![]() I recently became fascinated with this word, “eclectic”. It means “made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources”. Then the light bulb went on. I am part of an eclectic group of people…Internationals or Expatriates. When I make visits back to my home land, it’s a little odd being surrounded by people who look like me, think like me, & talk like me. Of course, there are differences because we are all individuals. But overall, I am in a sea of Americans when I return to the USA. And when I am in my international community, I am a little tadpole in a big pond of other fish! AND, I have grown to like that most of the time! So how did this change happen?? When I first immersed myself in another nation, culture and international community, I was far from comfortable! It was all so odd feeling! First, there is the part of being THE foreigner. Some people accept you into their culture and way of life. Then others reject you, make fun of your differences, or push you away due to their shyness. “Oh, you’re the farang (or) the tay” …depending on the country and the language. (There’s always a term for the foreigner.) Second, there is the side of being part of the International community in the country you live in. In one way, it unifies you with people from all over the world. You each speak some level of English and are living in a nation that is not your own home nation. But then, you come to realize, there are still differences and you can still feel like the “odd” one. It can be uncomfortable when:
![]() So then, “How have I become more comfortable being the farang, the tay, the foreigner?” Here are some thoughts:
So, with a smile and a hint of laughter in my voice, I can say, “I am an odd one”. I am in the eclectic group of internationals! AND I love it!!!
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AuthorCindy writes about her adventures, observations, and other nuggets from living in another nation. She and John live in SE Asia. She will also share nuggets from her 58 plus years of life. Categories
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