Living abroad is ... exciting - bewildering - fascinating - confusing - eye-opening - infuriating - self-confidence-building - self-confidence-destroying ...

Thanks for visiting Tales from a Small Planet, www.talesmag.com, where personal essays, Real Post Reports and Real School Reports tell you "what it's really like to live there."

We're non-profit, and our mission is to share uncensored and honest information about both the delights (new cultures, fascinating people, unique opportunities, exotic foods) and the challenges (loneliness, loss of identity, struggles to accommodate special needs) of living abroad.

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Guatemala City, Guatemala
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
The wide variety of styles in public places is fascinating: everything from very traditional Mayan clothing (hand-woven long skirts and blouses) to skinny jeans/crop tops/stiletto heels is seen on the streets here in the capital....
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Embassy families are prohibited from using local buses or taxis for safety concerns. Gang attacks on buses and taxis are a relatively common occurrence. Uber, however, is allowed, and has been fantastic for us here.

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