Like many of the Potentiality correspondents, I spent the past weekend in Merville attending the wedding of John and Michelle. In the company of friends old and new I felt completely at home – which got me thinking about homes away from home. I’ve never lived in BC and this is only my fourth visit (they’ve all been for weddings). But in both Merville and White Rock (my husband’s hometown) I don’t have the same feeling of being a visitor. So what can make places I’ve never lived feel like home?
Family and Friends
I think the most important thing that has made this visit feel at home is spending my time around many of the people that I’ve now known for years or that I’ve heard about for years. Over the years I’ve moved a number of times and it always takes a number of months to feel at home. Every time, it is only once I have a community of people that I really feel at home.
Knowing the lay of the land
I think this is the first time that I haven’t felt totally disoriented visiting BC. I think since I grew up in rural Nova Scotia, where there was only one main intersection, it takes me a bit longer than average to get to know which direction I should be heading. I now can head out for a run without getting (too) lost and the neighbourhood in White Rock feels familiar.
Food and Drinks
I’ve been cooking since I’ve got here and there is nothing better than sharing food with friends and family to feel at home. From the pre-rehersal BBQ dinner that Jim, Kurt and I prepared, to the Chilli contest (I cheated with cornbread and by importing ingredients), to the cakes I made for my mother-in-law’s birthday party (which is going on now as I finish this post).
