When expat life is over…
Written by Nez, Posted in Travel, Comments: Want to make another one
I did not expect to mourn the loss of my expat status. I mean I always knew without doubt that I love SA. My childhood friends, my family, my culture and my everything is right here in Mzantsi. Despite all the comfort of being home, I often get hit by the wave of longing for my life abroad. The thought of the possibilities of never seeing my French friends and missing French culture as much as I love my own.
Back home I can auto pilot every move I make. No need for a GPS, no need to map out conversations in my head before heading out of the door. I don’t need to walk supermarket for what seems to be forever to find a small thing like a baking powder. Woolies, Pick ‘n Pay or Checkers’ isles are still the same as I left them almost 2years back.
In France I had to face challenges daily but they were sure not boring. I don’t need to close my eyes to see autumn leaves along Cher River, the crispy sound as I step on them. or the endless trips to the market. I don’t even want to go to the issue of French croissant and pastries.
When I get consumed in the longing of my French life, I joke and say to Cullo I have a French life withdrawal syndrome ha!.
Take care,
Nez