A regular part of international living is saying goodbye. Last night, I went to a going away party for Suellen. After posts around Europe and South America, she and her husband Travis are moving home to Denver. While Suellen is looking forward to working in her garden, Travis is worried about whether he will fit back into his homeland. He’s also afraid he will miss the European travel.
The other night, I was talking about the same issues with two other international friends. After many years of living around the world, he is back in his homeland. But he doesn’t feel like he understands the locals or fits in there anymore. So where does he belong? He and his wife aren’t sure. Maybe London, they think.
After almost six years of living internationally, I don’t really know where I belong anymore either. Sure, home will always be where I am from in the US, but it’s also where I live here in Stockholm. And I am always thinking about where I really should live.
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Well said..the tension we all live with once we take the plunge to move away from “home.”
I can totally relate! I still miss California greatly–but can you go home again? And is it even my “home”?
Thanks Jodi and Lisa for adding more food for thought on the idea of home.
I’ve only been in Sweden a few months and feel pretty well at home. I think living with the same people and belongings and doing the same kinds of things might matter more than geography.
I’m not sure where we would go to if we went back to the US. It would be wide open. This is good for now.
Interesting thoughts Antropologa in terms of leading your life no matter where you are. I agree…
First, I must tell you that I am enjoying your site immensely! I fret over the reverse issue and am quite amused that you bring this up as I envy the fabulous adventures and incredible people who make your ‘home’. I have not only been pulled back into my hometown (only Jim who didn’t grow up here would have thought it a good idea;), but our boys now go to my grade school and although the nuns are long gone, there are still familiar faces and a few ageless teachers. This hometown is whole different place for me as we raise these boys and enjoy our own definition of ‘home’. Miss you and Robert dearly, but am thrilled to live vicariously through your daily journals and celebration of the big, little and everything in between in your lives. Thanks for sharing your new ‘hometown’ adventures!
Good topic and plenty of food for thought. Even though I have never even been outside the USA, I can guess that you might feel out of place going back to your home town or motherland. However, Denver ain’t too bad of a town to go back to. Colorado be my favorite state to visit. Lots to do. Moreover, I also used to very much enjoy the front porch on Pape, drinkin’ brews and chillin’ to Zimmy tunes…..and that paradise was only a few miles away.
Marx, Thanks for your wonderful compliments as well as your own insights on being back in your hometown. I’m sure you must often laugh at having your guys go to all your old stomping grounds. What a wonderful opportunity for you all. Enjoy it!
Thanks for reading and commenting Teddy! I think that being out of my homeland makes me way too introspective sometimes! There are so many things that I miss about the US, including hanging with you on the porch at Pape. Now that was truly a good spot to be. Glad you reminded me of it!
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