The Expat Paradox

 One of my goals for this year was to improve my (almost non-existent) ability to swim. We are getting ever closer to the end of the year so a month or so ago I decided it was time to act on said goal. I recently  made my fourth visit to the aquatic center, so progress is slowly being made. As I was sharing the lane with a fellow who kindly gave me some pointers (he used to be a swim instructor), we ended up chatting while catching our breath between laps.

As I was leaving I realized he was the first stranger I had talked to in quite awhile that did not incorrectly assume I am Canadian and then want to discuss politics when I corrected the assumption. It was a refreshing change to a recent conversation that was as follows:

    Other person: How is Canada handling COVID-19?
    Me: No clue
    Other person: But you're Canadian so....
    Me: No, I'm American.
    Other person: Are you sure?
    Me: Very. 

It was an odd conversation that left me wondering why people have to try and guess, instead of simply asking "where are you from?".

Questions of origin aside though, this has been a strange year to be living in a foreign country. I am not usually prone to homesickness, but I have found birthdays and holidays to be a bit tougher this year, knowing that going home for things is not a viable option right now. Several conversations with other ex-pats have shown me that I am not alone.

As such, little moments that remind me of home feel very meaningful. A Canadian friend recently surprised me by sharing some "real" (i.e. North American version, not Southern Hemisphere version) Kraft mac'n cheese mixes with me. The taste is just different enough to be exciting. I was also quite delighted when I discovered that one of the local grocery stores now sells Tostitos corn chips. This is exciting because they taste nicer than the other options, and they are also relatively the same price because they are sold in the regular chip aisle as opposed to the international aisle. Troway gave proof of their authentic-ness when I brought home a bag and his first comment was "huh, they taste American!"

Music can also offer a glimpse of the other side of the world. We had a beautiful spring weekend so Sunday morning we ventured down to the waterfront for a market. Lo and behold, there was a hillbilly band playing, complete with mountain-man beards and washboards!

Saw this on my drive to work the other day.

Pukekura Park is in full bloom!

Showing some American friends around Taranaki :)

Despite minor challenges of living overseas, I am grateful to be in NZ and know that we have had an easier year than most.

Hang in there and Happy Thanksgiving!