I never imagined that moving back to my homeland would be such a transformative experience. It's a bold statement, but one that encapsulates the unexpected journey I embarked on when I returned to Australia after decades in the US.
You see, I had always believed that moving back home would be a breeze. After all, I had spent my childhood moving around due to my father's job in the film industry, so adjusting to new environments was nothing new to me. I thought it would be like putting on an old, comfortable cardigan - a familiar and welcoming experience.
But here's where it gets controversial... I was wrong. The culture shock I experienced upon returning to Australia was profound and unexpected. Despite still sounding like an Aussie, I quickly realized I had missed out on a significant part of my country's general knowledge and cultural references during my time abroad. I felt like an outsider, even in my own homeland.
And this is the part most people miss... I discovered that I had become culturally American. The convenience, customer service, and affordability I had taken for granted in the US were not the norm in Australia. It was a shocking realization that highlighted the depth of my transformation.
I had to make some serious life adjustments. The daily frustrations were numerous: no coffee after 3 pm (or before 7 am), no salad bars or authentic Mexican food, and the expense of everything (especially in Sydney, Australia's most expensive city). Even the cultural norms were a challenge; handshakes and bear hugs, so common in the US, were replaced by kisses on the cheek.
Making friends in Sydney felt difficult, and I found myself gravitating towards other foreigners who, like me, were open and friendly. When I met fellow Americans, I felt a unique sense of comfort and familiarity that I couldn't find with anyone else.
In my first year back, I often thought about the phrase, "You can never go home again." I had always dismissed it, believing I could return to Australia and it would feel like home. But I came to understand the truth in those words. We can't go back to a previous place or time and expect to recapture our original experience.
Just as I had adjusted to the culture shock of moving to the US as a child, I now needed to acclimatize to Australia all over again. I had made the move much harder by expecting it to be easy and familiar. As I let go of that expectation, I started to feel more at home.
I built new experiences and connections, and as I grew older, my American background became less noticeable and relevant. It took time, but I now feel entirely at home in Australia. The key was to start afresh and get to know my hometown as an adult, rediscovering my Australian identity along the way.
So, what do you think? Is it possible to truly go home again? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
