The living setup could be different and depends on the person. It is always a personal choice to make. Today, we are talking about “living in a foreign country.” The concept always reminds me of a certain example of uprooting a grown-up tree and growing in a different environment. Does that make any sense to you?
The decision to live on foreign soil is not an easy task always figuring out how things work and learning a new language, are challenges ahead.
Today’s discussion is about how I felt living in a foreign country through my own experience,
Sri Lankan extended families are highly interactive and often deeply involved in each other’s daily lives, sometimes even after marriages. They have to get together frequently, whereas here it is very different; each has their own lifestyle, and no one interferes in others’ lives. You are free to keep up your life according to your own sweet will. Families are spread out and they get together in some milestones or holidays. So life feels liberating.
In the place you grew up, many people are known to you. You meet your friends daily and make friends easily since you know the cultural vibe. It is a little bit different in an unknown land since you are an alien to a particular society. You do not have a deep knowledge of the ongoing vibe, the culture, and their stuff. So naturally, it takes time to adjust. But its joyful living here because neighbourhood culture. You are always free and no judgements at all. If you are behaving within your limits without any harm to other no matter at all. Native neighbours start appreciating and loving you.
The Language, culture
The language is difficult, and it takes a considerable time to get used to it. But your effort to speak in Japanese, even with mistakes, makes them happy and say “Nihingo Josu desu neh”(your Japanese is good) I know it is not the truth, but they appreciate the effort we put. The daily greetings are so good; even if you do not know them, “ohayo gozaimasu”(good morning), “Konnichiwa(Hello)” and “Konbanwa (good evening)” are with them always.
Another cultural observation is food. Japanese cuisine is well known for its way of presenting and its nutrition. The art of packing is wonderful. There are fewer preservatives in food, so you do not need to worry too much about what you eat outside. Even a street food cart would offer you healthy portions.
Appointment system and the driving license
Apart from that, one of the strange things for me was “placing appointments.” Everywhere, appointments get high priority. I am unfamiliar with the appointment system because my roots did not expect me to place an appointment and do work except for a doctor’s appointment. But the positive thing is you won’t waste your time in unnecessary queues.
One of the hardest things is getting a driving license. The practical driving test is hard. Many tell me they did not pass until their seventh-eighth time. Getting medicine without an appointment and getting sick on holiday is difficult. But if there is an emergency, the ambulance service is always there.
Finally, I would love to say this life-changing shift offered me a different perspective on life and taught me life with more positive thoughts.
How do you feel? What are your feelings on growing in a different country?
Much Love XOXO!!!
