July August 2009.pub - Qingdao Expat Group

Homeward Bound
Kathy Davies
Expatriate Stages ... by
S
ometimes, it seems like just yesterday
that Jeff and I arrived
in Qingdao: other times, it seems like eons
ago. Now, it doesn’t seem possible that
we’ve been gone from Qingdao for almost
5 months. As I write, we’re beginning to
feel settled in Peoria and are nearing the
end of relocation activities - unpacking
boxes, taking care of paperwork, establishing
contact with new physicians, working
on our house and yard, meeting new
people, and exploring our new town.
Aside from having a million things to do,
our move has gone quite smoothly.
Throughout the process, I’ve experienced
ups and downs, mixed
emotions, and moments
of exhaustion.
Trying to stay very
organized always is a
huge help in making
our transitions easier.
DEPARTING QINGDAO
As soon as we found
out that we were
repatriating, I began to
research current information
about Peoria.
Also, began working on
completing what
seemed like endless
“To Do” lists, projects,
and paperwork. Even
though time was short,
I tried to squeeze in as
many last minute activities and shopping
trips as possible. From the time that the
packers loaded our container to when we
moved into our house, our lives were filled
with suitcases and chaos. Sometimes, I
still can’t remember where I’ve stored
something. As expected, the hardest part
of leaving Qingdao was saying zai jian to
our friends, both expats and Chinese.
ARRIVING HOME AND UNPACKING
Although still quite jetlagged, we immediately
were confronted with things to do,
regarding setting up our new household:
Being an expatriate
allows us to learn a
broader understanding
of the world, which few
have the opportunity to
experience.
Even if you don’t
realize it immediately,
you have a unique
understanding of
your culture from
an outside view.
obtaining homeowner’s insurance, closing on
our house, buying cars and getting car insurance,
hooking up water, electricity, and gas
service, obtaining new driver’s licenses, to
name a few. For me, deciding which company/package
to use for our television, Internet,
and telephone was most frustrating. Once
our shipments arrived, we were buried in
boxes. Whenever I’m tired and achy, I always
say that I really could use a Chinese massage.
ADJUSTING
One of the major conveniences of living in the
United State again is being able to fully converse
in English. Our house is conveniently
located to Jeff’s work, shopping,
a bank, gas station, and restaurants,
so that also helps to simplify
our lives. Another greatly
appreciated freedom is having
our own cars. Although I’m thankful
for having my wonderful driver
in Qingdao, it’s nice to be able to
spontaneously go wherever I
want.
So far, one of the most difficult
things for me has been learning
how to go to the grocery
store. The first time I walked
into Wal-Mart, I felt as lost as the
first time I walked into Carrefour.
The store was huge and
brightly lit; I didn’t know where to
find anything, and the frozen
food aisles seemed endless. The
variety in all of the groceries is wonderful; yet,
overwhelming. It still takes me a long time to
go grocery shopping.
Being an expatriate allows us to learn a
broader understanding of the world, which few
have the opportunity to experience. Even if
you don’t realize it immediately, you have a
unique understanding of your culture from an
outside view. Following repatriation, settling
back into your old routine can be frustrating
ing. Meeting new friends who share your interests
and gathering information about local
14 QINGDAO EXPAT MAGAZINE