Where I come from is so different to where I am now. What I grew up with, in and around is all so different to everything I live with today. Different doesnt mean bad. It just means ytou might have to step back and think a bit, or maybe adjust your ways. Ive learned so much since leaving home as a teenager, lived with so many different people, in different places. Its all been good in some way - the good experiences I remember with a smile, the bad expereinces just helped me learn from my mistakes. But moving to another country, even though it might only be an hour away, can be such a shock to the system. So many new ways, new words, new styles. I really found out how strong I was when I was out there alone, in a strange adn different place, with only 1 friend for support. I found out too that I was more proud of my Irish roots than I realised. In 2 ways - the 1st was when faced with racists, who saw me as another 'foreigner taking their jobs' and an ethnic minority who shouldnt be in their country. And the 2nd, on days like march 17th, I found myself very proud of where I come from, my language, family, history and culture. I had some strange experiences, feeling homesick so badly, but not having a penny to my name, not enough to even call home and say 'I miss you all'. The more friends I made here in England, the more I realised how different I am, and how different I see things. The media, the governemtn, the monarchy, the obsessions with meaningless famous people, the culture in general. And the way my country is portrayed. Some see the Irish, still, even in 2008, as Guiness drinking, backwards little people. So when told I didnt drink, I got some funny looks. Some thought I was joking, some thought I was a recovering alcoholic. Not conforming to a stereotype is hard for some people. Ive found it hard being in a strange foreign country, full of different people and cultures. Fun at times, tough at times, but always interesting. And even though I will always live here, it will never be 'home'. Thats a different place altogether.
