Finding Home: A Journey Through Europe and Self
Table of Contents
- 1. Finding Home: A Journey Through Europe and Self
- 2. Next Stop: Belfast, Northern Ireland
- 3. Island Life: Kythira, Greece
- 4. Returning home
- 5. What steps have you taken too build a sense of community elsewhere? Please share yoru ideas in the comment section below
- 6. An American’s Quest for Home: A Conversation with Sarah Miller
- 7. The Initial Spark: Leaving the Familiar
- 8. Cambridge & london: Comparing Two Worlds
- 9. Finding Your Feet in london: The path Forward
- 10. the Question of “Home”: A Thought Experiment
Published: october 26, 2024
Teh search for “home” is a deeply personal one, ofen leading down unexpected paths. For many Americans, the dream of living abroad holds a powerful allure. The promise of new cultures, stunning landscapes, and a fresh outlook can be irresistible. But what happens when the dream encounters reality?
One individual embarked on a quest to find their ideal overseas haven, starting with the sun-kissed shores of Xàbia, Spain. This coastal town, nestled on Spain’s eastern coast, offered a glimpse into a lifestyle centered around the sea and the outdoors.The first five weeks were spent petsitting a red lab in a beautiful house overlooking the ocean. The draw was powerful: imagine weekends spent lounging on the beach or hiking through scenic trails.
The initial experience was exhilarating, filled with sunshine and the laid-back rhythm of Spanish life. Though,the feeling of “home” remained elusive. While the beaches and hikes were enticing, a deeper connection was absent. “I loved being in a place with an abundance of sunshine, but ultimately, it didn’t feel like home. So, I decided to move on to my next destination.”
Next Stop: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Leaving the Mediterranean warmth behind, the journey continued to belfast, Northern Ireland. This vibrant city, steeped in history and brimming with character, presented a stark contrast to the Spanish coast. The energy of Belfast was immediately captivating. From its lively comedy clubs to its cozy pubs and the historical narratives woven into its streets, Belfast held an undeniable charm.
However, even amidst the captivating atmosphere, a sense of incompleteness lingered. The restaurant scene, while offering glimpses of culinary delight, lacked the variety needed to fully satisfy a craving for diversity. the search continued, fueled by the desire to find a place that resonated on a deeper level. “However, I felt like something was missing, and didn’t find enough variety in the restaurant scene to satisfy my cravings. So, I continued my search.”
This experience mirrors a common sentiment among Americans moving abroad: the initial excitement can sometimes give way to a realization that certain comforts and familiarities are missed. For example, finding specific grocery items or navigating unfamiliar regulations can present unexpected challenges. Similarly, the cultural nuances of daily life—from tipping etiquette to social interactions—can require a period of adjustment.
Island Life: Kythira, Greece
The next adventure led to Kythira,a Greek island steeped in history and natural beauty. This visit coincided with an annual two-week vacation shared with friends, providing a unique opportunity to explore the island as a potential home. Imagine spending a year basking on the beach, the sun warming your skin, and the crystal-clear waters beckoning you for a refreshing dip after work. it was the picture of summer bliss.
But conversations with locals revealed a different perspective. Life on Kythira outside the peak summer season was quiet, very quiet.The idyllic image of a year-round paradise began to fade, replaced by the realization that the “summer holiday feeling” would be a fleeting experience. “Though, after talking to locals, I learned the island was pretty empty outside the summer season. So, I realized I’d always be chasing that summer holiday feeling.”
This reflects a wider trend: Americans frequently enough romanticize the idea of living in a vacation destination.While the initial charm is undeniable, the realities of daily life—limited job opportunities, seasonal tourism fluctuations, and a close-knit local community—can led to disillusionment.
Returning home
After a journey across Europe filled with beautiful scenery and new experiences, the search for “home” took an unexpected turn: a return to the United States. “After struggling to find a place that felt like home, I decided to return to the country I was born in.”
This decision, while seemingly a step back, represents a significant step forward in self-finding. The experiences gained abroad—the encounters with different cultures, the challenges overcome, and the perspectives broadened—have undoubtedly shaped a new understanding of what “home” truly means. Perhaps, “home” is not a place, but a feeling – a sense of belonging that transcends geographical boundaries.
From the Sidewalks of New York to the Alleys of London: One American’s Quest for home
For many Americans, the dream of a transatlantic move is often romanticized with visions of charming villages and bustling city life. But, as one American discovered, finding the perfect fit abroad is a journey of trial and error, a process of self-discovery as much as geographical exploration. Her story is a relatable one for anyone who’s ever felt the pull of “home,” only to find that “home” is more than just a place on a map.
The search began with a longing for something more, a desire to break free from the familiar. After a series of location attempts across the U.S., she looked across the Atlantic to the land of her birth, England. “After several misses, I decided to try England, the place where I was born and lived until I was three. However, I’d only visited a few times in the years since.” The initial allure was the serene countryside of Bedfordshire, a county north of London. The charm was undeniable: “The idyllic countryside beckoned me, with long walks in the forest, Sunday roasts in the same pub, and evenings spent reading in the garden.”
