How to feel at home whilst travelling or living abroad

Sometimes it’s about making a new home. A temporary one perhaps, but still one that brings comfort. Until earlier this year I had always travelled with family or friends; so home was always there with me. However, I decided I wanted to learn more about myself and gain independence, so in late May, I stepped on a flight alone and it felt alien.

Although I was only there for a week, I made regularities in new things I enjoyed, almost like a routine. That’s what it’s about - finding out about yourself; finding a routine; finding a new home. For me, that meant surfing once a day, visiting the boulangerie in the mornings, and reading in the evenings. It was the week I found a new love for sliced mozzarella and tomato on sourdough, which resulted in me eating it almost every day for lunch. Familiarising myself with the town was swift since it was a small part of Lacanau Ocean, and visiting a specific café regularly meant I could become comfortable in my surroundings in a short space of time.

I was lucky enough to meet and socialise with people at the hostel too, and as I spent more time with them, I spoke more about myself, reminiscing on my life. All of this allowed me to feel at home in a foreign space. Since this experience, wherever in the world I am, I’ve learned that finding the things you enjoy most, and keeping them as something to return to, will eventually create that homely feeling.

Words

by:

Anushka Kar

Page Design: Mia Wilson