I know, I know. I haven’t written anything useful (or not useful for that matter) here for a long, long time. I’m not really sure I have a good explanation, except that my Greek life has become a bit mundane.
Going back to the States wasn’t as bad as I feared. One thing I did realize is that I have become overly accustomed to how things are in Greece – so much so that I was constantly amazed at how easy some things are in the U.S., and how friendly people are there. Did I always take these things for granted?
Yet, as much as I long to be near my friends and family again (and to see my niece more often than every seven years) and as wonderful as life in America seems to be, the U.S. is no longer my home. I was most acutely aware of this when my brother-in-law was driving us up the long, winding slope on our way back from the airport. A couple of miles away our house came into view, nestled against the side of the mountain. I felt happiness and relief. This is the place where I belong, at least for now.
It is a phase in my ex-pat life I never really expected. To some Greeks I am still ξένος (and will always be), but for me, Greece is home.
6 comments:
I know that we've discussed this already and I share your sentiments. Although I visited "home" last year and I was happy to be there I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm and relief as the plane approached the landing strip in Thessaloniki when returning from the trip because this is now my home.
My favorite quote...
I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself. ----Maya Angelou
Kalo Mina my lovely Mel! xo
I am an English lady living on the island of Crete, and I too think of this as "home" now.
welcome home ,
καλως ηλθες
σπιτι σου κυρια μου,,,
.
.
.
................=zardoz=
Wow, I missed the comments here!
Cheryl, that is a good quote.
Pauline, it is always nice to see fellow ex-pats sharing the same experiences.
Zardoz!!! Long time no see!!
I too am happy living on Crete married to a Greek farmer...I have only just found your blog - but I am also anxious about our trip to the UK in Sept - which will be six years since the last visit. Part of me cant wait to go to see family and friends - but another part of me feels unsure. Life here in the village - is simple and certainly non materialistic whereas all I remember of England is how important latest technology seems to be for most...I think I'm going to feel like a fish out of water!!!!
Anonymous - It will be good to return "home" again. You might feel like a fish out of water but you will learn to appreciate the differences of both places, and hopefully learn to love your Greek life even more.
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