Expat communities

I think the state of being an ex-pat is so unique in that the feeling of close-knit community is unlike any other. If I were still in Britain, I would have my usual gaggle of girlfriends, colleagues and family. But the circle of friends I have here is unusual - you try extra hard to help and guide one another. You try that much more to get along with someone you normally wouldn't give the time of day to at home.

Perhaps, everyone has an opportunity to enhance their better qualities when they are themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. Of course, it could always be sheer desperation...

This morning I got a call from a young American who was literally stranded here. He had been invited over to teach and when the agreement fell apart, he was left here, in a foreign land, all by himself. The first thing everyone around him thought was, 'let's get him in touch with his own 'sort'.'


Actually, this is a nice thing. Nice for him that he suddenly has these people who speak the same language to rally round for him, and nice for us that we have one more shiny new friend. In what other situation would you ever see this happen with no ulterior expectations?

Ever moved the earth for love?

Maybe not the whole earth itself, but I have certainly moved across half of the earth for love.

This particular yarn of this particular expat begins with the move I made from one distant corner of Europe - the UK - to the very edge of Europe - Turkey - exactly 17 years ago. A move I may not have made if I had not been deliriously in love with a man who made my new home seem all the more exotic and all the more romantic.

Have I regretted it? No. I'm still happily in love.

And now I'm ready to share all of the trials, tears and beautiful experiences which are so typical of an expat's life. I hope you'll enjoy the journey.