Socializing on the Ganges, India
In the Philippines there are expats married to locals. But yet, when I see them out, they are either with their wives or, alone. Or, in some cases, spending money on the new family.The internet also seems to be their best friend and not a local. So maybe they are not really “doing it?”
Long term volunteers in foreign countries dressing in native garb think they do. The free thinking Hippie in Asia claim they integrate, , and Non Government Org workers seem to live their own world either way.
Does the answer then lie with non diplomatic non corporate expats? People from a another race or culture that are born into another country yet live an ordinary life. I’ve met them. And still, in my few they remain outsiders.
In developing countries that just leaves culture, with socio-economic statuses included here. Meaning - culture is the huge obstacle. You ever be from the culture you are trying to live in. You will always be the foreigner no matter how hard you try to fit in. You will never be from that place, even if excepted in to the outer circle.
I am not the Hippie in India, nor the root finding traveler found else where dressing like a local, eating like a local and trying to be something they or not. This is not me. I simply wish to have a more genuine social interaction with local people
Places such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK all share a similar culture. Are these the only multicultural countries that have social integration more to do with a diversity of culture rather than economic status?
Are these the only places someone of a different race can truly live?
Or in my case find home?
The full article can be found here and is open to comments:
http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
