Thank You to My City — Global

A few months ago, we asked you: if they could write a thank you letter to their city, what would it say?

Did you find a vibrant community in your host city that welcomed you with open arms? Maybe the atmosphere was the main reason you consider your town the perfect place for expats and global minds: the green spaces, the laidback lifestyle! Or maybe you and your host city even got off to a rocky start, but you have come to love and embrace its rough edges.

Many of you got in touch and submitted your letter to your city, telling us why you are grateful to live in your home abroad.

Chicago

“Dear lovely windy city, I believe that I owe you an apology. I was presumptuous and judgmental, and I thank you today for proving me wrong every step of the way. The fact is, I was proven wrong by every nice human being who smiled at me on the street just because they came across me, by every greeting neighbor who helped me feel at home and by every stranger who kindly showed me the way when my poor direction skills gave up on me.”

Houston

“Houston has certainly made me wiser, training me to learn every bit of the way about myself, about my peers and surrounding communities as well as the wider world. The most important lesson of Houston is to unlearn former bias and prejudices and learn new lessons of love and friendship. Every person I meet has something unique to offer, a unique perspective to share or a value to teach, to lead me onward in making my choices and informed decisions.”

Tashkent

“The first greeting was fragrant like a hot lepeshka. You were very different from my native Yerevan: architecture, language, cuisine, flowers. But you were able to keep me with your hospitality and the warmth of the hearts of the people I met along the way.”

Muscat

“If you are new here, just take your time and explore the country. You’ll see the beauty of this city and you’ll meet fantastic people, expats and local citizens alike. I also love the fact that some Omanis can speak in Swahili which is a national language in my country.”

Addis Ababa

“Living in Addis Ababa has taught me to value and appreciate people more, as I have had to learn the basics of the local language, Amharic. Most people speak it, and a foreigner would need to know the basics to have an easy time getting items from shops or the street. The people are extremely patient and excited to help you learn the language.”

Canberra

“When I first arrived, I liked the weather and the warm gestures from people who were already residing with you. As time went by, I realized that my friends were wrong. You are one of the most beautiful, safest, and loveliest places one should live.”

Tobago

“Thank you for the fabulous life I live on your beautiful island. I fell in love with your beauty on holiday visits with my husband — landscape, warm tropical climate, cornucopia of lush green, abundance of fruits, spectacular flora and sunsets of the rainy season, longer sunny days of dry season with its dry heat and the island’s general lifestyle.”

 

We know that many of you are great writers and have a lot of fantastic stories to tell — from exciting adventures to funny mishaps. If you missed this writing opportunity or your letter didn’t get published, you should keep an eye out for upcoming writing opportunities all throughout the year 2022.

We are looking forward to learning how you see the world and feel about expat life!

 

Also check out:

Thank You to My City — Europe

Dear Chicago,

I was standing in my kitchen, simply standing in my good-smelling and homey little kitchen on a lovely spring afternoon, when my husband heaved your name at me for the first time: “It’s Chicago!”

Obviously, “it” referred to his new job location, if he were to accept the offer of the multinational company he worked for.

CHICAGO. A crime novel, a thriller movie, a name that referred to a scary and cold city with tall buildings and blurry streets, dangerously associated with mafia gangsters and dark, disturbing stories. In my mind, trying to connect my two boys’ cute little faces with that name, trying to picture them living in that city, was like trying to place a whale in a Volkswagen. It just couldn’t fit. 

I had an instinctive clear-cut reaction: “Honey, you go, I’ll stay.”

Outside my kitchen window, I could hear birds chirping.

But here we are today, just a few months and a massive emotional roller coaster ride later…

I was well aware that life with you would be no “Little House on the Prairie”; all I knew was that your life was never simple, I knew that your crime rate remained terribly high, and I knew about all the social discrepancies you suffered from and still do today, as we speak.

But truth be told, you really caught me by surprise with the way you’ve embraced my apprehensions, understanding my confusion, addressing my concerns … Indeed, you blessed my family with a wonderful cocoon, surrounded by tree-lined streets and wide green parks. Everywhere we look, it is just warm, welcoming streets, beautiful brick homes, gorgeous cathedrals, lakes, beaches, museums, and even a zoo!

Dear lovely windy city, I believe that I owe you an apology. I was presumptuous and judgmental, and I thank you today for proving me wrong every step of the way. The fact is, I was proven wrong by every nice human being who smiled at me on the street just because they came across me, by every greeting neighbor who helped me feel at home and by every stranger who kindly showed me the way when my poor direction skills gave up on me.

