why comfort zones are a good thing
When making a place a true home, it’s all about the network. This doesn’t only include making both local friends in order to feel fully connected and in getting in touch with other expats who will share and understand your feelings about certain aspects of your new life. It is also about establishing daily routines and a comfort zone.
At the end of the day, this is what home really means to me: A strong social network and a comfort zone. Moving to a new place, you will have to make more of an effort to create either of the two – and here is how:
1. Meet locals
Connecting with the local community probably is the most obvious – if not most important – step in order to truly arrive in your new home.
2. No one gets an expat like another expat
Leaving home, family and friends behind, having to learn another language, not finding you favourite foods at the local supermarket – especially in the beginning, these things can really get to you. And there is nothing like finding a fellow expat who understands what you’re going through.
3. Create routines and networks
Going to the same bakery every morning, greeting the news agent with his name – little things often make the difference and make a new place feel instantly more like home.
appreciate things for what they are
You can’t re-create your “real” home – and you don’t have to. There are reasons for why you left and certain things you were looking for. Keep both in mind when establishing yourself in the new country.
After having lived in Tunisia for almost a year, I can now happily say that I am very lucky to have two homes!
sandals in winter 