Home sick
Since having been to the US I have had this “feeling”. Ive often asked some of my more travelled friends is it possible to be “home sick” about a place that you have only visited once.
This feeling/ emotion honestly drives me batty every single day and the wish and dream to get back to the “land of the free, home of the brave” increases as time goes on. Ive fallen head over heels in love with “Lady Liberty” and patriotism. Australia has nothing like it… actually.. Australia Day which usually ends with getting smashed drunk, glassing someone and telling a tourist to fit in or f**k off… there is no patriotism here, there is just anti social behaviour. From where I stand I do not see people being proud of who they are or what they stand for, but I do see a lot more of the dregs of society than most. This could be a minority of people though. Im sure there are some really nice people out there.
Now I know that the old saying, “grass isnt always greener..” is out there and I only travelled through the US as a tourist, not living, working etc but honestly… I dont care.. Id move there tomorrow if I could. Id take the crappiest job I could just to have the opportunity. Hell Id board a plane tonight to scrub side walks with a tooth brush.
Ive acquired a few friends of late, many American and some still ask why? Americans have guns, drugs, death, other political stuff. My answer to that is… from what I saw and what I experienced I only ever met the most polite people around. Maybe I got lucky? Yes there are differences but that is just a challenge isnt it?
Many of my American friends after asking why and I respond with that its my dream they will say, (in my best US accent) “Good on you!, what have you got to loose and if you never try you will never know”. Many of my Aussie friends will just shut the conversation down with “f**k that”, add in a few derogatory terms then tell me Im stupid for even considering it. Quite disheartening to be honest but is there any other reason than just that to want to get out of here.
America trumps Australia in a few ways, more product, better customer service, greater opportunity. Australia trumps America in health, superannuation, … apparently education, cleaner air. It actually took me back when I was in LA and just how everything stunk of tobacco. But I guess that is like going to Asia and everything smelling of soy and spices I guess.
Now Ive mentioned products etc etc, but the reality is, I couldn’t be happier if I found some log cabin in the middle of no where and could fend for myself. I dont need cinemas, casinos, big shopping malls like Mall of America (mind you if you get to go there.. it will blow your mind!!). The only thing I would ask for is power and internet and a local store.
I also love the scenery, its to die for and the ability to actually have 4 seasons, not just hot and really f**king hot.
So the ultimate question is, how do I achieve by dream? I do the green card every year, I apply for jobs. Many I am not permitted to do as I am not a citizen of USA (which even prohibits my current occupation lol )
The next step is to head back next year for a while and apply for a artists visa, but where will that take me? It was never going to be a easy task but we all have to start form somewhere.
Is it wrong to want to make something of myself? Or just sit in the groove of life?
If anyone has any hints Id love to know
Have a great weekend
Geoff Pritchard Photography 