It's A Small World

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Whenever I check my skype/twitter/facebook accounts, I am struck by how many friends I have all over the world. I like it, though the likelihood of catching up over coffee with any of them over the next few years, if at all, is pretty slim. I have a Belgian friend who lives in Brazil (though she's heading back to Belgium soon), a German friend in Perth, a German friend here in Toronto, and Toronto friend in France. I now have friends all over Australia via the internet, though I've never been to Brisbane or Sydney, or any part of Tasmania (more's the pity). Some of my oldest Australian friends are now spread between London, San Francisco, New York, LA, Switzerland. My sister lives in Hong Kong. 

It's all very cool (though probably not as much fun for our parents) and I think these international moves have been incredibly empowering for us all. I've certainly had to grow up, suck it up, and push myself to speak new languages and forge new friendships. And best of all, I've started to really focus in on what makes me and my own family happy.

Have you lived overseas? Or do you still? Do you dream of living somewhere else?  

I'd love to hear about it. And if you can recommend any good travel/bio books to read, I'd really love that too. I'd probably try my hand at writing one if I could remember anything beyond last week! Which is part of the reason I decided to start this blog. Wish I'd kept one when we lived in Brazil!

P.S. Have you read this book to your kids? It's a fantastic Dr Seuss book about the way kids all over the world. A good starting point to talk about such things...

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