Easy. English is not a literal language. It is easy to learn badly. It is full of nuances. To learn those has to be one of the greatest challenges. I would argue that moving as little as a hundred miles back in 1969 from London to Birmingham as a 25 year old with my job was as much about a change in the way English was spoken as the cultural change which accompanied it. I suspect, Betsy, moving across America whilst speaking English is much the same?🐰
Good thought -- sometimes the cultural differences within the borders of our "home" country can be stark. I think it is different and easier, though, when there is a common language even if it is used very differently and, in the case of accents, sounds very different.
As to your first question—I’ve been an expat three times: Uganda, Cameroon, Canada, in that order. Took me about a year to feel at home in each place. Took me 2-7 years to miss America, my real home, to the point that I want to leave the expat place. Uganda took 7 years. Cameroon took 2. Canada took 6.
These experiences make you an expat expert of sorts. Here's a question for you -- how might it have gone differently do you think if you had been forced to leave your home for any of these three countries? Would that have gone easier in one of these three countries or about the same?
I was ordered to Cameroon and Canada by my job, Uganda I picked myself, but all that matters is if you have money and safety. Harder to have money and safety in bad countries with dictators or poor management. I’m sure all would be terrible if you were forced. No one likes to be kidnapped or forced to go somewhere. Also depends on personality. I like adventure and I loathe routine, so I’m sure I’d have an easier time than some.
My preference is actually to do a major move every six years.
I've been a traveler all my life, first due to my mom's wanderlust, then eventually my own. San Diego was home for half my life off and on. In the four years I spent in Baja California, I never felt "at home" but I was very comfortable and happy. Now I spend about half the year in Washington state and I'm beginning to feel at home here.
This is interesting, Jen. Is there a difference between being a traveler and a person who settles in a place that is not "home" for a significant period of time? What is involved in "feeling at home" do you think?
Not sure. I always feel at home on my boat, but not necessarily on shore. No idea why. Maybe the language barrier in Mexico made it feel more "foreign."
Betsy, thank you for the shout out. I discovered Ruth Ozeki through you, and looking forward to doing the same with Kaliane Bradley. The language is beautiful!
I don't think you will be disappointed, Jay. The language is indeed beautiful and the story is just as amazing. You will have to let me know what you think.
Well I just added a new book to the ever-growing TBR list! And FWIW I love Ruth Ozeki.
As for the question, yes I have moved to other places both within and beyond the USA, but with what I now see is the luxury of always knowing I could return or go elsewhere on my own terms
Dear Elizabeth, you asked about my expat experience. 21 years ago I came to Pattaya, Thailand, which is a popular beach city for Europeans and Asians (15 million visitors per year) but much too far for Americans to visit. Everything, including rent, is very inexpensive. I only have Social Security, so I can live here but not visit America . A year or more ago marijuana was made totally legal in Thailand. There are shops all over town. In my neighborhood there are 3 good restaurants and an excellent New York Pizza House. I will be more than happy to answer anyone's questions. The Thais are lovely people, patient and helpful.
Funnily enough, I have been writing about exactly this theme this week - being torn between two lives, two homes, two selves. The irresolvable internal conflict of being an immigrant. It's such a vast subject I hardly know where to start, and often has me pondering the experiences of those who are forced to leave their homes rather than choosing this for themselves. Adding this book to my reading list, thank you for the recommendation 😊
Easy. English is not a literal language. It is easy to learn badly. It is full of nuances. To learn those has to be one of the greatest challenges. I would argue that moving as little as a hundred miles back in 1969 from London to Birmingham as a 25 year old with my job was as much about a change in the way English was spoken as the cultural change which accompanied it. I suspect, Betsy, moving across America whilst speaking English is much the same?🐰
Good thought -- sometimes the cultural differences within the borders of our "home" country can be stark. I think it is different and easier, though, when there is a common language even if it is used very differently and, in the case of accents, sounds very different.
As to your first question—I’ve been an expat three times: Uganda, Cameroon, Canada, in that order. Took me about a year to feel at home in each place. Took me 2-7 years to miss America, my real home, to the point that I want to leave the expat place. Uganda took 7 years. Cameroon took 2. Canada took 6.
These experiences make you an expat expert of sorts. Here's a question for you -- how might it have gone differently do you think if you had been forced to leave your home for any of these three countries? Would that have gone easier in one of these three countries or about the same?
I was ordered to Cameroon and Canada by my job, Uganda I picked myself, but all that matters is if you have money and safety. Harder to have money and safety in bad countries with dictators or poor management. I’m sure all would be terrible if you were forced. No one likes to be kidnapped or forced to go somewhere. Also depends on personality. I like adventure and I loathe routine, so I’m sure I’d have an easier time than some.
My preference is actually to do a major move every six years.
And probably I’d say Uganda would be the easiest, because the weather there is perfect every single day and weather really matters.
I've been a traveler all my life, first due to my mom's wanderlust, then eventually my own. San Diego was home for half my life off and on. In the four years I spent in Baja California, I never felt "at home" but I was very comfortable and happy. Now I spend about half the year in Washington state and I'm beginning to feel at home here.
This is interesting, Jen. Is there a difference between being a traveler and a person who settles in a place that is not "home" for a significant period of time? What is involved in "feeling at home" do you think?
Not sure. I always feel at home on my boat, but not necessarily on shore. No idea why. Maybe the language barrier in Mexico made it feel more "foreign."
I’m ordering the books now. And I loved the Terror novel too
I want to hear what you think after you read it!
Looking forward to reading this one!
Excellent! I'll look forward to your take on it.
Betsy, thank you for the shout out. I discovered Ruth Ozeki through you, and looking forward to doing the same with Kaliane Bradley. The language is beautiful!
I don't think you will be disappointed, Jay. The language is indeed beautiful and the story is just as amazing. You will have to let me know what you think.
Well I just added a new book to the ever-growing TBR list! And FWIW I love Ruth Ozeki.
As for the question, yes I have moved to other places both within and beyond the USA, but with what I now see is the luxury of always knowing I could return or go elsewhere on my own terms
Dear Elizabeth, you asked about my expat experience. 21 years ago I came to Pattaya, Thailand, which is a popular beach city for Europeans and Asians (15 million visitors per year) but much too far for Americans to visit. Everything, including rent, is very inexpensive. I only have Social Security, so I can live here but not visit America . A year or more ago marijuana was made totally legal in Thailand. There are shops all over town. In my neighborhood there are 3 good restaurants and an excellent New York Pizza House. I will be more than happy to answer anyone's questions. The Thais are lovely people, patient and helpful.
Funnily enough, I have been writing about exactly this theme this week - being torn between two lives, two homes, two selves. The irresolvable internal conflict of being an immigrant. It's such a vast subject I hardly know where to start, and often has me pondering the experiences of those who are forced to leave their homes rather than choosing this for themselves. Adding this book to my reading list, thank you for the recommendation 😊
I'm looking forward to reading your take on all this. It's a huge subject, you are right. It is always something I'm thinking about.