Soul Full of Detours.

Home, it is really an interesting choice of word to describe a place where one is settled and comfortable. Home can be a physical structure, a city/country or simply a concept of being comfortable around certain people. For me, it is definitely the latter.

Where Is Home?

As a traveler, you are always on the move, so the physical aspect of home is non existent. However, when people ask me where is “home,” I automatically point to Canada and the northern city in Alberta – Edmonton. But for me home is a place where you are among loved ones. Edmonton is home to me simply because of that. My family, my friends, the culture and people I grew up around, they are all in Edmonton. So naturally, home is, and always will be, Edmonton

However, that is not completely true either. I was born in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates to Indian parents, and I spent the first 10 years of my life in this beautiful country. Although I never got Emirati citizenship, I have always considered UAE to be my (second) home because of the people I grew up around and the some of the Arabic culture instilled on me. Imagine the culture shock I had to go through being born to Indian parents in an Arab country and growing up in one of the most diverse countries in the world, Canada.  I mean if this doesn’t prove that I am meant to be always on the road as a “Global” citizen, I don’t know what will :).

New Home, Well, Homes….

With increased travels, however, home is starting to change. By all means, I love my people in Edmonton but as more and more people come into my life from all around the world, I don’t feel lonely being away from Edmonton. In fact, I have been blessed to travel to some of the countries these amazing travelers are from, and through their kindness, stay with them and their family and explore their beautiful cities and country.

Can I Stay Here A Little Longer?

I am starting to feel cozy in all the cities I have been to, despite the language and cultural barriers. I have started making notes of the cities I would love to live (even if it is for a short time), simply because I feel like I am at home. Once I decided to leave the comforts of Edmonton and Canada, my entire perspective on the world changed. Being blessed enough to live in a country like Canada, I was sheltered from everything the world has to offer –  both the negatives and the positives. But when I left the country, after the initial culture shock(s), everything seems normal. Language doesn’t matter, race doesn’t matter, religion doesn’t matter; just a bunch of like-minded individuals trying to connect with each other while trying to explore the best of this world.

Hey Google, This Doesn’t Look Like Edmonton

Through out my journey, many strangers have welcomed me into their homes. Some I met during travels, and some I met once I arrived at their home. I have had nothing but positive and pleasant experiences. Strangers who turned into family and friends. Strangers who go above and beyond to make me “feel at home,” and show me their beautiful city. In fact, as I write this small piece, I am writing from a friend’s home in Australia, whom I met about five months ago in Germany. Think about how crazy that is! Canadian meets an Australian in Germany and end up in Austrailia. Next, I am heading to a different city in Austrailia to meet up and stay with another friend I met at the same event.

I encourage everyone to travel and truly embrace the global community. It is absolutely a wonderful experience!

Catch you soon!