Split Personality: The Stimulation of Living in Two Countries.
Some folks choose the part-time expat lifestyle simply because they have a split personality. Read on, and you’ll see what I mean ….
Whenever we are over Costa Rican airspace and I can look down on the verdant green countrysides, or the rain forest-covered mountains, or the azure waters of the coastline, I know a part of me is home.
And, when I drive through the corn and soybean fields of Indiana at the height of growing season, I feel so content as I marvel at the crops and the shades of green before me.
And when the typical dancers begin to move to the marimba music in the park near our condo in Costa Rica, I want to get up and move with them. I love the typical music, dance, and folklore!
And, when I hear a marching band come down the street in Indiana, my whole body is in rhythm, and I feel the music down to my toes.
And, when gallo pinto (Costa Rican rice and beans dish) is placed before me with a fresh tropical fruit smoothie, my taste buds go into high gear and my mind immediately finds a calm place.
And, when I’m served mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and noodles all on the same plate, my body joyfully moves into carb overload while I smile and savor the Indiana home-cooked flavors.
I confess I am a split personality.
I love the stimulation of both cultures.
Both places have become part of my DNA.
They are part of me, and I am part of them. And I believe that duality integrates into a whole that is more diverse, less judgmental, and more at ease when something new is on the horizon.
Having lived almost ¼ of my life outside my home country, I find it hard to comprehend that others many not value that experience. But, then, there are those who can’t imagine how I could have no desire to play basketball. Life really is “to each his own” to enjoy and experience.
But, if the desire to know another culture up close and personal, intimately, seems to speak to you often, pay attention. Many part-time expats are living that lifestyle because two voices speak to them. Two experiences call them. Two lives beckon. And they find the path that leads them to the lifestyle that seems to fit. And you can, too.
They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Being a part-time expat gives you the opportunity to love and enjoy twice and to have your heart grow fonder often.
I love landing in Costa Rica.
And I love landing in the USA.
And I cant wait to go back.
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