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Living in Different Cultures Practical Lessons from Real Life

Elena Sullivan — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:31:04 +0000

Living in different cultures is always filled with “ooops” and “wow” moments. One of those “ooops” moments happened when I lived in Mexico, and that moment was all about superstitions. If you grew up in a Slavic culture like I did, you know superstitions are a big deal. They’re ingrained in everyday life, you don’t even question them. One I grew up with was this:

If you leave your home, but then realize you forgot something and have to go back inside, you must look in the mirror and say “Hello” three times before leaving again. If you don’t? Bad luck for the day. No exceptions.

Fast forward to my time in Cancun, Mexico. One day, a friend and I were heading out when she suddenly remembered she forgot her sunglasses. As she turned back, I casually mentioned the superstition:

“Oh, you know, there’s this thing where you should look in the mirror and say ‘Hello’ three times before leaving again, otherwise, no luck for you today.”

She looked at me and burst out laughing, telling me there was nothing like that in Mexico. Later that afternoon, we ended up having a long conversation about how different cultures hold onto completely different beliefs, some serious, some ridiculous. That moment stuck with me and made me ask myself:

Wait… do superstitions only work in specific parts of the world? And if that’s the case, are they even real?

What’s considered completely normal in one place might be unfamiliar or even strange in another. Living in different cultures teaches you that there’s no single “right” way to do things, just different ways.

Why I’m Writing This

This article is part reflection, part personal story, and part exploration of what it’s like to live in different cultures. I also studied different cultures from an artistic and historical perspective at university, so I bring that lens to my personal experiences.

In short: I was born in Sevastopol, Crimea (then part of the USSR), lived in Ukraine, spent 11 years in Saint Petersburg studying art, nine years in Cancun, Mexico, four years in Atlanta, USA, and now live in Spain.

Adjusting to a new culture makes you humble, open-minded, and curious. Every day presents something new to understand, language nuances, traditions, holidays, food, even small gestures. And with each adjustment, you naturally start asking “Why?” more often.

After graduating from university and while starting my photography business, I took a second job as a concierge in a hotel filled with international tourists. This was my first real exposure to different cultures. Coming from a more closed-off society, I found the world outside the “iron curtain” engaging, friendly, and full of stories. Talking to people from different countries, observing their customs, and hearing their perspectives sparked a curiosity and a hunger to explore and understand more.

The Lessons of Living in Different Cultures

Better is relative.

You begin to understand that what feels “better” for someone else isn’t automatically better for you. Living in a different culture encourages you to explore what truly makes your life fulfilling, meaningful, and vibrant, beyond comparisons or expectations. It teaches you to pay attention to the small things that bring joy, the rhythms that feel natural, and the ways of living that align with your values, all in the place where you are right now.

Learning becomes constant.

When you’re born into a culture, habits, language, and traditions are absorbed automatically. As an adult, relocating to a different country with a different culture makes learning almost a daily activity. Sometimes it’s unconscious, like noticing food customs or greetings. Sometimes it’s deliberate, like mastering local transport systems or understanding administrative processes.

Small steps matter.

When I moved to Saint Petersburg at 21, I barely noticed differences because I still spoke the language and it felt familiar. Moving to Cancun, I was focused on adventure, the Caribbean Sea, and building my photography business, not the cultural adjustment ahead. It wasn’t until I lived in the USA that my awareness truly sharpened. By then, I already had experience living in a different culture, and I knew what to expect: the quiet moments of confusion, the need to adapt, the subtle shifts in communication. Engaging with my husband’s culture made me more sensitive to nuances I might have overlooked before, and for the first time, I began reflecting on these differences consciously, rather than simply living through them.

Becoming a Mix of Many Cultures

It’s natural to compare cultures, our instincts want to measure what’s familiar against what’s new but comparison can be limiting. Instead, I found it’s more productive to focus on observing, learning, and appreciating what each culture has to offer. Over time, living abroad begins to feel less like fitting in and more like living between cultures. You carry pieces of each place with you: habits, perspectives, small daily practices, even ways of seeing the world.

I can’t always say which culture I truly belong to; I feel like a mix. Each move left its imprint, shaping how I think, how I interact, and even how I notice the world around me. Early experiences matter too. My parents enrolled me in English classes at the age of five, and I continued intensive study for 11 years. Learning a new language goes beyond words, it invites you to understand the people, customs, and rhythms that shape a culture. That curiosity, once nurtured, becomes a lifelong companion when navigating new cultures.

