Back to England

Apparently, no one believed Marco Polo’s incredible tales of China upon his return to Italy. I wonder if the same thing will happen to me. Yes, I’m going back to England.

Not permanently, of course. That would be ridiculous. No, I’m going back to see if anyone remembers me in my hometown. If my family hasn’t forgotten my face then I should be spending the winter period at home eating Christmas Pudding and drinking Scotch, all being well.

Going home?

Going back to England feels strangely like going on holiday, and not going home. It might be presumptuous to say this, but Japan feels more like my natural habitat than Coventry. Having said that, I still expect a welcoming committee of regular My TEFL Journey readers at the airport (jus’ kidding; if there is a welcoming committee of readers then I would actually be scared. Very scared).

I guess it’s a natural hazard of living abroad that eventually you become distanced from your upbringing, and find bonds in your new home. Others who have lived in many different countries tell me that they feel more like citizens of the world than of any particular country. I don’t think I would be the only English teacher to say that that living in a new country has given them a fresh perspective on things, including their home country.

Enjoy your winter!

I’m also probably not the only English teacher going back to their birthplace this winter. For the rest of you who are visiting countries far and wide during the festive period, I wish you safe travels and a happy time!