The bottom line is: when we relocate to a different country (and in our case, a whole different continent!), not only do we bring our cultural background with us, but we actually carry our story and it lands with us in that new territory. Therefore, our personal experience of things, people, and events is tightly linked to that single particular story that makes us who we are. Honestly, I am thrilled today that my story just happened, one day, to lead me to you, of all cities and towns. Today, I am thanking every person who smiled at me, every friendly neighbor and every kind stranger who embraced my story and told me that I was welcome to continue writing it over here…

Because you see, outside my window, I can hear birds chirping.

Sincerely,

Maya

 

My name is Maya Chehab and I am a mental health professional with expertise in several roles and responsibilities such as private clinical practice, school counseling, and psychosocial project consultancy. I am fluent in several languages: English, French, Arabic, and I speak a bit of Spanish. I have recently relocated with my family to Chicago. Being passionate about my work and goals achieved abroad, I decided to make the best out of this geographic move and started publishing specialized articles in different mental health themes, while in the process of having my education and experience certified in the State of Illinois.

Houston is the city of my love and marriage. When I married my fiancé in Houston and set up a household, we were both new to the city. I moved from Toronto, and he had moved a few months earlier to Houston for work. We were then, and still are, in awe of the sprawling parks and the winding expanse of the lake skirting around downtown with its skyscrapers, signaling engineering ingenuity and landscaping of an avantgarde city rooted in its rich history (not unlike Toronto). But undoubtedly, Houston is world renowned for its Space Center, as well as its history of space exploration. Yet, the most interesting secret is Houston’s vibrant community, international and diverse in enriching cultures (again, not unlike Toronto). Yet, the feeder roads, endless highways and twisting patterns of road belts with their overpasses unnerved me at first — though I had once prided myself on my skillful driving prowess, navigating Toronto’s endless traffic prone roadways. But gradually over time, the seamless roadways of Houston have become familiar like hearty channels of city life, and with its ebb and flow of traffic signal a robust economy. I chose to set up a home in a green and wooded suburb, with booming bistros, alluring cuisine, lush greenery speckled with deers, horses, and chirpy birds. Our current lifestyle of working from home is awesome, but when I choose to go to midtown and downtown, city life enthralls me with musical concerts, exotic cuisine, and inspiring business networks.  

I am most grateful to the COVID-19 vaccinations administered to me and the wider Houston community, efficiently and cost free, by the Houston City Administration. It was early in the year 2021, without long waits and queues or strife. I am also blessed to be in Houston’s wooded parks and meandering lakeshores that enliven communities with fresh air, and long serene walking trails that nourish the body and soul. A wooded suburb in Houston is the perfect place to be, to write poetry or even a business briefing, reflect on business strategy, and quietly work to get that important presentation ready for the boardroom. Aside from Houston’s natural retreats and relaxing spas, I am very thankful for the enriching cultural variety of our community with its delectable mix of cuisines, and a wealth of music ranging from jazz, blues, pop, classics, salsa dancing beats, experimental theater and ballet shows, where international business and trade networking happens.

Notably, global connections in Houston happen outside the skyscraper offices.

Houston has certainly made me wiser, training me to learn every bit of the way about myself, about my peers and surrounding communities as well as the wider world. The most important lesson of Houston is to unlearn former bias and prejudices and learn new lessons of love and friendship. Every person I meet has something unique to offer, a unique perspective to share or a value to teach, to lead me onward in making my choices and informed decisions.

 

Venilla Rajaguru is an educationalist, with over two decades of work experience in corporate and non-profit sectors. Her published works include news features, research articles, and poems. She is the former editor of British Council journals, Literature Alive and Focus on English, published between 1995-1997. Her research interests encompass maritime boundary issues in the Indo-Pacific, resource extraction, Space governance, and International Law. She has served as the Chair of the Ocean Frontiers Research-Working Group for Science for Peace, Canada, 2015-2020. Rajaguru is also keen to develop business services and ethical toolkits in the competitive area of Intellectual Property Management. In line with her enterprising spirit and management experience, she has founded KeyVisory LLC, a business advisory and consulting firm. She now lives and works in Houston, Texas, USA.

Dear Tashkent,

The first time I was in “your hugs” many years ago. And I didn’t think I’ll stay here that long.

The first greeting was fragrant like a hot lepeshka. You were very different from my native Yerevan: architecture, language, cuisine, flowers. But you were able to keep me with your hospitality and the warmth of the hearts of the people I met along the way. Of course, there were differences in culture and tradition, but I opened my heart and enjoyed getting to know you. The people who surrounded me became my family. I gained knowledge and life experience. Every day was fraught with new opportunities and challenges. But as you know, there isn’t comfort in the growth zone, and there isn’t growth in the comfort zone. This must be remembered when discovering new shores.

