sunset on the way home from Celovec/ Klagenfurt
We had an impromptu shopping day in Klagenfurt yesterday, but for some reason all I really wanted to do was walk around in the nice weather. It figures....
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In other news, with regards to this, I'm currently of the mind that I am more of an explorer than anything else. I get a thrill out of pushing the limits of my comfort zone and watching myself adapt, I like meeting new people, openminded, fascinating, thinking people who are as curious as I am. That having been said, it's a curious thing that I am still reluctant to go to expat things. In theory it sounds like the perfect place to meet people like me, but in practice it doesn't usually feel that way. How strange...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Road Home
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11 comments:
Agreed. I find myself stearing clear of "expat" specific events for the most part because it's usually not super fun. Meeting people from non english speaking countries who speak English or the local language (or both) is usually great but native English speakers, not so much.
Just how it is I guess.
Thanks for confirming that I'm not totally crazy for feeling this way! There are good and bad eggs in every crowd but I find expat Americans to have a higher portion of *ahem*...problem eggs, the very problem eggs I didn't anticipate running into this far away from home.
I stay away from Slovenian expats in Germany, too. Actually, I have never tried to "check them out" - it seems like a bad idea and I guess I automatically expect them to be rather unpleasant (not fair, I know, BUT).
@alcessa - Good to know. The Captain told me he almost always hates running into Slovenians outside of Slovenia. Wow, it's good to know this isnt just confined to the American crowd!
Nice shot!
Been meaning to comment on this! I thought about going to some expat events but I never got around to it. I took that as a sign that I'm not really into it.
I think there is something specific about people who adopt the expat label. It definitely has a "white, English speaking enclave" ring to it. Maybe some groups actively try to be more diverse, but that's the impression I get.
I like meeting Canadians sometimes but I don't want to find an enclave of them and wrap myself in it like a protective blanket. Hell, if I'm really missing Canada, I'll listen to the CBC online, take a trip back or call someone I know. I prefer to make my life here, and be a part of the community as much as possible, rather than search out a group of supposedly 'like minded' people. I am interested in meeting people from all over the place, and find myself curious about what brings other people to Slovenia...but I like an individual approach, rather than just joining a 'default group'.
Maybe I'm being harsh on expat groups? I probably should reserve judgement until I actually go to one of those things. ;)
@pirano - Thanks!
@Lisa - I think that "protective blanket" analogy hits the nail on the head!
As for the individual approach, I think I've come to the conclusion that that's the best approach-- whether at home or abroad. With that having been said, I do have to say that I hope we can have a Slo-Blogger "group approach" some time soon! :)
Hehehe...of course! There are exceptions to the individual rule ;)
Camille . . . I just found your blog by clicking through a link from a comment you posted on my blog . . . and I'm happy I did. You've got a great international adventure underway! I love the pic in this post. Did you create those vertical lines in the reflection intentionally and, if so, how? Or did they just happen, as a lot of great art does?
Re the expat thing, I've never lived abroad for more than 3 months . . . so I myself have never "qualified" as an expat. But I've traveled quite a bit and I have to say that some of the US expats I've met abroad have been among the most f*!ked up folks I've ever met . . . lots of middle-aged white guys living in Latin American countries with good surf . . . seemingly there mostly for the very young (like teenage) women of color who, for economic reasons, would date/live with/sleep with them. These are women who would never give these guys a second glance were the economic conditions more humane. But these guys live like kings. I've had several vacations leave a very nasty taste in my mouth because of some of the expats I've met. They can be a weird bunch.
Thanks for the kind words Food Rockz Man and thanks for reading! I didn't do anything to the picture to get those lines though it may be indicative of some limitations on my digital camera, or maybe it was just the way the light hit...
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