I think I'm starting to understand a little bit better, this feeling I have.
This feeling of not belonging.
I am becoming more and more aware of the fact that I, as a foreigner, do not belong in Korea.
The people are of a different culture, language, understanding, mentality, upbringing.
Everything is different.
And no matter if I learn the language, the customs, the names of place, have Korean friends, I will never belong here. I was not born here and therefore I will never share that bond with the people who were born here.
Same thing goes for Canada.
I went there when I was 12. I left when I was 24.
I spent 12 years in Canada and I don't feel Canadian at all. Except for the fact that I got used to having the privileges that come with being Canadian and living there, and I don't think I would find it easy settling anywhere else.
Now, when I think of Romania... that's something different.
I can't wait to go back there this August.
I won't be a stranger there. I'll know the language, I'll know the customs, I'll know the people.
They'll also know me, and be able to understand me.
I was born there, they were born there, I grew up there, they grew up there.
That country and people are still in my heart and I long to be somewhere where I'm not a stranger.
This feeling of not belonging.
I am becoming more and more aware of the fact that I, as a foreigner, do not belong in Korea.
The people are of a different culture, language, understanding, mentality, upbringing.
Everything is different.
And no matter if I learn the language, the customs, the names of place, have Korean friends, I will never belong here. I was not born here and therefore I will never share that bond with the people who were born here.
Same thing goes for Canada.
I went there when I was 12. I left when I was 24.
I spent 12 years in Canada and I don't feel Canadian at all. Except for the fact that I got used to having the privileges that come with being Canadian and living there, and I don't think I would find it easy settling anywhere else.
Now, when I think of Romania... that's something different.
I can't wait to go back there this August.
I won't be a stranger there. I'll know the language, I'll know the customs, I'll know the people.
They'll also know me, and be able to understand me.
I was born there, they were born there, I grew up there, they grew up there.
That country and people are still in my heart and I long to be somewhere where I'm not a stranger.
1 comments:
you are so strong and brave and i admire your resolve...you have so much endurance and adventure in your heart...
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