As an expat, cultural identity is my most significant concern, along with the complexities associated with making friends out of new people. Of course, there are inevitable challenges like the language /accent barrier and adapting to a new climate; however I always had to hold my boots for random situations! Like?
A well-read person as I am, I was aware that London is divided into 6 main zones. Valuable friends also helped me understand the zones-based travel-card concept. After mulling over for a couple of weeks, and easing out my friends’ concerns, I gathered the courage to travel “on-my-own”! Although my “zone research” guaranteed travel between zone 1- 4, somehow the train decided to be on a mood-trip and I landed in zone 6 (of course, I didn’t realise that until my travel-card prompted me to seek assistance every time it was inserted into that wretched machine!). All my explanations to the guard about being a new resident boosted his ego, which was only satisfied by the £20 fine.
The eventual question did pop up, do I really belong here? Why am I here when I should really be home amongst my own people? Answering these thoughts made me clear about everything that was holding me back in this foreign land – my reasons excluded common factors like currency calculator, individual independence, professional or academic growth or a better living standard – I was just looking for some life-experiences with various cultures.
With this clarity came a strong desire to survive the challenges and I eventually did succeed in making myself at home. To be a happy resident, my best option was to capitalise on all the available resources that could enable me to be in touch with family and friends.
If you wish to share your top staying-in-touch options, or personal survival stories, I look forward to hear from you in the comments section.
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