, cahotic, noisy but very welcoming. People are really warm and there is always a party happening on the week end. Indians are really religious and celebrate a different God each day of the year. To honor them they decorate their house, the streets, the cow....Indians love kids, theirs and also the ones they meet. When we walk around, my children are always greeted cheerfully, asked "how are you", "what’s your name"..,  people touch their hair and ask to do selfies. Being an expat kid in India is really like bien a little star.

  • Is Bangalore expat-friendly?

I think India is an ideal place for expats. Families that come and stay are mainly adventurous and quite laid back. Living here as an expat though, is is like living in a parallel world. My children don't see the poverty, the social inegalities and how women are treated. We travel a lot with them in the country and try to explain to them as much as possible de reality of the country.

  • What do you miss in Bangalore?

I lived three years in Paris before coming here and I got used to walking around looking at the pretty architecture around me, the terraces, the shops but I can't do any of that here. In order to get my minimum daily steps, I run in my neighborhood in the morning.

  • What do they miss in Bangalore?

Not much. There is a great climat here and our kids are wearing tee shirts and shorts year around. They can be outside and swim daily. For kids aged 1 to 12 it is really ideal. Our teen had a hard time at the beginning not being able to walk around alone in the street to meet up with friends; but now she got used to go to her friends' house by car. Once in a while we dream about a food we can't find here but it passes quickly.

  • The biggest surprise for you? For them?

My biggest surprise is the quality of life of an expat here. I was told that expat here are superficial and the wives were described as "Desperate Housewives" so I was worried not to make any friends with the same values as mine. That was all wrong, I quickly made friends and we spend wonderful moments together.

  • What is a day like in Bangalore?

My four kids are at school 5 days a week from 7.30am to 3pm, and then they have activities and homework. On the weekend they play soccer, go to horse riding classes and play with kids of their age in our compound. It is magical for them to be able to play in a car-free enclosed environment featuring a soccer field, tennis and a pool!I work here as a photo reporter when the kids are at school and I run my blog familytripinindia.com. I also started yoga (the national sport) and exercise more than in Europe. Days go by really fast.

  • What is the ideal age for kids to be in Bangalore?

We gave 4 kids from 3 to 13 years old. At the beginning we were worried about the 13 year old as we thought she would not be able to live the same life as a teen in France for instance. Luckily she found friends and our neighbor has a teen as well in the same class. Living in a compound is great for kids up to 12 as they can easily and safely run around and they are tones of things to do. India with its vibrant colors and joyful festivals is wonderful for little ones.

  • How is it to travel with kids in the country?

Due to India's massive size we fly everywhere. From Bangalore,  we are one hour away from Goa, Bombay, Kerala. It is ideal to spend a long week end. If we travel within a region then we take the train or a driver to take us around.

  • Can you tell us about some local kid friendly foods/meals?

He have a cook twice a week and she makes us discover local food. We learn how to it spicy. Our children love  butter chicken (chicken in creamy tomato sauce), palak paneer (local cheese and spinach), dal (lentils dish), naan (bread), etc. There are also great tropical fruits for their snack.

  • What is school like there?

My kids go to a school that looks like an American campus: large green spaces, modern buildings, and lots of sports avaible. The teaching method is laid-back and teachers give a hug to the students in the morning. Nevertheless, teachers a really respected by the students who acknowledge their qualities.

  • What do you do after school?

Soccer! Even my 13 year old daughter started. When it is really warm we go to the pool, which happens quite often!

  • What do you do on the week end?

Besides sportive activities, we go shopping, brunch with friends and rest. At night, we always have a dinner or a party with friends!

  • A favorite spot to eat out with the kids (meals or snack)?

We love the DRUID GARDEN. Check out my blog for more info!

  • A favorite spot to hang out with the kids?

We recently went to Goa and discovered a gorgeous remote place with an incredible view in the beach. You have to go!!! More info on my blog.

? Discover Julie's finds in India on her FamilyTripIndia

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