Wherever I Park My Car

Three years ago I left the United Kingdom for the United States of America. I’m now back in London for a few weeks while I’m awaiting the new Visa which will allow me permanent residency in the US. My old Visa expired on June 26 and I now have to re-enter with a new petition and a new passport stamp. It’s only a few days away so I’m all good, restless but good.

I’m re-visiting my old neighborhoods Kensington and Notting Hill in London which is great fun: Waterstone’s bookstore (great books) at Notting Hill Gate; Churchill Arms Thai Restaurant (the best Thai in the world) and Rotisserie Jules (fantastic roasted chicken with potatoes au gratin). It brings back a lot of memories but also makes me aware of how much I love San Francisco where the missus and I live.

Last week I visited Stockholm where I lived for 4 years during the 90’s and I had the same feeling: great fun to visit the old hangouts but it didn’t feel like home anymore. I was surprised of how expensive everything had gotten – too expensive. I would never afford returning which is ironic since the country is driven by socialistic values.

Lots of people asked my how it felt to be ‘home’ because in Europe home is where you are born and where you are born defines your nationality – for life. You can never be a local in Europe if you are not born there. It doesn’t matter if you get citizenship – to Europeans nationality is very closely tied with language, race, social status and birth right. You will always be a foreigner if you have an accent or a different race. Not in America though, which I really appreciate.

I generally responded with saying something neutral such as “Interesting” or ‘Fantastic’ not to disappoint or create an unnecessary argument. But in my mind I don’t recognize Sweden as home anymore, nor do I recognize London as home. I’m an average foreigner on a short visit to the old playground, a mere observer. But I do feel at home in San Francisco – no one is taking me for granted or staple the epitaph foreigner to my Nordic names.

I feel equal, wanted, needed and worthy. It’s a great feeling to belong and be included. San Francisco has diversity, great attitude and in general very appreciative people. It’s a unique place where nothing is impossible and your future is more important and talked of than your past. It’s you in the context of others and not the other way around.