May 04, 2004

Family

I just received a copy of my birth certificate, or, rather, an extract of my record in the Swedish population registry, it's part of the paperwork we need to hand in when applying for new Swedish passports here in Taiwan. One of the items stated that I was "struck from the register on January 16, 1996." For some reason, that made a deep impression on me. I was a bit surprised at that reaction, I've been away for so long that it's not a big deal anymore. Or so I thought. I've gotten used to the idea that I'll probably never move back, and I don't even think I want to - we enjoy our life here in Taiwan, and I also like the feeling of both belonging and not really belonging (that last part may be a rationalization - the fact that I'm a European in a sea of Chinese makes it difficult to truly belong).

I guess the reason for this reaction is the fact that I don't expect to be moving back. My folks are getting on in years, and I feel time is running out. But marrying across borders and across continents, this becomes an inescapable dilemma - if we were to move back to Sweden to be with my folks, that would mean Lady D not being with her folks. Who are getting on in years, and so on... We'll have to spend Christmas and New Year's in Sweden this year.

Posted by Perry at May 4, 2004 03:59 PM
Comments

You have described very well the eternal dilemma of an emigrant-immigrant. My family and my husband's family emigrated to Canada, but as children we adapted fairly quickly. My mother in particular missed her large family in the "old country", in the days when overseas travel was slow and expensive. Travel is easier, faster and cheaper ( for most) today.
The other difference in your situation is the European-Asian thing - it certainly is more difficult to "belong" as a visible minority. Yet the world has gotten smaller and more people live "away" - perhaps in time it will make for better world harmony, let's hope. Thanks for the post!

Posted by: Marja-Leena at May 4, 2004 07:05 PM

it is easy though to get back in the Swedish register if you wish to move back one day, and if you still have property in Sweden you're not off the hook (you still have to pay taxes in Sweden)even if you're "struck from the register" ;)

Posted by: Kristina at May 5, 2004 03:07 PM