Recently I have read a few articles about being an expat and they are all different yet similar; just as I suspect everyone's experiences have been comparable and unique living here. So many dynamics, factors and perceptions are at play. I started thinking about my experiences and there many things I have learned to appreciate (good and bad) being an expatriate. Some are serious and some, honestly, are words from a spoiled suburban mom. So here's a list of the some of the things I have come to appreciate:
- My marriage. It has been challenged, pushed, grown and immensely strengthened but more importantly we have been able to enjoy this adventure to the fullest -- it has been beyond our wildest dreams.
- My kids. They are amazing little troopers. They have been, literally, dragged through airports at all hours of day and night. Slept on metal benches, dirty rat-run floors and nasty buses. All while being patient and calm (for the most part) (ok maybe it was me that lost my mind that one time).
- Water. It's amazing how clean and drinkable water is a rarity. I am thankful that where we live has safe potable water -- it may not be running all the time but blessed when it does. So please use it wisely.
- SKYPE!!!!! Oh, to the inventor of Skype, I am truly indebted to you. You have helped keep me sane by giving me the opportunities to see my dear loved ones' faces.
- Personal hygiene. I never knew a gag reflex could be summoned so much. I joke that maybe I am the one who smells? I mean who wears cucumber melon when there are so many more "natural" scents?
- Toilet paper. Yup, enough said.
- Personal space and politeness. The line from Dirt Dancing comes to mind "this is my space, this is your space". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSCr-7PynoE Being butt-bumped on a plane from the person behind you, being cut in front of in line, your bank transaction shared with a stranger breathing down your neck, doors shut in your face while carry eight bags of groceries and witnessing your kid being run over by an adult, among many more, leaves politeness, common courtesy and chivalry with much to be desired.
- Libations. An enjoyable and decently priced wine, beer or spirit is such a delightful luxury.
- Fresh fruits and veggies... yes, much appreciated.
- Cooking. What a learning experience. Sometimes planning a meal or cooking in the kitchen I, either, feel like Giada De Laurentiis or like Annie Wilkes, from Misery. Some meals are beautiful and some are just torture.
- Becoming a hoarder. My name is Kristen and I am a hoarder. Yes, those lavish and fully stocked stores all lined up on one side of the street and equally fruitful stores on the other side of the street isn't normal. So when you (are less-than-thrilled to be) shopping and see that random product or brand from your home town or country, you buy ALL OF IT - no matter how much it costs. And oh yes, from the sh*t you have seen, you really feel that there could be a zombie apocalypse and are definitely prepared!!
- Friends. Love and miss the ones from home but the ones you meet make life abroad even more of a pleasant adventure and you become friends forever.
- Money. You appreciate how much random currency you accumulate and cannot get rid of.
- Language. When we first arrived in Indonesia I was like stoned on Rosetta Stone. All of a sudden I knew words from all sorts of different languages except the language I needed to know and I was vomiting French, Spanish and German all over these poor people. (exaggeration note, I didn't vomit on anyone)
- Imperial vs. metric. I'll get back to you on this one as it may kill me! (not an exaggeration)
- Driving. I so miss the days of driving down the road with windows rolled down, wind through my hair but not the near-death experiences of driving on the wrong side of the road (exaggeration note, I am not allowed drive here but did drive back home this summer and effectively drove on the wrong side of the road but no one was around except my parents who quickly pointed out my error)
- Culture. The cultural traditions I have seen have catapulted me into an immense appreciation for people and life. Culture is an expression of human nature and belief.
- The world shrinks. I remember when the massive tsunami hit Southeast Asia in 2004. My heart went out to the people of the affected area but now the world is full of our travels and friends and each part of it is more connected.
- Racism. I have been judged and, unfortunately, I have judged.
- Sexism. I have been victim and have a greater appreciation for women's rights.
- Electronic adaptors. We have a thousand electronic adaptors and plugs but never one for the country we are traveling through or in or you brought the wrong one.
- Smiles. They allow the lost, lonely, freaked, exhausted and scared expats to feel better and more comfortable. So appreciated -- a universal language.
- Human life. A jacked up, beautiful, amazing and complicated race who love and hate each other. Save, kill, rape, pillage and praise. Yet always bleed the same.
Looking forward to traveling in the next month or so and especially planning our trip through Europe! As always, to be continued!
