In der Fremde.... Feeling at Home in a Foreign Land

Are we like cats?

In the last two or three weeks we spent sooo much time with our German friends here. As I got to know with time there are at least 15 other Germans living in Thames and we have also several German friends a bit farther away. I admit that it adds a great deal to me feeling comfortable and at home here.
Yes, we have Kiwi friends already, and there are interests and attitudes we share, but they are harder to find. Some of our non-German contacts are also South Africans or Asians. Sometimes I feel like a dog among cats among the New Zealanders, or is it viceversa? And it is not mainly the language that is responsible for feeling different.
It is the language of the culture, the soul, or whatever. What is important?, what is worth mentioning?, talking about?; the angle we look at things is different. The humour, the desires.

Lucas with one of his best friends

Am I allowed to say that I love to surround myself with people of my culture, enjoying it most to live and work in a culture different from mine? Well, anyway, it is the thruth. It is not so much a matter of liking, it has to do with the need of relaxing. I am sure I am difficult for Kiwis as well. I am a friend of intercultural exchange, I like to explore and than retreat to my own kind where I understand and feel easily understood.