I feel similarly after almost 20 years of travelling where being a foreigner becomes an identity in itself. This follows me even when I return 'home'. A little

I feel similarly after almost 20 years of travelling where being a foreigner becomes an identity in itself. This follows me even when I return 'home'. A little sad not to be part of everyone's close knit communities however the rewards of an expanded vocabulary make it quite worth it. Lately I am keenly aware that every time I leave a place I have become fond of - new friends and new foods and new vistas and places to walk - that the little feeling of sadness upon parting reminds me that I managed to make some kind of 'home' somewhere. After enough travelling it becomes second-nature and I would quite miss it if I ever had to stay in one place again. To refer back to the article: I am now a foreigner in my own country to a degree, as I am less 'home' than not. It's not as drastic as being an gaijin but it did take some time to adjust to (and now, to enjoy the objectivity that comes with it).