Wow, so many interesting points. I know what you mean about not feeling like you should have to represent any country. As a Canadian, I never felt like I had to stand up for my country, but lately, I'm mortified and ashamed about how they are handling and engaging in certain conflicts. As for Spain, even if I live here my whole life, I will never be Spanish. I like Spanish people, but there are many cultural differences and ways of interacting that are just too different.
It's strange when you're a transplant that has had to put down roots somewhere new, and then you're stuck between being an "ambassador" for your place of origin (which has always been so uncomfortable to me!) and trying to adapt to your new home. I think we can take the best of all our homes and blend it into our identity. At least that's what I'm trying to do.
Yes! I love the idea of blending. That's why we travel too. Every time I go somewhere, I return transformed in ways large or small. So many things, people, events, and locations have the power to shape us.
Wow, so many interesting points. I know what you mean about not feeling like you should have to represent any country. As a Canadian, I never felt like I had to stand up for my country, but lately, I'm mortified and ashamed about how they are handling and engaging in certain conflicts. As for Spain, even if I live here my whole life, I will never be Spanish. I like Spanish people, but there are many cultural differences and ways of interacting that are just too different.
It's strange when you're a transplant that has had to put down roots somewhere new, and then you're stuck between being an "ambassador" for your place of origin (which has always been so uncomfortable to me!) and trying to adapt to your new home. I think we can take the best of all our homes and blend it into our identity. At least that's what I'm trying to do.
Yes! I love the idea of blending. That's why we travel too. Every time I go somewhere, I return transformed in ways large or small. So many things, people, events, and locations have the power to shape us.