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Paul Moxness's avatar

Thank you, Naive Ignorant, for including me in your compelling series! I look forward to reading other Real Expat Stories. I especially appreciated your comments to my contributions. The immigrant vs expat discussion is one I have long been interested in.

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The Naive Ignorant's avatar

I should be the one thanking you, for replying to my call to action :).

Yes, this distinction is also something that I have spent quite some time thinking about. A bit due to self-reflection and a bit because the word "expat" itself has become very "trendy". But up to now, I hadn't considered the "swim or sink" difference.

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Call Me on the Road's avatar

In Dutch student-lingua we dinstinguish our two homes by calling “home” (thuis) the place you currently live, and “homehome” (thuisthuis) the place you grew up and or your parents still live. I think it is a beautiful way to not really having to partake in this home/away dichotomy

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The Naive Ignorant's avatar

That is a nice piece of culture there. If only this substack was written in Dutch!

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Paul Moxness's avatar

Very interesting, thanks for sharing!

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Barbs Honeycutt's avatar

"Bad question. I’ve always been home." That was such a badass answer!! Epic!!

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The Naive Ignorant's avatar

True true. As a reader, I am also happy to read answers where people say what they believe and not what they think I would like to see.

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Paul Moxness's avatar

Thanks, Barbs. I’m happy the answer resonated with you. I’m also glad and grateful that The Naive Ignorant shared the unedited version of my replies. Many interviewers wouldn’t have the guts to do so.

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Paola Bassanese's avatar

A great read, thank you!

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Paul Moxness's avatar

Thanks, Paola. As soon as I saw The Naive Ignorant’s call to action, I felt compelled to answer the questions and I’m glad to be selected me as a guest in the series.

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The Naive Ignorant's avatar

I am glad you liked it Paola! Thanks for reading :)

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