Blogging
From Abroad

As inherently similar as we all are and as seemingly heterogeneous as we may appear at times, at the end of the day, we’re all so incredibly unique. sometimes these differences can be uncomfortable, daunting and confusing. for some, its easier to stay within a group of their own, to isolate themselves within a community where they neither have to speak another language not step out of their comfort zone.

eventually though, when in another country or in an environment of diversity, the lines mix and the paths of the groups eventually pass. people are eventually forced to interact.

My dorm is an example of this phenomenon. we are, in a sense, our very own united nations. My floor alone has representatives from countries like Brazil, Morocco, China, Ghana, Pakistan, Gaza, Ethiopia, Italy, Albania and the USA (thats me), all living side by side. Despite our differing schedules, we always seem to meet in the kitchen. One by one, the dining room is filled with exotic herbs and spices that both delight and disgust those not accustomed to their scent. Though i would have guessed other wise, living here I have discovered that the smell of curry, fried fish and Italian peperoncino isn’t the most “appetizing” mixture.

One night, after our dinner was over, we sat around the large rectangular table and taught each other the same phrase in each of our native languages. As cliche and perhaps, hallmark, as it sounds, it was fascinating. With eyes wide and tongue loose, i desperately attempted to make the “K” sound in Amharic. Despite the fact that it was a complete failure and still is to this day, the moment in which we tried to mimic the sounds of eachother’s languages ended in an even more satisfying result: honest and unfaltering laughter.

But its not all laughter and smiles and rainbows. (darn..) In reality, we disagree. A lot. I’ve found that sometimes if a person doesn’t know you, they don’t first judge you by your appearance or your manners but rather by your government. This, I understand completely and has led me to acquire a great sense of patience and tact. Despite the no politics rule, heated and impassioned discourse always eventually erupts.

Before coming here, i expected some people to have opinions about America yet i underestimated just how many people would want to talk about the past 8 years in American politics. With honest and open discussion we have covered topics i never even thought to question. I’ve come across some interesting arguments, a great deal of outright stereotypes and even some anger filled perspectives. People have told me about their encounters with paramilitary groups, fully functioning systems of universal health care, counter culture movements, and simple stories of local triumph and poverty.

Though i’ve only been here two weeks, I’ve often wondered if this is what its like to be fully immersed in the global community. If so, than i am all about it and among other things, i’m thrilled and honored to be the token American, even though at times i’m referred to as “la capitalista”.