It came as little surprise when I learned recently that a somewhat well-known, American expat couple had packed up 10 years of life in Paris and moved back to America. I was taken aback that a pair so anchored and involved in the community would jump ship, but I was unsurprised by the desire to turn the page; start a new chapter. After the last two weeks, I can honestly say I get it now.
We billed our trip to the U.S. – several days in Philadelphia to visit my family followed by a week in California- as an adventure in both place and love. It was an opportunity for C and me to shake off the taxing days we’ve had since the start of the year and grow closer through the discovery of a new place. While the trip certainly delivered on that front, it was heightened, somewhat unexpectedly, by the friends we saw and the people we met along the way.After less than 24 hours in Santa Monica, and blanketed by sunshine, C was hooked. No humidity, crisp blue skies and athletic locals of all ages wherever we looked. “Everyone is so… fit”, he remarked. He marveled at the…
