Stepping into an Old Pair of Shoes

We're here! In L.A. and it's G.R.E.A.T. To new readers I should probably mention that we left Los Angeles in June 2009 after three years studying and working here.

Coming back can best be described as stepping into an old and comfortable pair of shoes: Seeing familiar faces (even those you don't know personally), knowing your way around town as well as being familiar with social codes of communication make up a smooth navigation through daily activities. I guess recognizability is much more important in terms of feeling at ease in place than I have previously been aware of; and now comparing our level of "recognizability" here in LA with that of Vienna, it seems like we still have a good way to go in the land of Wienerschnitzel and Apfelstrudel. And besides, who knows maybe some places you naturally fit into more easily than others?

Alright, before I get lost in my own thoughts about resettling abroad, let me explain some of the things we have been up to after arriving. Anna, Bjarni's sister flew in from DC to spend a couple of days with us, Bjarni attended his committee meeting (which was the reason for coming back in the first place) and I was invited for a group baby-shower along with six other pregnant friends! (they're all due before me, and looked much more pregnant than me!).

It's so good to reunite with everybody again. We have the most generous friends in the world: Joyce and Kjong handed us their spare car, we have been provided with a vacant apartment and a US cell phone free of charge by other good friends, and last but not least a lot of baby presents have come our way. It's so sweet and I hope I can pass on the same kind of hospitality and generosity.

Oversæt til dansk