Cultural Diversity vs. Immersion

Exploring diverse neighborhoods in a big city like New York can expose you to many cultures in a concentrated space, but if you’re American, you’re still moving through the world within your own cultural framework. True immersion happens when you relocate to a foreign country and live fully inside its culture. You learn its rhythms, adapt to daily practices, and gradually absorb ways of thinking, behaving, and interacting that are different from what you’ve always known. Over time, even small daily rituals: how people greet each other, shop at markets, celebrate holidays, or approach time and schedules, begin to feel familiar. This is when living between cultures stops being just an abstract idea and becomes a lived experience, shaping your perspective, challenging assumptions, and deepening your understanding of the world in ways that travel as a visitor simply cannot replicate.

How Living Between Cultures Changed My Photography Art

Living in different cultures influences your perception of the world, more in a social and communicative way, but for me as a photographer, it also had a profound artistic impact. It’s about seeing different towns, cities, and landscapes, and then tying those observations together with the stories I hear from locals. All of this creates a mix of emotions, forming a sort of invisible picture through which I express my photography.

Photography, for me, is the art of the present moment. My style is closely attached to reality, I take photos of what I see and perform only moderate editing afterward. I don’t apply special effects or manipulate reality; what you see in my work is what was truly happening around me, captured as it was.

There’s an experience I’ve noticed with new environments: when you see the same thing repeatedly, you stop noticing its uniqueness. Your eyes become so familiar with it that you could almost describe it with your eyes closed. But as a newcomer to a culture, everything is seen for the first time. You often notice details that locals overlook simply because you are looking with fresh eyes. That novelty makes even ordinary moments more interesting.

In my macro photography, I have to be extremely attentive to details, which means I’m always sensitive to small differences and nuances. Living in different cultures has broadened and enriched my visual vocabulary and my picture of the world. Each place I live or visit adds layers to how I see, interpret, and capture life through my lens.

What Cultural Immersion Gives You Over Time

Independence and self-reliance

Living abroad means figuring things out as you go: new cities, unfamiliar transportation systems, and everyday tasks that suddenly feel complex. Each small success builds confidence, and over time you realize you’re far more capable and adaptable than you once thought.

A deeper appreciation for nuance

You begin to notice the small things: how people greet each other, the rhythm of meals, the meaning behind holidays and rituals. What locals may overlook becomes meaningful to you, revealing layers of culture that aren’t visible at first glance.

Flexibility and patience

Cultural immersion stretches your comfort zone daily. The learning curve never fully disappears, but you learn to slow down, observe, and accept that understanding takes time. Gradually, the “why” behind behaviors and traditions starts to make sense.

Connection and community

Loneliness can surface, especially in the beginning, but it often becomes an invitation rather than a setback. Reaching out to local groups, shared interests, or creative communities creates unexpected bonds and a sense of belonging that grows organically.

Living in a different culture is one of the most transformative experiences you can gift yourself. It changes how you see the world, interact with people, and even practice your craft: art, photography, writing, communication, business management or another pursuit.

It’s not always easy. It requires patience, curiosity, openness and willingness to learn. But every day offers small discoveries, new perspectives, and a growing sense of connection.

Life is always moving forward, a developing story. Living between cultures allows you to learn, adapt, and let the world enrich your life in ways you might never have imagined.

All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!

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Exploring Layers of History when Slow Travel in Newport Rhode Island

Elena Sullivan — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:43:20 +0000

Whenever I travel to a new place, there’s one ritual I never skip: walking. Not just quick strolls, but real wandering through downtown streets, quiet corners, wherever my feet decide to take me. To me, it’s the best way to truly feel the pulse of a city. Walking lets you pause whenever something catches your eye a quirky shop window, a beautifully aged building, or a street corner buzzing with life. Unlike driving tours or hop-on hop-off buses, walking gives you the luxury of slow travel.

That’s exactly what I did on our one-day trip to Newport, Rhode Island. My husband and I went along with another couple (his friends) and we made it a Saturday adventure. Of course, weekends mean busier streets, but the lively energy somehow added to the charm. The day surprised us with clear skies and a soft breeze, unusual for late fall. Halfway through, I realized I was a little overdressed (a chic layered look with a plaid coat, beige vest over a white shirt, a silk scarf, denim skirt, tweed cap, flats, and a black crossbody, stylish yet relaxed for the coast), but candidly, personal style matters! So I embraced it and kept wandering.

