---

Background

Tian Lo has lived in Santiago for nearly a quarter of her life, yet still speaks very little of the local language. This is her story:

Dailey Life

Tian lo goes by Andi in Santiago, because it’s easier for people to pronounce. She was born in Shanghai, China and migrated from her country to Chile to run an Asian market. She’s been successful, but despite interacting with customers in Spanish day in and day out, she speaks very, very little of the language. She knows just enough to get by and get paid for the things she sells.

Her brother came over with her and she now employs him as well. Their store provides a good living for them and they have felt no need to integrate into the culture where they live. That integration process is harder than most realize. Living in a foreign country can still feel foreign even after you’ve spent more time there than your native country.

---

Her Perspective

She takes things one day at a time. She looks for happiness in her small sphere of influence and has a tremendous focus on family. The Chinese network in Santiago is very limited and so she relies on family to have conversations beyond, what would you like to buy and how much does this cost!

Follow My Blog

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.