Warning: personal reflections ahead. If you are prone to crying, move to something else, or get a tissue ;)
I left Israel at 22, lived in the US for 8 years and now have spent a year in the UK, looking at at least two more there. I no longer speak perfect Hebrew (some say I have an “American” accent, but it is hard for me tell) and my English isn’t perfect either. While in Israel, I don’t feel I belong anymore, I have not felt home in the US (couldn’t afford it, hehe) and I’m certainly not feeling it in the UK.
The conclusion is that I’m in-between—this is the life I chose. Looking for the positive side of all of this I concluded that while I gave up feeling “home,” I gained the ability to live anywhere. So, basically, I am open to any place without much hardship. This attitude is in contrast to the people who are perpetually afraid to leave their comfort zone—and yes, family and friends—and move on to something different with ease.
Was it worth it? Not sure, but it is too late to futz about it. Oops… I just did ;)
7 Comments for lose some, win some
Author comment by philip | September 12, 2006 at 22:39
Author comment by Saar Drimer | September 12, 2006 at 22:44
Unfortunately, Phil, I can not RSS your famous garden BBQ’s :(
Freeman | September 13, 2006 at 18:57
I think the best thing about living (for a long time and not a two weeks trip) in a new place, is the chance of starting again. It gives you the chance of seeing the world from a new perspective; or looking back to your life, friendships, ideas, ideals and beliefs, without the bias from your family, friends and countrymen. I have seen many people given up or lessen their stupid prejudices after a few years of living in a new country without even noticing the change they have gone through. But I do not mean that everyone adapts (or even should consider adapting) to the values of the new place they live in. I have seen people that get a stronger hold on their native traditions and values.
All I can say is that it, if you get a chance of living away from your “usualâ€, take it, it is an invaluable experience, since it gives you a chance to reboot/test your thinking/logic system.
Helen | September 16, 2006 at 23:46
Maybe you are part of a relatively new real life phenomenon. Maybe you have coined the term for yourself and for those who are experiencing the same in this so-called global society: “in-betweeners”. Maybe there is a more descriptive term for you internationalists.
I can see the life would give you unique skills and abilities, not to mention adventures.
It is a trade-off and not everyone would be happy to do it. Hope you are!
Anonymous | September 25, 2006 at 05:22
I think your feelings are the expressions of the existential angst arrising from your preconscious realization that life has no meaning. By periodically abandoning monolithic cultures, you are forced to confront the myth that group association will provide purpose in your life. I have heard wonderful reports of a modern medical procedure call that transorbital labotomy.
Dorean Paxorales | October 17, 2006 at 16:50
And yet, there’s more in common between USA and UK than of either with the rest of the world… :)
mike m | October 31, 2006 at 06:06
hey saar,
you could try ramat beit shemesh. their hebrew is definately “american” accented ;-)
On the bright side the internet has changed the world a little. Being geographically isolated is no longer the same as being completely culturally isolated. To a great extent we pick our culture these days by deciding who we communicate with. Though I know that doesn’t quite apply to hanging, eating out, or dating. If a tree falls in the internet, all its friends get the RSS feed ;-)