“So, where are you from?” “Hmm,” I reply.
I hate that question. I hate not being able to have a definite answer. Where am I from? Does that mean where was I born? Or does it mean where I’ve lived most of my life? Does it mean where do my parents live? Or does it mean where do I consider home?
I was born in Taipei, Taiwan. So I guess I’m from Taipei.
But I went to primary school for 5 years in Edinburgh. So I’m from Edinburgh.
I went back to Taiwan for 3 years, this time to Kaohsiung. So I’m from Kaohsiung.
Then I went to Edinburgh again to do my GCSEs. So maybe I am from Edinburgh.
But I did my A-Levels in Essex, and now (I’m told) I have a southern accent.
So.. I’m from Essex?
I don’t know where I’m from. I’m not from Kaohsiung, because I barely know the place at all. Everything I do in Kaohsiung, I have to rely on my parents. Let’s not even mention Taipei, I don’t think I lived there for more than a year, if that. I have no home in Essex, though all my best mates are from there. And I was only there for 2 years, so it’s not where I’m from is it? No, not really. So I’m from Edinburgh? Granted, I know Edinburgh better than I know any other city. Doesn’t mean I know it very well though. But how can I be from Edinburgh when I’m holding a Taiwanese passport and have a southern English accent?
sigh Like I said, “Hmm.”
