Expatriotism

Dear Reader,

It's been a while since I last wrote anything. In my defence, I am really really lazy. But, as a part of my "self improvement" plan, I will be posting at least once a week. I have no idea how long that will last. 

Over the period of silence, I have once again moved abroad from Pakistan becoming an overseas Pakistani. All the time I grew up with my friends, I used to romanticize this lifestyle. I though it was so cool to be based abroad and all my friends used to share my opinions. There were many hopes, aspirations and fantasies we all had about the "expatriate" lifestyle, including the freedom from our culture and bonds of family breathing down your neck.

4 years in and I have learnt how wrong I was. I am listing just some of the "rude awakenings" I have had.

1. It's harder than you think: It's not all fun and glory with cars and babes. You miss your family, you miss your home, you miss your friends, you miss your city, you miss the food. Everyday.
2. Staying alive is a big chore: When I was living at home with my mum and dad, I was only just working and making money. The responsibility of keeping me alive belonged to my mum. She fed me, kept my room clean made sure the kitchen was stocked. Being alive is a big chore and now that I have to do it all on my own, I have a new found respect for how flawlessly my mum just made sure I didn't die of starvation.
3. I still can't afford to buy property in Pakistan: I came here with the knowledge that if I stayed in Pakistan, I would never be able to afford even a flat in Karachi (my home town). 4 years in, lots of money saved up, and I still can't afford a flat in Karachi.
4. Saving money is easier but using it is harder: I'm in Saudi Arabia, so saving money is really easy in this part of the world, but getting large enough sums to your own bank account is a tedious process. Western Union is a bright shining light in this darkness.
5. There is really not that much to do: After work, gym, housekeeping there really isn't that much activity to indulge in, fewer friends to hang out with, fewer cultural activities so mostly you have to chill at home in front of the TV. I found out that cabin fever is a real thing.
6. Video chat, chat and voice calls just aren't the same: All these options are available to make contact with family and friends back home, it just isn't the same as sitting down in a room with the people you care about. It just isn't.

I'm sure that there are many more that I have unconsciously acclimated to, but rest assured there are more.

I'll Keep you updated.

Regards,

Z