What first drew my attention as we strolled through Newport were the facades. More specifically, the unique facade finishes that so many of the town’s buildings proudly wear. Once you notice one, you start seeing them everywhere: weathered shingles, woodwork, charming pastel trims. They felt like visual layers of history, whispering stories of different centuries that have shaped Newport, Rhode Island. For me, it turned into a game: spotting more and more of these details as we slowly made our way down the narrow streets, camera in hand.

Newport apart from being a coastal town filled with seafood restaurants and souvenir shops, is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1639, it quickly became known for its spirit of independence and diversity. Rhode Island itself has a fascinating story: it was the first of the thirteen colonies to declare independence from Britain, even before the Declaration of Independence was signed. That rebellious, free-thinking energy is still present in its architecture, culture, and traditions.

In Newport, Rhode Island history meets daily life at every turn. You see it in the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings, in the small monuments scattered around town, and even in the menus of by-the-water restaurants, where seafood, especially fresh-caught fish and clams, is at the center of every meal. And then there’s the light, sunlight peeking in between old rooftops, bouncing off white church steeples, almost like it’s playing hide-and-seek with you as you wander.

That’s the beauty of Newport. Beyond the famous sights, a city reveals itself through its layers of history and culture, showing what truly makes it one-of-a-kind.

Newport sits on Aquidneck Island, and while it may be small in size, it’s big on charm. The city is best known for its sparkling harbor, where sleek yachts gather like jewels on the water. For years, that same harbor was the stage for the America’s Cup, one of the most prestigious sailing competitions in the world. But Newport’s magic doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Stroll a little further inland, and you’ll find yourself on Bellevue Avenue, lined with the stunning mansions of the Gilded Age. Many of these big estates are now museums, each one offering a glimpse into a time of unmatched elegance and excess. The most iconic of them all is The Breakers, a 1895 mansion so lavish it was designed to echo the Renaissance palaces of Europe.

What I love most about towns like Newport, though, is the way the smaller details come together. With a population of around 25,000, Newport feels approachable, even cozy, despite its glamorous reputation. The architecture plays a huge role in this atmosphere: modest, human-sized buildings positioned side by side, weaving together a streetscape that feels both welcoming and endlessly photogenic. It invites you to wander slowly, letting your curiosity guide you down side streets, past little shops, and toward unexpected corners. It’s this visual playfulness, this carefully layered rhythm of architecture, that makes Newport such a delight to explore on foot.

Cliff Walk: Strolling by the Ocean in Newport, Rhode Island

One of the most refreshing experiences in Newport is walking the Cliff Walk. This scenic path winds right along the edge of the ocean, blending natural beauty with a touch of history. On one side, the Atlantic stretches endlessly, waves rolling in and breaking against the rocks below. On the other, elegant private homes and historic mansions peek over the cliffs, creating a striking contrast between raw nature and refined architecture.

As you walk, you can’t help but notice the rhythm of it all, the sound of waves chasing each other toward the shore, the chatter of fellow wanderers sharing the path, the salty breeze brushing past your face. Every step feels unhurried, like the perfect embodiment of slow travel. The Cliff Walk isn’t just a hike; it’s a chance to pause, breathe, and let Newport’s coastal charm sink in.

Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island

Newport may be small, but it’s packed with experiences that blend history, charm, and coastal beauty. It’s the kind of place where you can fill a whole day just wandering, and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Start with a walk along the Cliff Walk, where the Atlantic Ocean keeps you company on one side while Newport’s grand mansions line the other. It’s the city’s signature experience and the perfect mix of nature and history.

Strolling down Thames Street is another must. Lively and full of character, it’s where you’ll find boutique shops, cozy cafés, and seafood restaurants serving the freshest catch of the day. Don’t be surprised if you end up stopping every few minutes, either for a bite, a photo, or simply to soak in the atmosphere.

Of course, Newport’s claim to fame lies in its Gilded Age mansions. Walking through The Breakers or Marble House feels like stepping into another era, where every detail was designed to impress. Even if you only tour one, it’s enough to give you a sense of the incredible wealth and artistry that shaped Newport’s past.

For something a little different, head down to the harbor. Watching the sailboats drift in and out, you get a glimpse of why Newport (Rhode Island) is called the sailing capital of the world. If time allows, a harbor cruise offers views of the city you just can’t get from land.

