America seemed a nice place to visit, but after three years away, I didn’t need to live there. It wasn’t that I felt out of place or even turned off. I found lots to like—the comparatively cool weather was great for sleeping and running, my teams won both of the professional baseball games I got to see. I was even pleasantly surprised a few times—not one of my nine flights was late or cancelled.
But the country seemed a little down on its luck. Fraying at the edges. Not as bold and bright as I remembered. Sort of gray.
Occasionally somebody I met with would mention some cool innovation, and I'd be filled with that sense of the youthful cutting edge that I took for granted when we lived there.
Maybe I’d still feel that if we still lived there. It’s possible that I’ve changed, not the country. It’s possible.
1 comment:
I remember thinking similar thoughts when I returned in 92 after 2 years away. Partly everyone was reeling from the Reagan-Bush I era and Gulf War I. People seemed hopeless and a bit fearful. Now we've had 8 years of Bush II, and another war we couldn't head off. But also I think I was just seeing with fresh eyes. Easier to do with an outsider status. -Laura
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