Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
“To me, Bahrain is home, but I still think of myself as someone from D.C. I really love this city, and know more about it than I do about my own home. Sometimes, I find that when I talk, I say, ‘We’ or “People like us.’ I can’t vote, and if I break the law, I can be deported, but this is just as much my city as anyone else who comes here. I feel like I belong in D.C.
“Part of why I love it here so much is because of how international it is. When I came to the United States for the first time for boarding school, I lived in the middle of nowhere in Connecticut for two years. It was definitely a culture shock for me. When I came here to go to Georgetown, I was so happy, and it felt so comfortable. My friends are from all over the world, and I am one of the few people I know who only has one passport.
“While many of the international people just come and go, I want to stay here after finishing my Master’s. I feel like I know this place. I know where to go and what to do here. When my friends come, I can show them around. I take them to Georgetown, but to the real Georgetown! Even if my friends want to go to Georgetown Cupcakes, I tell them that it is over-rated and we should go to Baked and Wired instead. Then, I take them to my favorite hole-in-the-wall spots and the other little places I have come to find.
“While I do want to stay, I feel conflicted about being away from Bahrain. When I am here, I miss home. When I am home, I miss here. In D.C., there are so many freedoms that I don’t have at home. I can walk everywhere or come home at 4 a.m. But, Bahrain is my home, and where my family is. I guess I will always feel conflicted.”

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We are happy to have you in our city.
Comment by Chet — December 7, 2011 @ 10:06 am
You’re so right about Baked & Wired! I have empathy for your conflicting emotions, although it’s easier for me with my family just on the West coast. I hope, as you continue with your journey, the decision on where to be will become more clear to you. Best wishes.
Comment by Yup yup — December 10, 2011 @ 1:21 pm