And then there’s the simple joy of wandering the narrow side streets, where colonial-era houses, weathered facades, and hidden gardens tell quieter stories of the city. These are the places where Newport feels most intimate, less like a tourist destination and more like a living, breathing town.

Newport is also home to a handful of unique museums that add more depth to the city’s story:

The Museum of Newport History — Housed in the old Brick Market, this small but charming museum gives a glimpse into Newport’s colonial past, trade history, and maritime roots. Perfect if you want context before diving into the streets.
Audrain Automobile Museum — A treat for car lovers! It showcases rare and vintage automobiles in rotating exhibits, right in the heart of Bellevue Avenue.
Naval War College Museum (slightly outside the downtown area) — Focused on naval history, strategy, and the U.S. Navy’s presence in Newport.

Great Places to Eat in Newport, Rhode Island

1. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar

Right on the waterfront, this spot is known for incredibly fresh seafood and scenic views of the harbor, ideal for a relaxed afternoon or romantic dinner.

2. Midtown Oyster Bar

A multi-level oyster haven on Thames Street. Known for an impressive raw bar and a lively, bustling vibe.

3. The Black Pearl

Situated on Bannister’s Wharf with harbor views famous for what some say is Newport’s best clam chowder and legendary mudslides.

4. Clarke Cooke House

An iconic colonial-style restaurant built in the 1780s, now a Newport institution with multiple bars and a seaside ambiance.

5. Pasta Beach

Cozy and fun, this casual Italian place serves pastas, thin-crust pizzas, and cocktails and it’s got that perfect summer patio vibe.

6. Perro Salado

A trendy Mexican spot housed in a historic building. Love the avocado fries, shishito peppers, and stellar margaritas.

7. Corner Cafe

A charming, laid-back breakfast favorite, expect generous pancakes, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches. Be ready for a line, but it’s so worth the wait.

8. The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn

Fine dining at its best set in a historic 1875 mansion overlooking Narragansett Bay. Elegant, romantic, and perfect for splurging.

9. Chanterelle (formerly Bouchard Restaurant)

For creative French-American cuisine in a refined setting great for a more upscale meal out.

10. Franklin Spa

A no-frills, beloved greasy spoon that’s served Newport since the 1800s. Hearty waffles and omelets never disappoint.

11. White Horse Tavern

Not exactly a meal stop but a slice of history, America’s oldest tavern (dating back to the 1600s), where you can enjoy a bite steeped in centuries of stories.

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Summer trip and places to visit in LA California

Elena Sullivan — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:32:06 +0000

Visiting Los Angeles, California, was one of my childhood dreams. Growing up in a distant country where many things were limited, including dreaming big, made LA especially alluring. The freedom to be who you want and create without restrictions was always in my mind when I thought about California and LA. Maybe it was the stark difference from my hometown or the allure of Hollywood’s entertainment industry, but life always seemed more interesting there. Does that make people happier? That’s a philosophical question that could take hundreds of pages to discuss. For now, I can say that traveling to Los Angeles made me happy because there’s a certain magic in seeing a childhood dream come true.

For my anniversary, my husband organized a summer trip to Los Angeles, California. I love celebrating my birthdays by traveling, exploring new cities, taking photos, and satisfying my curiosity with myriad questions. That year was no exception. I travel to wonder and feel amused, to get inspired by new surroundings and different lifestyles, and to remind myself of the kaleidoscopic beauty found in nature, cultures, architecture, art, and food.

We departed from Atlanta International Airport and, in four hours, landed at LAX. After renting a car from Hertz, we headed straight to our hotel, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, located downtown. This hotel is famous for being a filming location for many Hollywood movies, including Interstellar, Rain Man, Blade Runner, and True Lies. We stayed on the 27th floor, enjoying a view of skyscrapers and distant mountains with the iconic Hollywood sign.

Love videos? Here is the vlog about my summer trip to Los Angeles.

Things to do in downtown LA

After we checked in, my husband stayed at the hotel while I explored the nearby area and took photos. Although downtown Los Angeles is not as much of a tourist destination compared to New York, I enjoyed it, especially the tall buildings. I find them particularly attractive and interesting subjects for photography.

At the end of my walk, I visited the Los Angeles Central Library. As a book and library lover, I couldn’t miss this one. Inside, it’s well-organized, and on the second floor, there’s an impressive mural on the walls and ceiling. Artistic elements are everywhere throughout the library.

