About three decades ago, my post-retirement plan was to emigrate to Italy and to live on the beautiful island of Sicily. Today, my emigration is a no. A soft “no” that is slowly turning into a hard one. Recently, someone asked me to join him in living in Spain. I told him that Denmark is more likely.
My principle in life is having only one (1) deficiency (eg, experience in a new job). Deficiencies are an obstacle towards success in life. Usually, emigration will result in several deficiencies, like (different) culture, country, and language. My emigration to non-English countries is a recipe for failure.
Last year, a (former) friend emigrated to Spain. I advised her to rent. She decided to buy. She claimed she knew that Spanish region well. Within several weeks after relocating, she told me that she was homesick and wanted to return. My last (unanswered) message to her dates back 5 months.
Practically speaking, she had no deficiencies. She spoke the language, and knew the culture and location. Emigration had been her dream for years. Homesickness had never occurred to her. Yet, it happened and swift. Her (failed) solution was to spend time with Dutch expats.
I had advised her not to spend time with expats, following my experience with PW expats. They did not integrate and only “waited” for their return. She claimed it was difficult in getting to know Spanish people. Expats say the same about Dutch people. Integration efforts are essential though.
This topic resulted from a Dutch article: A beautiful old day In France, until you need healthcare. ‘Now I have so much regret’. Actually, I had not considered the health angle of migration. Moreover, the regret issue does not appeal to me. I don’t feel regret or remorse after my (thorough) decisions.
Many years ago, I read an article about hiring a Dutch language nurse at a Australian retirement home. The Dutch Australian elderly are losing their ability to communicate in Australian English. They only remember their original Dutch language. I never forgot the essence of that article.
Emigration has become a No.
Homesick (2017) by Dua Lipa
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-artist, Wiki-song
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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