However, the tranquility quickly revealed a potential challenge. This wasn’t the right time for her lifestyle yet. With an isolated work and single status, she realized that “finding my people in such a small village would be hard.” the need for connection and community, a sentiment familiar to many Americans moving to new places, proved paramount.
Next up was Cambridge, a city known for its prestigious university and vibrant atmosphere. The experience was positive, with opportunities to work in cafes, visit museums, and meet new people. However,Cambridge’s identity as “a student city at its core” ultimately didn’t align with her stage in life. The search continued, fueled by the desire to find a place that resonated on a deeper level.
Then came London, a city as diverse and multifaceted as the United States itself. A month-long dogsitting stint for her sister turned out to be a revelation. “I fell in love with London while watching my sister’s dog,” she explained. The city offered a unique blend of nature and urban energy. “I loved the large parks that made me forget I was in a city, the dazzling theater scene, and the cozy cafés where I could type away without feeling lonely.”
But more than just the sights and sounds, London offered the promise of connection. The author was able to grab “coffee with fellow journalists I met online and recognized a potential community. Because London is a highly populated city, I felt like I had the best chance of finding my tribe.” This sentiment resonates with the experience of many Americans moving to large cities, where the sheer number of people increases the likelihood of finding like-minded individuals.After a few months in London, she states that she feels like she is “still trying to find my feet.” London is a vast and complex city, finding your niche takes time.She finds support by “slowly building a community and even reached out to high school friends who ended up in London after university.”
The American Expat Experience: Beyond the Postcards
The process highlights the realities of moving to a new country. While the initial excitement is often fueled by idealized images, the long-term success of such a move hinges on finding a sense of belonging and community. This means that many expats must put in the work to create a new life in a new city.
The quest to find “home” abroad is an ongoing process, one that requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
An American’s Quest for Home: A Conversation with Sarah Miller
Published: October 26, 2024
hello, adn welcome, readers, to Archyde! Today, we’re excited to host Sarah Miller, a writer who embarked on a fascinating journey across Europe in search of ‘home.’ Sarah, thank you for joining us.
The Initial Spark: Leaving the Familiar
archyde: Sarah, your journey began with a desire to find something different. What spurred you to leave the United States and begin this adventure?
Sarah Miller: Well, after trying several locations in the U.S. and not finding my place, a little voice inside said try England, the country of my birth. I felt like something was missing a deeper connection I suppose. I wanted to experience life beyond what I knew.
Archyde: That’s a important step. You began in Bedfordshire. what was life like there?
Sarah Miller: The countryside was gorgeous – sunday roasts at a local pub, long walks, and evenings reading in the garden. But, I realized this wasn’t the right time, with an isolated work and single status, I didn’t see an immediate ‘tribe’.I need connection and people to feel like I belong.
Cambridge & london: Comparing Two Worlds
Archyde: next,you moved to Cambridge. What was the difference there?
Sarah Miller: Cambridge was different. You’re immersed in the world, working in cafes, visiting museums. The opportunities for meeting new people. But, essentially at its core, it is a student city – I realized the culture, the rhythms didn´t match my current stage of life.
Archyde: And then, London. What made London different? What did you learn?
Sarah Miller: Everything changed when I went to London, while dog-sitting for my sister over the course of a month.the parks were an oasis. the vibrant theatre scene, the cafe culture and the ability to work without feeling lonely.. But more than that,there was the chance for a community. I felt like I had the best chance of finding my tribe.”
Finding Your Feet in london: The path Forward
Archyde: you’re still finding your feet in London, as I understand. What is that process like?
Sarah Miller: It takes time.It’s a vast and complex city. I am slowly building a community. I’ve even reconnected with high school friends who ended up here. it’s a slow but rewarding process.
Archyde: A journey, not a destination, it would seem. What’s the biggest takeaway you’ve had from this whole experience, especially for other Americans considering a move abroad?
Sarah Miller: “It’s a deep dive of self-discovery.You cannot romanticize the process too much, you need to be ready to work hard to create a new life. Finding your space also involves embracing the unknown. Be open and adaptable. I’m still getting there but I think it is going well.”
the Question of “Home”: A Thought Experiment
archyde: A thought-provoking journey. Sarah, thank you for sharing your very personal process. What is the biggest misconception, in your opinion, about what “home” truly means?
Sarah Miller: I think people often equate “home” with a place, a destination. I’m starting to believe it´s not always a destination, but rather a feeling: a sense of belonging that transcends geographical boundaries. Once you feel like you belong,the place will work out.
Archyde: That’s a stunning reflection.Thank you so much, Sarah, for your time. The readers should find this very thought-provoking. we ask a question: What steps have you taken to build a sense of community elsewhere? Please share your ideas in the comment section below.