Things to do in downtown LA:

Visit Walt Disney Concert Hall
Explore the modern art museum The Broad
Hungry? Stop at Grand Central Market
Walk through the Bradbury Building
Enjoy Broadway musicals at the Music Center
Relax and have a snack at Grand Park
Experience a funicular ride at Angels Flight
Visit the downtown Arts District
Love reading? Stop by The Last Bookstore and Los Angeles Central Library
For music fans, Grammy Museum

Downtown LA is not only about tall buildings and cars but also about greenery, flowers, and parks.

Taking photos, recording videos, and slowly wandering around, I found myself in a park near City Hall with a courtyard of historical flags that looked very impressive. After that, I visited Grand Park, just a few minutes away, enjoyed a strawberry Frappuccino at Starbucks, and continued exploring Los Angeles.

One of the first things I noticed while walking around the streets of LA was the contrast to New York; there were only a few people walking around, unlike New York, which is always buzzing with active walkers.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of my favorite buildings from my six days in Los Angeles. Designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 2003, it is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing the best in classical, contemporary, and world music. It’s also one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world and is considered an international landmark. As a first-time tourist in LA, I appreciated the stunning views of the surrounding area from several points within the building.

Later that day, while walking back to the hotel, I saw a bronze sculpture called “Peace on Earth.” It stands near the Ahmanson Theatre, whose entrance is adorned with a fountain—a nice, refreshing spot in the hot climate of LA.

Griffith Observatory is one more place to visit in LA

Griffith Observatory is another beautiful place to visit in LA. It’s one of the spots in Los Angeles where you can see the Hollywood sign. Although we didn’t go inside, we enjoyed walking around, looking at the various installations, and recalling the names of famous scientists associated with astronomy.

Opened in May 1935, Griffith Observatory offers free admission to the grounds and the main building. They also offer free telescope viewing, which starts around 7 PM when the weather permits. The observatory is a popular location for commercials and has been featured in several Hollywood movies, including the James Dean film “Rebel Without a Cause.”

Griffith Observatory is open:

Tuesday-Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Monday: Closed

Santa Monica Pier

Later that day, we drove to Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic tourist spots near LA. It’s crowded and noisy but also fun to walk around, enjoy people-watching, and observe the local life.

Santa Monica Pier, considered a historic landmark, first opened to the public in September 1909 as the first concrete pier on the West Coast. It quickly gained popularity among fishing enthusiasts. The pier is made up of two adjoining piers that originally had separate owners.

Today, it features a small amusement park, concession stands, and areas for scenic views and fishing. The entrance is free.

Gorgeous tall palm trees are one of the symbols of California. I loved observing and taking photos of them, especially on a sunset with a soft, warm light.

One day during our trip to Los Angeles, we stopped by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). As we walked around, listening to my husband’s stories about his student years in California, I felt a deeper connection to the local lifestyle.

One week was enough to enjoy Los Angeles and visit The Huntington Library, Getty Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. After a wonderful trip like this, it’s always nice to return home. I love traveling; it’s entertaining and has been important for my personal growth. It becomes even better when you have a place you call home and can appreciate its beauty.

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explore Archives - Fine Art photography, fine art photo prints, canvas, wall art, macro photography, Spain

Living in Different Cultures Practical Lessons from Real Life

Why I’m Writing This

The Lessons of Living in Different Cultures

Better is relative.

Learning becomes constant.

Small steps matter.

Becoming a Mix of Many Cultures

Cultural Diversity vs. Immersion

How Living Between Cultures Changed My Photography Art

What Cultural Immersion Gives You Over Time

Independence and self-reliance

A deeper appreciation for nuance

Flexibility and patience

Connection and community

Travel Quiz

Exploring Layers of History when Slow Travel in Newport Rhode Island

Cliff Walk: Strolling by the Ocean in Newport, Rhode Island

Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island

Great Places to Eat in Newport, Rhode Island

1. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar

2. Midtown Oyster Bar

3. The Black Pearl

4. Clarke Cooke House

5. Pasta Beach

6. Perro Salado

7. Corner Cafe

8. The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn

9. Chanterelle (formerly Bouchard Restaurant)

10. Franklin Spa

11. White Horse Tavern

Travel Quiz

Summer trip and places to visit in LA California

Things to do in downtown LA

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Griffith Observatory is one more place to visit in LA

Santa Monica Pier

Travel Quiz

Peony Dreams III

Peony Dreams II

Peony Dreams I