Five.

The last time I wrote a blog entry, I was in South Africa and it was titled with numbers. This time I’m in America and have also titled in numbers. I have five days until I leave for Istanbul, Turkey. When I started this blog, I had no idea that I would be spending a year of my life in different countries. I thought I’d be documenting my then ongoing experiences in South Africa. But while there I had the idea to study in Turkey as well. Why? I’ve always wanted to go to the Middle East and while I realize Turkey is more Westernized than, say, Syria, Saudia Arabia, Oman, Egypt, or others, Istanbul is also a city that has been inhabited for millennia and has a rich culture as well. Turkey is the only country and Istanbul the only city to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. As a result, it also straddles two kinds of cultures and is completely unique in that sense. From west to east, Turkey is, well, more western and eastern. I won’t go into everything now, but will instead leave the Turkey topic there and reflect on my time in South Africa.
Since being back, I have realized a few things.

First of all, America is home. That is for sure. Not only did I miss all my friends and family while I was gone, but I missed the culture of America. I missed the orderliness (of every day life, the government, the people), individuality, diversity, technological accessibility and many other things.

Secondly, I am beginning to see life and everything to do with it in spectrum-terms. For most of my intellectual life, I have known there is a political spectrum. For most of my adult life, I have known race and ethnicity are a spectrum, especially living in America, the melting pot. In recent years, I have known human sexuality and gender are a spectrum. And more recently, I am beginning to realize patriotism is also a spectrum. While I may have missed and enjoy the above qualities of America, let’s say I’m still not a huge fan of the inequalities I see in human rights through domestic and international policies, American materialism, or some views Americans hold of religion, science, and politics. (I’m going somewhere – bear with me.) Patriotism is a spectrum. I have listed likes and dislikes, and while these describe me, they certainly do not apply to everyone in the US. For some, certain qualities in America, whether governmental, belief, or lifestyle-wise, may be perfect. For me, both yes and no. I am beginning to see that no country is perfect. For some, America (or Sweden or the UK or Uruguay or wherever) is as close to perfect as they want. Still others yearn for something more and emigrate elsewhere. Others put up, settle, or vocalize discontent. Patriotism is a spectrum.

Thirdly, I miss South Africa. I miss the genuineness of the people. I miss taking it easy. I miss the simplicity of either being with people or being by yourself. In the US, with the Internet at your every turn, cell phones going off, and TVs bombarding us with information, it’s easy to be “with” someone all the time. In South Africa, Internet and cell were limited, and TV to me was basically non-existent. I was either with people or I wasn’t. Back at home, when on coffee or lunch dates or what have you, someone’s phone is always out on the table. I remember in South Africa, phones stayed in pockets during conversations and when you were with someone, you were really with them. I connected with people faster and deeper than I almost ever have at home. It’s not that technology is a crutch or a hindrance on the American people – it’s just the society we live in. It’s a fact of life.

I was going to continue here with some thoughts on technology – but after typing a couple incoherent lines, I decided against it. In summary, America is home for the most part. I missed you all for sure. And I missed aspects of my life here at home. But I also have gained an appreciation for simplicity.

Istanbul calls louder with every passing day. I already miss you all but am so excited to tell you about everything that happens in the coming months. Soon.