The East is a delicate matter. You need to learn to listen and hear people. I am grateful that you taught me this. Here people love to communicate. It is necessary not only to shop, but to talk to the seller, to taste before buying, ask for a discount, and not right away to give money. I am also grateful to you for the sun, clean streets, peace and safety, for theaters, exhibitions and festivals. Now is a construction boom in Tashkent. The city is losing its old face. But I hope this does not affect its content.

Traveling feeds the mind. Don’t miss your chance! Our whole life is a chance. And you are at an advantage if you are ready to take the risk and act. Don’t be afraid of new places and new experiences.

 

About Gayane Osipyan:

I love life. I love my daughter. I love my friends. I love morning coffee from a cup of Julius Meinl.
Last year was a restart year for me. I began to paint, finished the theater course, and wrote a book.
Now I know for sure that everything is possible, when you really want it and take at least one step towards your dream!

Dear Muscat,

Thank you for welcoming me here with a warm heart and open mind. I landed here on the morning of 6 March 2019 after the end of a tumultuous marriage, and I was looking for a fresh start and some finances to fend for my three children.

No one judged me or called me names, and I eventuality got my peace and sleep back. Muscat is quiet and I love how the system works here. Especially the Royal Police are so friendly and always ready to help.

If you are new here, just take your time and explore the country. You’ll see the beauty of this city and you’ll meet fantastic people, expats and local citizens alike. I also love the fact that some Omanis can speak in Swahili which is a national language in my country.

I love Muscat for its quietness and the fact that it is a five-hour flight away from my country. I love the Mwasalat buses that offer public transport. They are safe and I enjoy the rides.

The bus drivers are kind, unlike some taxi drivers who often harass ladies. The buses have exclusive seats for women and children.

I do enjoy freedom of worship here. Everyone can visit places of worship with no discrimination.

The safety of Muscat is amazing. I can be outside at any time of the night without fear of being mugged or having house break-ins. At places of work, you can have some peace of mind without fear of losing any of your electronic gadgets like iPads, laptops, or phones.

You need to have adventure, too, and explore Oman to enjoy its beauty. Along the way, you’ll get to meet amazing people here. I have friends here, locals and mostly expat families who have made me feel at home. They’re my support system, especially when I get homesick.

Try different cuisines offered here and have a taste of the world. When you visit Muscat, follow basic rules regarding the dressing and public display as required by the Islam religion.

I’ve learnt to dress differently, I stopped wearing short dresses — just like the old adage says, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Muscat is my home away from home. And when I travel home for the summer holidays, I do miss Muscat!

 

Jakki Apiyo was born and raised outside the lakeside city of Kisumu, in the beautiful East African country Kenya. Jakki is an elementary school teacher in the Sultanate of Oman and considers her faith and family to be most important to her. If she isn’t spending time with her friends and family, you can almost always find her engaged in religious activities, in Ghala, or on different online platforms.

Dear Addis Ababa, my New Flower!

First, I want you to know that you are new every morning, just like your name … just like a beautiful new flower. You literally light my days!

You are so beautiful, (konjo nesh), beautiful girl!

Leaving Nairobi, the City in the Sun, I was sure I wouldn’t to find a more robust and beautiful place. But here I was!

My first impression of Addis Ababa was the city itself. So beautiful and cozy and welcoming, with buildings standing tall and proud! Cars driving slowly in a line, unlike the bustle I was used to. People walking without a hurry, traders selling foodstuff and other material without shouting too much into my ears.

For anyone who has considered visiting Addis Ababa, waste no more time. The place is a beauty to behold. Make sure to bring your camera (or phone) along so as not to miss out on the beautiful scenery. You might also want to get warm clothing as the weather has been unpredictable lately, with episodes of rain every once in a while.

I am most grateful that the people are so hospitable and friendly. They easily make any foreigner feel at home.

And the food! We should have started by talking about the food! Ethiopian cuisine is unique, with a wide array of sumptuous local dishes. Most foreigners apparently take a long time to get used to injera, the staple food made from teff. It took me a whole half year. But once you do, you will want to have it over and over again, especially if it is served with doro, the local chicken, and the most special dish. Most other dishes are equally delicious, and are served alongside dabo, the local bread (like scones). Even spaghetti is served with dabo, and oh, don’t they just love it! Sometimes it actually feels like I am actually here to just eat!

Apart from the food, Ethiopia has wonderful scenery. Within Addis, you will find beautiful parks where you can go have a picnic. At Entoto Park, a few kilometers from the city, you will have an opportunity to experience a beautiful atmosphere within a vast space. You will find a number of activities like wall climbing, horse riding, zip lining, and a number of restaurants that serve both local and foreign foods. Here, you can also get a first-hand lesson of how to make injera on your own!

