“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life – and travel – leaves marks on you.”
— Anthony Bourdain
While living in West Africa, I often asked myself what “marks” I might be leaving.
As short-term travelers, families on rotational assignments, or long-term immigrants, we leave a mark. Big or small.
I am continually curious what marks transient international communities make on locals, so I asked one local for her perspective.
Blerta Meta is an Albanian artist, teacher and passionate volunteer for The Abandoned Children of Albania. She joined me on Expat Happy Hour to discuss the impact the expat community has had on her.
In this episode, Learning About The World From Home With Blerta Meta, you will discover:
- What her grandfather means that “locals are like gloves,”
- The surprising impact her experience with InterNations had on her and her worldview,
- Her vision of a “world without walls,”
- and more.
It is hard to ignore that not all “marks” left are positive. Yet, Blerta’s story is a reminder of the positive impact possible when you step out of your comfort zone and connect with openness to those who may seem different from you. And this extension of connection is returned in kind.
Here’s to connecting across cultures.
P.S. The free training How to maintain and nurture your relationships with loved ones from afar. is now available! Get it here.
