Where do you call home?

Have you heard of the expression, “home is where you hang your hat?” Do you think that is true? If I was offered a job in Barrow, Alaska, would I go? At this point, I’d probably say, “yes.” It would be an adventure. How many Americans get to say they’ve been there? But you can be assured that at the first chance I got, I’d be out of there on the first dog sled available. I’m very discriminating when it comes to places I would consider settling down and making a home.

A few days ago, NPR had two gentlemen discussing the rise of China. During the program, they talked about their study abroad experiences. Both lived there and speak the language fluently. One still lives there in Hong Kong. I can not imagine living in a place like China for long—much less want to. I spent five months in the Philippines a few years ago and I nearly cried when I dropped beneath the cloud cover to see—of all places—Detroit. And if I could get misty eyed over that hell hole, you know that I was ready to kiss the ground when I finally landed.

When I think about living abroad, there really are only two countries that I would actually consider living in—Australia and England. Even then, it would have to be in Canberra, Sydney, and London. I don’t count Canada as living abroad. It’s practically like living in the U.S. *ducks flying vegetables*. But as with Australia and England, I’d only find lower Ontario and lower British Columbia as acceptable.

I’m very discriminating when it comes to the States as well. Take a look at this map. If you think about it, there’s not much about my home country I find acceptable either. But, I will go wherever life takes me. If I’m willing to take on Barrow, AK, surely I can find a way to make some place like Salt Lake City a home.


Midwest: Of all the places I’ve lived, this is where I feel most at home. Friendly folks, conservative lifestyles (for the most part), cheap products, and some of the best natural resources the world has to offer: arable land and plenty of fresh water. But notice the area in northeastern Indiana and western Ohio. I swear that place is one huge farm with towns sprinkled in.

The Eastern Seaboard: I like the East Coast. I’ve never been farther north than Philly but I’d say with the exception of NYC, I could live anywhere there and still feel comfortable.