There are other places outside the city like Bishoftu, a town located in the East Shewa Zone of the Oromia. Most people call it DebreZeit. Here you can take a tour of more than three beautiful lakes, surrounded by luxurious hotels.

There is also the Unity Park within Addis Ababa, which is one of Ethiopia’s most modern and multi-faceted tourist attractions. It is in the compound of the National Grand Palace, which is at Arat Kilo, a short distance from the city. The Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II built the National Grand Palace in the 1800s during his reign. The palace still serves as a home for the current Prime Minister. The Unity Park has zoos with different types of animals, including giraffes, zebras, and the White Rhino. There are also different species of aquatic animals, and various indigenous birds in the aviary. It is also the home of the Black Mane Lions, that are rarely found anywhere else.

These, and several other places that you discover with time, make Addis Ababa the perfect place to be!

Living in Addis Ababa has taught me to value and appreciate people more, as I have had to learn the basics of the local language, Amharic. Most people speak it, and a foreigner would need to know the basics to have an easy time getting items from shops or the street. The people are extremely patient and excited to help you learn the language.

Addis Ababa is definitely a place one would love to spend more time in.

 

Sally Luduva Isahi is a Kenyan currently living in Addis Ababa. She writes for fun and loves visiting new places and making new friends.

Dear Canberra,

It was in exciting day when I received state sponsorship to stay in with you. I didn’t know, how it would be. Some of my friends who lived in Australia said, it’s like a village and seems like a quiet place to live. I was a bit scared but excited to come.

When I first arrived, I liked the weather and the warm gestures from people who were already residing with you. As time went by, I realized that my friends were wrong. You are one of the most beautiful, safest, and loveliest places one should live.

The cutest thing about you is the safe living for families and the quietness that brings happiness to one’s life. I love the playgrounds. My kids enjoy it a lot.

Schooling is really good, too. The school system and environment make a lot of sense for my kids. They received a warm welcome and soon mingled quickly with the school community and other students.

The public transportation system was a bit of a challenge, but I see it is getting improved day by day with different government initiatives.

Generally, private transportation is good but not exhaustive.

I really love people’s attitude and behavior. It’s always friendly and welcoming. In the shortest time, I adjusted to this culture.

The weather is great. I love to see all the seasons throughout the year.

Job opportunities are increasing significantly. I would encourage others to come and join our community in Canberra and help increase growth. It is the safest, cleanest, and most lovable place to live.

I love the people, safety, culture, and peace of mind of living in Canberra. Generally, it’s a little bit expensive but if with a good job, it is usually easy to live here. If one is not working, government support is available to adjust the lifestyle and livelihood.

The only thing I learned, never settle for disappointment. Always aim high and you will achieve whatever you set your mind to. I struggled to find work opportunities but eventually I got it. Now, I am living a happy and peaceful life.

 

Faraz Khan resided in the UK and Pakistan before he landed in Australia in 2015. He lived and studied in both countries as well as visited a few other countries as a tourist. He completed his studies in environmental sciences. Later, he started his career as environmental consultant, joined in HSE discipline, now playing his part in construction management.

Thank you for the fabulous life I live on your beautiful island. I fell in love with your beauty on holiday visits with my husband — landscape, warm tropical climate, cornucopia of lush green, abundance of fruits, spectacular flora and sunsets of the rainy season, longer sunny days of dry season with its dry heat and the island’s general lifestyle. The fourth visit was the defining moment when on our return journey home to England, we made the momentous decision to take early retirement and make Tobago our home.

I love your casual laidback lifestyle, where life revolves around leisure; “working to live”, as opposed to “living to work”, is the general philosophy. The easy going nature of the people, the tropical climate of eternal summer, the indoor/outdoor living being a pleasurable, relaxing joy, the year-round array of cultural festivals and events, exuberant carnival being the most significant, close proximity to and choice of beautiful beaches, Caribbean-style detached, quaint, brightly-coloured houses and colonial homes, spacious topography and living in much closer contact with nature — all of this is my definition of “living the good life”.

My advice to fully enjoy expat life is that having knowledge of the culture is key to assimilating, and an adaptable nature is invaluable when coping with the inevitable changes.

Life in Tobago has been transformative, bringing self-discovery of better self, an enhanced confidence, re-discovery of a latent talent, and an appreciation of nature.

 

Rosalind Harris took early retirement and emigrated from London, England to Tobago in 2007. Here, she rediscovered a latent interest and started writing freelance in 2013. She plans to launch a blog in 2022. An advocate of voluntary work, she has worked for a literacy institute as a board director and is considering restarting work with another NGO.

(Image credit: Erick Todd)