LMDers OVERSEAS
Home sweet home
LMD’s Sri Lankan writers living overseas have their say
Monita Pesumal
Bahrain
As an expatriate who’s lived in the Middle East for 15 years, I was asked what I miss most about home.
I miss the lush greenery visible from the air as the aircraft begins descending; the immigration officer’s warm smile as he stamps my passport; and the scenic route on the long drive home…
It’s been a seven hour flight but I don’t feel tired.
Despite the humidity, even the air smells different – if that’s possible. The phrases ‘comfort zone’ and ‘happy place’ spring to mind… because that’s what being home means.
Sri Lankan food tastes different overseas so I miss the way my tastebuds explode as I take a slice of an egg hopper from a street kade in Colombo.
I miss the drives on the Southern Expressway, which transport me to the Galle Fort. The sea breeze messes up my hair but that’s a small price to pay for the luxury of being able to eat kangkung and fresh crabs by the beach.
Sri Lankan hospitality is ever present upon checking into a resort – you can call room service or housekeeping a dozen times, and they’ll still greet you with a friendly tone and answer to your every whim.
We’re always treated better in our home country…
What do I miss the most about home? My friends and family; my dad’s energy, wit and humour; and my mom’s cooking, loving hugs and beautiful, playful, black eyes.
They tell me Sri Lanka is where I’m loved the most.