"All that propaganda about things like: if you step out of your comfort zone, the world will meet you and it will be amazing. It doesn’t work like that."
‘I have found, everywhere, including where you came from, is valuable to your journey.’
Cracking advice!
I also struggled with London and I grew up in Nottingham which isn’t a small city as such. I just couldn’t get it, it was so big and so many people but everyone was busy.
Thanks for the comment Sheila. Glad to know I wasn't the only person who found London hard. I think from small town central america to London was a really big jump, but I was young at the time and didn't even think about how difficult a process that might be. I went back later to study masters and really enjoyed it the second time. I think the environment you are in can play into how the city feels.
I didn’t think about the difficulty either, I think if I’d gone back older it’d have been different. But I wouldn’t want to now 😆🙈 It’s wayyyyy to busy for me. I find at the end of a weekend I’m ready to retreat to quietness!
Yes I relate Sheila. London does take up energy and you have to be ready for it to actually make the most out of it. I think prices have gone up a lot since I last lived there in 2011. And I remember when I last went back for a visit, I was wondering where all the trees were. But maybe they were never there! I am quite happy to live in quieter places.
I think they have too, generally in the uk but definitely in London. It’s a very cool place to visit but I too am very happy to live in quieter places. 💕
I love reading about expat life—it reminds me I’m not alone in this wonderful yet challenging journey. I write about these challenges to connect with a community of belonging seekers!
Great interview ladies! So interesting how you felt the most like an outsider in the UK (London), Catriona. I can totally identify with that, thinking of the times I've gone back to Canada.
I love this :) I am ready for my questionnaire :)
‘I have found, everywhere, including where you came from, is valuable to your journey.’
Cracking advice!
I also struggled with London and I grew up in Nottingham which isn’t a small city as such. I just couldn’t get it, it was so big and so many people but everyone was busy.
Thanks for the comment Sheila. Glad to know I wasn't the only person who found London hard. I think from small town central america to London was a really big jump, but I was young at the time and didn't even think about how difficult a process that might be. I went back later to study masters and really enjoyed it the second time. I think the environment you are in can play into how the city feels.
I didn’t think about the difficulty either, I think if I’d gone back older it’d have been different. But I wouldn’t want to now 😆🙈 It’s wayyyyy to busy for me. I find at the end of a weekend I’m ready to retreat to quietness!
Yes I relate Sheila. London does take up energy and you have to be ready for it to actually make the most out of it. I think prices have gone up a lot since I last lived there in 2011. And I remember when I last went back for a visit, I was wondering where all the trees were. But maybe they were never there! I am quite happy to live in quieter places.
I think they have too, generally in the uk but definitely in London. It’s a very cool place to visit but I too am very happy to live in quieter places. 💕
Wow! She sounds fascinating. Love these interviews. 🫶🏻
Thanks, Elaine! Glad to hear it.
Thank you for reading Elaine and for the comment. Monica asks some great questions!
Lovely interview! Catriona is one of the first Substackers I read when I joined actively last summer and she definitely deserves more attention.
Thanks Liza - I am here for it :D
That reverse culture shock insight is so real!
I love reading about expat life—it reminds me I’m not alone in this wonderful yet challenging journey. I write about these challenges to connect with a community of belonging seekers!
Hi Emanuela, the journey is indeed challenging but very much worth it! :)
Great interview ladies! So interesting how you felt the most like an outsider in the UK (London), Catriona. I can totally identify with that, thinking of the times I've gone back to Canada.
Thanks Kalia. Interesting you have had a similar experience going back to Canada.
Thanks, Kaila! I've also experienced an outsider feeling when going back to my home country, especially after living abroad for a long time.